BAFA Division One

WEST COAST TROJANS 0

NEWCASTLE VIKINGS 27

ONE score in each quarter was all the visiting team could put against the understrength Trojans 17-man roster, but it could have been a lot different if the home offense had punched in a few scores when they had the chance inside the Vikings 20-yard line.

The game, played at Meadow Park, started with each team trading punts but the Vikings quarterback then took it upon himself with a short yard run to make it 6-0

The 2nd quarter followed much the same as the first with both offenses struggling to move the ball. The Vikings were not using their big passing game to full effect and the Trojans were making it tough, a short yardage pass put another score on the board. The extra point was blocked but a Viking managed to scoop it up and went in for the score. The Trojans then drove to the Vikings two-yard line but time expired on third down to give Vikings a 14-0 advantage at the half.

The third and fourth quarter followed the first half with teams trading punts. Vikings had the ball inside the Trojans'five-yard line but a forced and recovered fumble turned the ball over, but disaster struck on the next drive when the Vikings defensive back picked the quarterback and took it back for a score, making it 20-0

The Vikings added another score late in the 4th and this time kicked the Point After Touchdown to make the final score 27-0 to Vikings

People will question how Trojans can take something from a defeat, but when you consider the home side had 17 players, five of whom are rookies and a line playing both ways it's a positive when you keep a high flying offense to three touchdowns when they previously put over 100 points on us in two games, it gives you something to smile about.

Trojans Defensive Co-ordinator Tam Chapman said: "Again we played our heart out, were not that far from these teams, yet our squad size is a third of the opposition's

Our defense is playing some hard-nose football, we just need the offense to put some points on the board then you would have a different result."

The Trojans now face the Rams next week at Meadow Park. This will be their fifth game in six weeks, before finishing their season the following week against the Mustangs.