Shropshire Star

Shropshire Revolution look to finish on a high

Shropshire Revolution feel they have exceeded expectations as they returned to winning ways in the penultimate fixture of their first season in Division One.

Published

An injury-hit Revolution side got back to winning ways in the NFC One South Division by returning from Nottingham Caesars with a 28-6 success.

The Revolution were missing key players through injury – a result of last week’s bruising encounter against Leicester Falcons.

Head coach Stephen Tonks and his staff rallied the players and they delivered a sublime performance moving them to 5-4 for the season.

Revolution offensive co-ordinator Neil Holtschke said: “It was a fantastic performance from the whole squad as we had guys playing both offence and defence and in hot weather that is never an easy task.

“At the start of the season we would have been happy to finish with a 2-8 record and a chance to stay in Division One – so we have exceeded expectations.”

Shropshire, without Ben Martin and Lu Conner, wasted no time and flew into an early lead when quarterback Alex Wake found American-born wide receiver Chris Smith down the sideline for a 70-yard touchdown.

Nottingham were finding it difficult to contain the explosive Smith who was making a number of catches - likewise Mark Phillips on the opposite side of the field was doing the same.

Shropshire doubled their lead when Mark Phillips linked up with Wake and Adam Naylor held on to the ball in the end zone as they scored the two point conversion.

With no first choice running backs available Revolution offensive lineman Dave Trevor stepped in and was able to carry the ball effectively a number of times throughout the day – he was supported by Ash Holgate who also chipped in at running back.

The Caesars started to find their feet and managed to put a couple of good drives together but found themselves 14-0 down at halftime.

Nottingham hit back in the second half with a huge passing touchdown of their own to bring them within a score, but Shropshire made the game safe when Wake found Phillips once again.

The quick-thinking wide receiver ripped the ball from the hands of the Nottingham defensive back and strolled into the end zone. Phillips completed his hat-trick late in the fourth quarter taking a smart catch under pressure for the touchdown.

The Revolution defence were also in great form applying continued pressure to the Nottingham quarterback, forcing a fumble which set up great field position as well as an interception by defensive back Joe Knight.

Shropshire’s final home game of the season is away to the winless Coventry Jets on Sunday.