Scottish Hat-Trick02 July 2012HIGHLAND Wildcats will get the chance to defend their Britbowl title after successfully defending the Scottish championship in the final round of matches.
With Clyde Valley’s squad unable to attend, the Wildcats just required a win against either Inverclyde Phoenix or the East Kilbride Pirates to ensure the had the opportunity defend their British crown.
It was the Phoenix up first and the Wildcats made a poor start, conceding the opening touchdown to trail 7-0 early on.
Debutant Ciaran Docherty, however, brought them back into the contest straight away with a touchdown, but Inverclyde were soon back in front as they found their way into the endzone for a second time.
This was proving a tough match for Highland, yet they went in at the interval leading 14-13 after Haris Ryalls touchdown was added to by Docherty’s two-point conversion.
Another Ryalls touchdown at the start of the second period extended the Wildcats lead to 20-13, but still the Phoenix were not finished and reduced the leeway to a single point with a touchdown of their own.
With time running out, the game was finely balanced before Docherty found his way into the endzone with a minute remaining to seal a 26-19 triumph for Highland as they held on to their title of Scottish champions.
With the pressure now off, the Wildcats could enjoy their contest with East Kilbride and they put themselves on their way to another win with Ryalls touchdown the only score of the first half.
A wonderful score by Docherty in which he ran virtually the full length of the field put Highland on top and their dominance was confirmed when Mark Pyper also managed a touchdown.
The Pirates had the consolation of scoring on their final offensive drive, but it was the Wildcats who emerged with an 18-6 victory.
Highland will now step up their preparations ahead of the Britbowl finals, which take place at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield between 25-26th August.
Article courtesy of Inverness Courier | http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/ |
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