Back to familiar territory, there was only one thing on the Roughnecks' minds and that was getting the victory to secure the division crown. The opposition would be the winless Trojans, looking to spoil the party, and battle as hard as they could.
The Roughnecks would get to work on offence with #18 WR Rhys Elmslie collecting the ball on the kick-off return. And he wasn't done there, finding the endzone on a screen pass from #16 QB Chris Breen to finish the first drive of the day with six points for the offence and get the ball rolling. A PAT later, it was 7 - 0. The Trojans would find themselves in the Roughneck redzone however just a few plays later following good work on the ground. A strong goal line stand from the defence across four downs however would stop them from putting points on the board and get the offence back on the field. Stopped inside their own 20 yard line however, #56 Punter Matt McCall would flip the field, booming a punt 80 yards to provide the defence with plenty of field to defend, keeping the Trojans offence at arms length for the rest of the day.
The only other scoring opportunity would come through a short field goal, which the Trojans would block leaving only a 7 point deficit going into the second quarter. Unhappy with their performance so far the Roughnecks would begin to squeeze the life out of the contest in the second quarter scoring three more touchdowns. One for #35 RB Dave Obatolu on a long run, and two for #85 TE Nathan Morrice as he secured his first ever Roughnecks Touchdowns, making it three for QB Chris Breen on the day. All three PATs would be tacked on, leaving the scoreline at 28 - 0 at half time.
As the sun continued to shine on The Rig, the Roughnecks would continue to score, this time through the legs of #25 RB Diego Esquer who would carry the rock into the endzone, making it 35 - 0 early on in the 3rd quarter, and initiate the running clock mercy rule. The rest of the quarter would tick by quickly as a result and with the offence on the brink of scoring a Trojans interception return would lead to a brief stoppage of the game as their numbers had been depleting throughout the afternoon and upon the conclusion of the third quarter the game would finish 35 - 0 and the Roughnecks would be DIVISION CHAMPIONS.
COACHES' WORDS
On the victory Interim Head Coach and Offensive Co-ordinator Ruari Collinson would say:
"I am very proud of the team today for staying focussed and securing the win. It is a incredible feeling winning the division title and the guys have gotten what they deserve by buying into what the coaches have preached this season and executed the game plan. It’s now down to next weekend and coming through what will be a tough away fixture."
Defensive Co-ordinator, Bryce Stevenson, would add:
"Today marked a fantastic occasion for the team winning the division and extending our record to 6-0. We had a few key absentees yesterday and players on the whole stepped up. We made a few key mistakes throughout the day but I take full responsibility for those mistakes as I hadn't prepared the defence well enough. We stood strong on a first and goal from the 1 yard line and make critical stops when we had to, so full credit to the players. We focus on rectifying these mistakes for next Sunday and to go 7-0."
SCORERS
Touchdowns: 5
Thrown: 3x #16 QB Chris Breen
Receiving: #83 TE Nate Morrice & #18 WR Rhys Elmslie
Rushing: #35 RB Dave Obatolu & #25 RB Diego Esquer
PAT: 5x #4 Kicker Stuart Don Hold: #44 Grant Travis LS: #21 Sean McDonald
TURNOVERS
Fumble Recoveries: 4 #44 DT Grant Travis, #63 DE Jason Rhind, #37 LB Deane Schembri, #69 DT Andy Watts
MVPs
Bud Light MVP: #83 TE/LB Nate Morrice
Nate stepped up when called upon, seizing the opportunity to start the game in both directions, scoring his first ever touchdowns, got open all day and doing his job with an important pass break up on D. Congratulations Nate, Dilly Dilly!
Offensive MVP: #16 QB Chris Breen
Another stellar game from our man under centre who lead the offence up and down the field again. Another three touchdowns to add to an ever growing collection this season, and some important gains on the ground too.
Defensive MVP: #20 FS Darren Henderson
Darren lead the defence all day, making important last ditch tackles, organising formations, and breaking up passes, ensuring another shut out.
