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1997 Season | |
Season Report
Fixtures & Results 1997
Match Reports
Full Stats for 1997 Season
Gateshead Senators went into the 97 Season with optimism and a few changes. The Club were now in Division One of the BAFA Senior League. Senators' Head Coach Gary Marshall, who doubles as BAFA Development Officer, was happy to have Craig: Buttery installed as Defensive Co-ordinator. Craig had been with the team for a number of years and had been the Club's "O" line coach. The move to the 'D' was something Craig had wanted to do, to expand his knowledge and experience. Helping Craig would be Club Coach Dave Anandale and new recruit Rob Lake from the Teesside Demons.
There were new players from the Newcastle University's Mariners and Demons who became eligible for the BAFA Senior League Division.
Most of the 96 squad returned and with some new, and some familiar teams, to face the Senators were expecting to have an interesting season.
As part of the pre-season run-in the Club were invited to Holland to take part in the annual Hilversum Tournament.
With a small but experienced squad the Senators travelled to the Netherlands for their first overseas Tournament: and came home with the Trophy having won all their games. New friends were made as was a promise to return next season to defend the Trophy.
A further boost to the Season was the tie-in with the city centre bar "Scruffy Murphy's", sponsor of the Club's after match refreshments.
The Season
The Season got off to a great start with a trip to Staffordshire Surge and a shut- out from the 'D' in a 20 - 2 victory, this was followed up with an another away victory against old rivals Lancashire Wolverines by 24 points to 22, unfortunately the Club slipped up in their first home game losing a close match 16 - 12 to Chester Romans.
Next opponents, Nottingham Caesars, inflicted the season's heaviest defeat by 35 points to 6, but the team were missing key players due to injury and work commitments.
At the halfway mark the Senators were 3 and 2 and needing to improve if they were to gain their season's goal, the playoffs.
Some early highlights were the emergence of Duncan French as one of the country's top Running Backs and Lee Fraser continuing his form from last season at QB. On Defense, stalwart Steve Wooton again led the way but was being ably supported by the rest of the squad.
In the second half of the season the Team stepped up a gear and only dropped one more game (to old rivals Nottingham) and finished on a high note with three wins in a row to take them into the Playoffs as divisional runners up to the Caesars with a 7 and 3 record.
The first round of the playoffs saw the Senators drawn away to Sussex Thunder and a long trip to the South Coast. This would involve an overnight stay and a chance for some of the Team's veteran members to avenge a Playoff defeat at the hands of Brighten way back in 1988. The four survivors of that game had their own emotional Team meeting on the sidelines before kick off.
A highly charged, closely contested game saw the Senators record a 15 - 12 victory, and a place in the Semi-final. The reward (?) another long trip down South, this time to Redbridge Fire. Without the luxury of an overnight stay the Senators found the long tiring journey a big problem and found themselves 20 - O down at half time. A spirited fight back saw the Senators show true Geordie grit to take a 22 - 20 lead in the fourth quarter, this after stopping Redbridge at the Senators goal line. With very little time remaining Redbridge's American QB , Guy Mannella. marched his side downfield and with only 17 seconds left on the clock passed for the game clinching TD. This heartbreaking loss was slightly tempered when Redbridge went on to win the Bowl Game against Nottingham Caesars, so the Senators lost to the eventual Champions.
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Left to right, Steve Wooton, top tackler; Lee "Fridge" Fraser, top quarterback; Mike Kenny, National Coach, Scottish Claymores; Gary Marshall, Senators' Chairman; and Duncan French, top rusher.
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QB Lee Fraser was the country's Top Passer. Duncan French the Leading Running back and Marshalla Mokhtari the top Receiver.
Defensive stalwart, Steve Wooton, was the country's leading tackler.
The picture above shows three of these National winners at the Club's annual Presentation Night when Claymores' National Coach Mike Kenny (centre) came down to present these along with the other Club Awards.
The Season had been the best ever for the Club and gave everyone; Players Coaches; and backroom Staff the desire to go one stage further next season and try to win the whole thing!
| Pre Season | W/L | For | Agst | ||
| March 23rd | East Kilbride Pirates | A | Lost | 6 | 24 |
| 4-7th April | Amsterdam Euro-Tournament | A | Won all games AND the Tournament! | ||
| Regular Season/playoffs (all home games K.O 2.00pm) | |||||
| April 20th | Staffordshire Surge | A | Won | 20 | 2 |
| April 27th | Lancashire Wolverines | A | Won | 24 | 22 |
| May 4th | Chester Romans | H | Lost | 12 | 16 |
| May 18th | Nottinghamshire Caesars | A | Lost | 6 | 35 |
| May 25th | Lancashire Wolverines | H | Won | 26 | 19 |
| June 15th | Merseyside Nighthawks | H | Won | 25 | 0 |
| June 29th | Nottinghamshire Caesars | H | Lost | 7 | 11 |
| July 13th | Staffordshire Surge | H | Won | 24 | 0 |
| July 20th | Chester Romans | A | Won | 40 | 20 |
| July 27th | Merseyside Nighthawks | A | Won | 21 | 14 |
| Post season | |||||
| Aug17th | Quarter Final v Sussex Thunder | A | Won | 15 | 12 |
| Aug 24th | Semi Final v Redbridge Fire | A | Lost | 22 | 26 |
| Sept. 7th | Final Redbridge Fire 26 Nottingham Caesars 7 | ||||
| Regular Season Standings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Played | Won | Lost | % |
| 10 | 7 | 3 | 70 |
The opponents were the Tournament hosts, the Hilversum Hurricanes; in pouring rain the Senators kicked off and were soon on the defensive with the Hurricanes running the ball effectively behind the blocking and rushing of their huge fullback.
The Senators thought they had recovered the ball following a QB keeper when Alec Unsworth fell on the ball after the Senators had hit the QB hard, unfortunately the referees didn't agree and on the next play the Hurricanes scored from the 3yd line for a 6-0 lead. The same full back ran in the 2pt attempt so the score was 8-0.
The Senators moved the ball effectively on their first possession but couldn't convert a 35yd field goal attempt when the slippery ball went through the hands of holder Duncan French, giving Marshall no chance to kick the ball.
The second quarter started well for the Senators when following a Hurricanes punt the combination of FB Roy Davis and TB Duncan French moved the ball downfield to the Hurricanes 15 yd line. On the next play veteran QB Gary Marshall hit WR Marshalla Mokhtari on a quick slant for him to sprint into the endzone. Duncan French ran in the 2pt conversion following a crushing block from John Harrison. making the half-time score 8-8.
Following a scoreless 3rd quarter the Hurricanes moved the ball downfield late in the 4th and scored with a lofted pass into the corner of the endzone. They attempted to run the same 2pt play as on their first score but determined tackling from LBs Pete Gannon and Steve Briggs stopped them short. Hurricanes led 14 - 8
Following a good deep kick-off by Gary Marshall the Senators got the ball back on their own 25yd line with only 2.46 left on the clock.
The Senators managed the clock well and using time outs and some powerful running found themselves at the Hilversum 20yd line on a 4th and 6 with 20 secs left in the game.
On a play action pass, Mokhtari was hit hard in the endzone, when just about to catch the ball, which drew a flag giving the Senators a first and goal from the 5yd line (NCAA rules were being played - not a spot foul if it was more than 15yds to go from the original LOS). On the next play Senators FB Roy Davis burst into the endzone behind the power blocking of Senators O linemen Gary McNaughton and Nigel Edwards, bringing the game level at 14 pts all. Not wanting to risk a kick in the appalling conditions Marshall called the same play and Davis sprinted in untouched to put the Senators in front for the first time in the game.
The next play was rather surprising; on the kick-off Marshall booted the ball downfield where it came to rest on the Hurricanes 3yd line, inexplicably the Hurricanes just stood and watched as Alec Unsworth recovered the ball giving the Senators possession with only 10secs left in the game. Marshall took a knee to give the Senators a well deserved victory 16 - 14. The game MVP was FB Roy Davis.
The game started badly for the Senators when following a tipped pass the Unicorns' WR managed to catch the ball and sprint into the endzone but the play was brought back for an illegal block in the back by one of the Unicorns' players. This was only a brief respite for the Senators as the Unicorns scored two plays later and with the 2pt option good, led 8-0.
The Senators responded well and took the kick off back out to their own 45yd line and put a good drive together, allowing TB French to sweep left from the 15 and stretch the ball out over the goal-line for the score. The Unicorns were having trouble defending the sweeps with Harrison, the smallest man on the field, putting in some punishing blocks from the WR position. The same play to the other side levelled the scores at 8-8.
Marshall's interception snuffed out the Unicorns' next drive and the half ended even.
The Senators came out for the second half in a determined mood and took the opening kick off for a score when on the second play French sprinted in from 70yds out down the right sideline for the go ahead score. (2pt good; sweep right by French).
The Senators then took control following DB Dave Wilson's interception, which he ran back 40yds to the Unicorns' 45. On the next play French ran outside and into the endzone behind a good block from FB Davis. On the 2pt option the Senators' QB, Gary Marshall, was sacked for the only time of the whole weekend, showing how well the O-Line had played!
The score was now 22 -8 to the Senators and they closed out the game with QB Marshall's 15yd pass to speedy wideout Mokhtari, followed up with a 2pt pass to WR Ian Storey; to make the final score 30 - 8.
Duncan French was MVP following his 3 TD performance and 200yd plus rushing game.
21 April, 1997
Gateshead Senators came to this top of the table clash fresh from their European triumph, knowing that the Surge would not be easy. And so it proved on a chilly April afternoon at Stoke. In the first half there was plenty of action, but so well balanced were the teams that as soon as either got near the red zone, the defense stopped the drive. League top rusher Duncan French racked up the yards for the Senators, but never as far as the goal line. The closest that Surge came to a score was a John Wyse field goal attempt that was blocked by Andy Cooper.
In the second half, French's persistence paid off with a 20 yard touchdown run. The conversion attempt failed, leaving Gateshead with a 6-0 lead. In a game dominated by defense, it was fitting that Surge's score came from a John Hamilton safety, sacking Senators' QB Lee Fraser in the endzone at the end of the third period.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Senators. Surge QB Lee Reynolds was intercepted by Steve Wooton which led to big full back Roy Davis's 25 yard touchdown run. Duncan French ran in the two points. The Senators completed the scoring with Fraser sending a 13 yard dart into the endzone for David Nimmins. Marshall's PAT kick was wide.
French, with 33 carries for 206 yards and 1TD, paid tribute to the Senators' offensive line after the game as he was presented with the Offensive MVP award. Peter Gannon was the defensive MVP. Steve Wooton also picked up the League's Leading Tackler Award from last season, having missed the team's Presentation Night.
The Senators will be training on Wednesday evening ready for their trip to Lancashire Wolverines next Sunday.
Touchback!
27 April, 1997
Special teams made the difference early in this hard fought close encounter. Gary Marshall kicked off with a 45 yarder for the Senators, which Alex Unsworth recovered for Gateshead on the home team's 12. Two plays later, Duncan French took the ball in from the 7 yard line. The conversion failed, and the score remained 6-0 for the first quarter. Early in the second, the Senators increased their lead with a spectacular 60 yard bomb from Lee Fraser (12 of 17 for 125, 1TD, 0 Ints) to Mashallah Mokhtari. Marshall's PAT kick was wide.
Lancashire struck back with a 1 yard Bryan Summerfield dive, topped off with Dave Herd's PAT, giving a half time score of 12-7.
The home team kept up the pressure after the beak with a John Iddon keeper run, again with Herd's extra point added to give Lancashire a two point lead. Duncan French, who was again racking up yards on the ground, showed his versatility by catching a 20 yard Fraser pass in the endzone to bring the Senators in front again at 18-14. His two point run was stopped just short by the determined Wolverine defense. The two well matched teams continued to battle, an interception for the Senators by Dave Wilson that Gateshead couldn't score from, a 27 yard FG attempt by Dave Herd that was wide being examples. Duncan French, who carried 28 times for 185 yards and two rushing TDs, ran in from 26 yards to give the Senators a 10 point margin in the fourth quarter. Lancashire never gave up and with four seconds left in the game, Summerfield went in from the two, and completed the scoring with the two pointer on an umtimed down, bringing the score to 24-22.
French was again MVP, but a special joint offensive MVP award was made to backs Roy Davis and John Harrison for their superb blocking.
Gateshead play their first home game next week against Chester, kick off at the International Stadium is at 2 p.m. Sunday May 4th.
Touchback!
4 May, 1997
In their first home game of the season, Gateshead Senators lost to Chester Romans in a game dominated by yellow flags. Right from the start, the Romans tactic was to keep the Senators' Offense off the field with a time consuming ground game. The Senators had only one offensive down in the first quarter, but this was a spectacular 67 yard TD bomb from Lee Fraser to Mashallah Mokhtari, which brought the score at the quarter to 6-0. In the second quarter, Chester came to the red zone, and tried to pass the ball in four times, each time the pass being knocked away. But after the fourth incompletion when Gateshead thought they had the ball on downs, Gateshead was flagged for interference and on the subsequent first down, Gavin Woolgar's 6 yard run levelled the scores and he followed up with the 2 pt run giving the Romans a 6-14 lead at the half.
Gateshead continued to attract the flags and Chester took full advantage. The Romans managed to contain top rusher Duncan French, but he did break out he punished the error with a 75 yard TD run, but the 2 pt run failed, bringing the score to 12-14. In the fourth period, when Gateshead were starting inside their own ten, the were called for holding in the endzone, and Chester were awarded the safety, bring the score to 12-16. Another rocket from Fraser to Mohktari in the endzone which has the Senators' fans cheering was disallowed for interference. With seconds left, Chester got the ball and QB Steve Waite took a knee to run out the clock.
Touchback!
18 May, 1997
The Gateshead Senators travelled to Nottingham to take on the unbeaten Caesars, and got off to a flying start when Gary Marshall's kick off started Nottingham on their own 20, which Marshall, now at Safety, intercepted Gary Stainton's pass setting up Duncan French's 24 yard touchdown run. The PAT went wide, and from there on it was all downhill for Gateshead as the Caesars found their form and ran and passed virtually at will. By the end of the first quarter, the home team were 14-6 ahead with a 9 yd keeper run by Stainton for 6, a 14 yard TD catch from Gary Sharp and an option pass by Eddie Edwards to Carl Wilkinson.
The scoring continued on the second period with Gary Sharp passing for six over 13 yards to Eddie Edwards and Matt Barrett's 35 yard TD run. The half finished with another keeper run this time by Sharp to bring the half time score to 29-6.
After the half Sharp repeated the trick to bring the score to 35-6. It says much about the game that Gateshead quarterback Lee Fraser completed just one pass all day in the fourth quarter, a 28 yard catch by Kev Ramsay.
The Senators were missing such stalwarts as Steve Wooton, Dave Wilson and Fraser's top target Mashallah Mokhtari. The squad should be back to strength for next week's home game against Lancashire Wolverines, and also with the addition of players from the stalled North East Presidents such as John "Rapper" Lockhart and Stephen Green among others. Kick off at Gateshead Stadium is 2 p.m. next Sunday.
Touchback!
25 May, 1997
The Gateshead Senators entered the game still smarting from their defeat last week by Nottinghamshire, and were determined to show their mettle. But it was Lancashire whose powerful possession ground game in this hard fought match resulted in the first score when Bryan Summerfield went over from the 3 yard line giving the visitors the six point lead at the quarter. Early in the second period Gateshead struck back when a 31 yard Lee Fraser bomb to David Nimmins set up big Roy Davis for his 22 yard Touchdown run to level the scores. The Wolverines fought back with another Bryan Summerfield run from 5 yards, followed by Dave Herd's PAT to give Lancashire a 13-6 lead at the half.
Both defenses worked hard in the hot sun, but league leader Duncan French (29 carries for 254 yards and 2 TDs) was getting the holes from Gateshead's offensive line (Gary "Bear" McNaughton, Jason Lester, Kev Elgie, Graham Norris, Ian "Selleck" Atkinson and Stevie "Cheese" Bowles), and a 40 yard run set up Lee Fraser's 23 yard pass to David Nimmins in the corner of the endzone. Gary Marshall's kick levelled the scores at 13 each. French's running was rewarded with a 7 yard score, but John Iddon struck back for Lancashire with a 50 yard scoring pass to Bryan Summerfield to bring the scores level again at 19-19. French's second score was a 43 yard run at the end of the third period.
The fourth quarter saw defense dominate with an interception by Ian Storey and Lancashire determined to stop Gateshead increasing their lead. Gateshead's Mal Armstrong led the tackles stats with 10 solo and 11 assists, closely followed by Steve Wooton with 6 and 4. The score remained 29-19
Registration delays prevented the Senators ex-Presidents players kitting up for this game, but the team will be at full strength for the next home game on June 15th against Merseyside.
Touchback!
15 June, 1997
Gateshead were dominant in this game in which Merseyside dashed their own hopes with successive penalties as the Senators first established and then increased their lead. The game started cautiously as both teams, who had never met before, went three and out as they tested each other. Gateshead's first score came at the end of the first quarter with a Duncan French 4 yard run, followed by Gary Marshall's kick.
As the home team established their command in the second quarter, the flags started to fly, but Merseyside lost a chance when QB Andrew Lay led his team to the Senators' 1 yard line when Gateshead DB Dave Wilson recovered a fumble. Gateshead's defense continued to hold the Nighthawks led by Steve Wooton, who had two interceptions on the day, Mal Armstrong who picked off Lay again and a fumble recoveries by Mikey Rumney and former President Steve Green. Wimmy van Tergouw, playing for his gravely ill mother, was dominant in the secondary.
The second half started with a Lee Fraser 29 yard score to Mashallah Mokhtari. Following Armstrong's interception, Mickey Thompson, with a cracking block from Roy "The Tank" Davies, ran in from 8 yards out.
Merseyside fought back with Nathan Hazel as main ball carrier, but Gateshead denied them again. With Thompson and John Harrison carrying instead of the injured French, the Senators completed the scoring with Lee Fraser's 13 yard pass, again to Mokhtari, to bring the score to 25-0, a shutout for the home defense.
Wimmy van Tergouw was awarded Defensive MVP, which he dedicated to his mother, Mrs Riet van Rooy, who had told him to stay and play before flying to Utrecht from the game to be with her. Mokhtari was the Offensive MVP while former Presidents linebacker Eric Walker was the Senators' game MVP.
The Senators are back in action at Gateshead Stadium on June 29th when they will be looking to avenge their defeat by Nottingham Caesars, kick off 2.p.m.
Touchback!
29 June, 1997
One of the few redeeming features of this somewhat uninspiring game was that it didn't rain, although the artificial surface of the International Stadium's gridiron held enough water to make the ball wet and heavy enough.
Gateshead were still smarting from their 35-6 defeat at Nottingham, but the game started warily with both sides going three and out on their first possessions, and this set the tone for the scoreless first quarter. In the second, Gateshead were pushed back with 75 yards to go after a 15 yard penalty when Lee Fraser launched a bomb to Mashallah Mokhtari to go all the way in one play to open the scoring. Gary Marshall's extra point was good and the Senators went in at the half with a 7-0 lead.
After the half, Gary Stainton found Paul Oliver with a 35 yard strike to put the Caesars on the scoreboard. Their two point attempt was good to give them a 7-8 lead. This was extended in the fourth quarter with a Paul Oliver 16 yard field goal to take the score to 7-11 to the visitors, giving them the season double on the Senators.
Gateshead now have four wins and three losses and host Staffordshire Surge on July 13th at Gateshead before going on the road again to complete the regular season against Chester and Merseyside.
Touchback!
13 July, 1997
The resurgent Senators achieved their third shutout of the season as all three teams, Offense, Defense and Special teams played their part in this win. Surge arrived with their eyes both on the playoffs, and on Duncan French, Gateshead's leading running back returning from injury, who started the game needing just 18 yards for the 1000. The first quarter was scoreless as the teams got the measure of each other, but in the second, Gary Marshall kicked a 17 yard field goal to put the Senators 3 points up. Strong defense having forced the Surge to punt, Alex Unsworth made a spectacular scoring 45 yard return to increase the lead to 9 points at the half.
Despite being keyed by the Surge D, French was clocking up the yards behind the blocking of Roy "The Tank" Davis who himself was 7 carries for 55 yards on the day while Tim Watton (7 for 51) diverted Surge's attention. This was rewarded when French broke out for a 58 yard TD run to put the lead to 15. An interception by Wimmy van Tergouw brought another Surge to nought, and a further one was snuffed early when the Senators special teams having pinned Surge back at their own 2 yard line, Steve Wooton crashed through for the safety to bring Gateshead's lead to 17.
The fourth quarter opened with a torrential downpour in which Mikey Rumney recovered a Surge fumble and Ian Storey made an interception to kill two more hopes for Staffordshire. The game was sealed with Lee Fraser's (7 of 14 for 120 yards, 2 ints, 1 TD) 25 yard pass to David Nimmins in the endzone and Gary Marshall's PAT to bring the score to 24-0. Duncan French finished with 26 carries for 134 yards and 1 TD, and well past the 1000 milestone.
* Congratulations too to David Nimmins whose 12 day old son Daniel was the youngest spectator at the game.
Touchback!
20 July, 1997
Played under a fierce sun with frequent water breaks, the Romans took the lead when RB Gavin Woolgar 44 burst through from 40 yds, and the home team led 6-0. The Senators responded with a TD when QB Fraser hit Mokhtari on a quick slant from 16yds out and with Marshall's PAT the Senators led 7-6.
The 2nd Quarter started with a sustained drive by Chester but this time the Gateshead 'D' held firm with their backs against the Goal Line and some doughty defense kept out the Romans and resulted in a turn over on downs at the Senators' 4yd. line. The Geordies came out firing and when Mokhtari caught Fraser's short pass he broke a tackle and went for a club record 86yd TD. Marshall's PAT stretched the lead to 14-6. The half ended when LB Steve Wooton intercepted the Romans QB at the 4yd line following a 4th Down pass and the Senators ran out the clock to end the half.
The Romans recovered their kick off at the start of the second half and five plays later Romans QB Waite sneaked in from the 2 but the 2pt. attempt was snuffed out by LB Peter Gannon to preserve the 2pt lead. The Senators responded again with Mokhtari's ( 5 catches for 139yds and 3TDs) third touchdown again on a slant pass from Fraser, to make the score 20-12. Good defensive pressure from the Senators forced the Romans to punt on their next possession and leading rusher RB Duncan French ( 13 carries for 141yds 1 TD, 2 catches for 26yds), punished Chester when he scored on a 35yd run, the quarter ending with Gateshead leading by 26-12.
In the 4th Q. the Senators defense led by LBs Wooton( 15 solo 8 assists, 1 Int.) and Armstrong ( 6 solo 4 assists) stopped the Romans' next drive which allowed the Senators to send speedy Alec Unsworth on a 49yd. end around TD run, RB Tim Watton walked in untouched for the 2pt. conversion. The Romans refused to lie down and were rewarded when RB Woolgar dived over from the 3yd line for his second TD and QB Waite completed a 2pt. pass to bring the score to 34-20. The Romans attempted an on-side kick which bounced out of bounds and the Senators killed off any hopes of a comeback when Fraser (9 of 18 for 203 yds and 4 TDs) hit Watton in the flat and picking up a good downfield block from WR Nimmins he raced 29 yds to paydirt, the 2pt. attempt failed. The Senators 'D' closed out the game stopping the Romans' final drive at the 20yd line as time expired.
This win gives the Senators a winning season and leaves them still in with a good chance of making the playoffs depending on next week's results. Defensive MVP went to birthday boy Steven Green with Fraser picking up the 'O' award and Mokhtari the game MVP for his outstanding performance.
Touchback!
27 July, 1997
In a game which had playoff implications for both teams, Merseyside kicked off and Unsworth returned the ball to the Senators 43 yd line. On the very first play League leading RB, Duncan French swept left and ran 48yds for the score, Marshall tagged on the XP for a 7-0 lead. The game settled down after this explosive start and both Teams traded punts following long drives. When the Nighthawks next drive stalled at their own 20yd line the ball was snapped over punter Simon Baker's head and he bundled the ball out the back of the EZ. for a 2pt safety, giving the Senators a 9pt lead at the end of the quarter.
Starting at their own 20 the Senators put together a drive kept alive by Mokhtari's catch on 3rd and 12 but were forced to punt 4 plays later. Merseyside ate up the clock with a long drive of their own, mixing up the pass and run to great effect but Gateshead LB Peter Gannon ( 5 solos 2 sacks & 1 fumble recovery), sacked QB Chapman on a 4th down play to end the drive. The Nighthawks next drive ended when DB Ian Storey pulled in the first of his 2 Ints of the day allowing Senators QB Fraser to quickly move into scoring range and when WR David Nimmins hauled in Fraser's 15yd lob with a superb diving catch at the back of the EZ.(The 2pt attempt was unsuccessful) the half ended with the Senators leading 15 - 0.
Merseyside opened the second half in a determined mood and following a good KO return marched downfield and when QB Chapman found WR Dylan Jones in the corner, they reduced the lead to 9pts, their 2pt attempt failed when Unsworth intercepted the pass and only a desperate tackle from Chapman stopped him returning it for 2pts for the Senators. Punts were exchanged on the next drives, then that man French (19 carries for 208 yds 2 TDs) exploded again, following some great blocking by the 'O' line, he sprinted 76yds to paydirt to extend the lead to 21 - 6.
In the 4th Quarter Veteran QB Marshall took over for the injured Fraser (who finished with 9 of 18 for 140 yds and 1 TD; taking him over the 1,000 yds passing for the second season running) and led the Team downfield but his intended pass to Mokhtari was picked off in the End Zone. The Nighthawks refused to lie down and came back strongly putting together a great drive which ended when Chapman hooked up with Jones for the second time and when Gary Kay ran in the 2pt conversion the Merseysiders were right back in it at 21-14 with time left on the clock. The Senators next drive spluttered to a halt at the home Teams 20yd line and Merseyside took over looking for the chance for the go ahead score. They marched downfield and ended up with a first and goal from the 4yd. line. With their backs to the Goal Line the Geordies' hard pressed 'D' mounted a heroic stand and rose to the challenge, the attempted sneak by Chapman was stopped by a wall of bodies, the next run was met with a similar reply; then LB Steve Briggs shed his block to tackle the Running Back at the 2yd line and Unsworth snuffed out the Nighthawks last hope when on 4th down he burst through to tackle the RB in the backfield killing the drive. The Senators ran out the clock to preserve a great win in a hard fought game that was played in great spirit by both Teams.
The Senators finish the Season with a winning 7 and 3 record and go into the playoffs for the first time in 8yrs but await other results to see who they play.
Other items of note in the game for the Senators were: LB Steve Wooton recording his 100th solo tackle of the season, LB Eric Walker with 6 solo 2 assists and 2 sacks and Rookie D-Lineman Mark Wells with 5 solo 1 assist and a sack. MVP Awards went to Ian Storey for Defense, the 'O' Line for Offense and the whole Defense for the Game.
Touchback!
17 August, 1997
The Senators faced a long trip to the South Coast to take on the Sussex Thunder in this quarter-final matchup. The Team travelled down on the Saturday night and stayed at a hotel near to Gatwick airport as part of their plan to be as fresh as possible for this the most important game for the Club in a number of years.
The weather was extremely hot and humid and fluid management was an important aspect to the pre-game preparations.
The Senators kicked off and the 'D' started as they meant to go on and made in difficult for the South Coast side to move the ball and they punted away their first possession, the Senators first drive fared little better and after gaining a fist down they were forced to punt 3 plays later. Sussex came out trying to move the ball through the air but GB Lions QB Derek Freeman's receivers were closely covered by the Senators DBs and they were forced to call in their punting unit on their own 20yd line, unfortunately for the Thunder the snap sailed over Matthew Bakers head and although he chased after the ball he was unable to stop Gateshead Linebacker Steve Wooton from recovering the ball for the games fist touchdown, Marshall's P.A.T. gave the Geordies a 7 - 0 lead.
Defences were dominant early on in this match up of the divisions most potent Offences ( Gateshead ranked no. 1 and Sussex no. 2).Senators Dutch DB Wimmy van Tergouw intercepting Freeman on Sussex's next drive and returning in for 23 yds.
The second quarter produced more of the same but the Senators started to put together some good drives helped by good pass protection from the 'O' line and some spirited running from RB John Harrison who picked up some important first downs. The Senators had the ball inside the Sussex 20 but were unable to punch it in. Sussex were the next to score however when RB Steve Henry ran in from the 15 following a sustained drive by the Thunder's 'O' , unfortunately the P.A.T. hit the upright so Gateshead led 7- 6.
The Senators responded in style and following a long pass from QB Lee Fraser ( 6 of 20 for 111yds) to wideout Marshalla Mokhtari; League leading rusher Duncan French (19 carries for 108 yds 1TD and one 2pt conversion) swept right followed some good blocking and ran in from 33yds out. French carried again for the 2 pointer running over a defender on the goal line. The Senators led 15 - 6 at the half.
Sussex came out fired up for the second half and forced the Senators to punt away their opening possession and leading receiver Mike Ashby made some important receptions leading to Henry's second score, this time the RB going in untouched from the 4 yd line. The attempted 2pt. conversion was foiled by an alert Gateshead defence who swarmed all over the QB as he rolled out looking for an open receiver.
Defences continued to dominate in the final quarter and Gateshead had further chances to increase their lead but Fraser 's pass to French in the endzone was stolen from his hands by a Sussex defender.
The Thunder came looking for the go ahead score and the teams traded back to back fumbles as both Offences became a little nervous in this keenly contested game.
Sussex had a final attempt to get back into the game when with 1.40 left on the clock the mounted a long drive downfield, the Geordies were in their prevent 'D' but RB Henry was still eating up the yards. The Gateshead 'D' with their backs to their goal line made their stand. The Thunder were in a 4th and long situation following a penalty and with all of his receivers well covered the Sussex QB was scrambling to find and open man and he looked for his favourite target Ashby but he was well covered by DB Dave Wilson and the Senators took over on downs with Fraser taking the Knee to give the Geordies the win.
Head Coach Gary Marshall paid tribute to both teams saying '' That was one of our toughest games of the season with so much at stake; Sussex gave us a great hard fought game played in a tremendous spirit considering what was at stake and the crowd saw a great advert for British Football in difficult conditions. I thought we deserved to shade it but it was a close thing. I would like to pay tribute to all of our player and staff who contributed to this win.
Defensive stalwart Steve Wooton took defensive MVP with John Harrison for the 'O' and Alec Unsworth taking the game MVP honours with a special mention to D Coach Rob Lake who took over as D Co-ordinator for the day as Chip Buttery had work commitments.
Gateshead find themselves faced with another long journey to London to play Redbridge Fire in the Semi-final this Sunday.
Touchback!
24 August, 1997
The Senators suffered the effects of long road trips on consecutive weekends when they journeyed to London to meet Redbridge Fire in the Semi-finals. Redbridge had the measure of the Senators' defense and racked up 20 points in the first half, while the Gateshead offense couldn't get into stride, with more than one ball dropped in the endzone for what would have been a score. Guy Manella for Fire was 19 of 24 for 276 yards and 3TDs. Stanley Collins rushed carried 21 times for 164 yards.
But Gateshead were not about to give up, and the second half was a different story, with rushing touchdowns from Tim Watton (6 carries for 24 yards), Duncan French (28 carries for 158 yards, 1TD) and Alec Unsworth to give the Senators a 22-20 lead as the fourth quarter drew to a close. Senators QB Lee Fraser passed for 220 yards with 10 completions. But with just 17 seconds to go, Redbridge scored again with Manella leading Fire on an 85 yard drive, completing 9 of his 10 passes on that drive, to send them through to the final against Nottinghamshire Caesars 26-22.
Head Coach Gary Marshall paid tribute to the team. "We have had an excellent season, and each of the last few seasons has been better than the one before. So next season our aim is definitely the final, and to win it!"
Touchback!
OFFENSE.
PASSING
NAME ATTMPTS COMPS YARDS INT AVE SACKS TDs
FRASER 157 66 1111 10 16.8 20 14
RUSHING
DAVIS 44 226 5.1 2
FRENCH 182 1529 8.4 11
HARRISON 11 98 8.9
THOMP.M 20 98 4.9 1
STOREY. I 1 25 25.0
WATTON. 31 152 4.9 1
NIMMINS 1 3 3.0
UNSWRTH 13 160 12.3 2
WAITE 2 11 5.5
RECEPTIONS
DAVIS 5 32 6.4
FRENCH 5 65 13.0 1
MARSHY 32 654 20.4 8
NIMMINS 11 185 16.8 4
STOREY. I 1 13 13.0
RAMSAY 3 46 15.3
WAITE 5 50 10.0
WATTON 1 29 29.0 1
UNSWRTH 1 17 17.0
KICK OFFs
MARSHL 38 11826 48.1
NIMMINS 3 148 49.3
K/OFF RTN
MARSHY 4 129 32.2
DAVIS 3 21 7.0
STOREY. I 3 57 19.0
UNSWRTH 6 97 16.1
WILSON 1 24 24.0
RAMSAY 1 15 15.0
FRENCH 4 112 28.0
WATTON 1 0
WOOTON 1 2 2.0
THMPSON 1 32 32.0
HARRA 1 5 5.0
PUNT RTN
MARSHY 5 57 11.4
KANE 1 6 6.0
UNSWRTH 3 46 15.3
PATS
ATTMPTS GOOD PTS
1 PT. MARSHL 18 9 9
2 PT FRENCH 1 1 2
WATTON 1 1 2
PUNTS
MARSHL 35 1239 35.4
FIELD GOAL
MARSHL 2 1 3
PENALTIES
TOTAL 60 YARDS 565
GAMES PLAYED.............. 10
DEFENSE.
NAME UN ASS SACKS INT FUM/REC PASS/DEF BLOCKS SAFETY
UNSWORTH 28 10 4 3 12
STOREY. I 13 5 4 3
WOOTON 76 35 2.5 4 1 1
GANNON 24 17 2 2 1
ARMSTRNG 47 35 1
COOPER 7 14 1 1
KANE 13 4 1
THOMPSON 15 10 3
WIMMIE 21 9 1 1 6
JAMIE 5 4 1
WELLS 2 1 1 1 1
MARSHL 4 0 2 1
WILSON 16 8 0.5 1 1
RUMNEY 29 9 3
DAVIS 4 1
BRIGGS 12 5
McNAUGHT 1
SELLICK 2 0
WELLS 8 4
MEE 1 1
NIMMINS 3 0
RILEY 9 2 1
LINDSAY 3 1 1
FRASER 1 0
WATTON 1 0
WALKER 16 7 3 2 1
EDWARDS 1 1
GREEN 11 11 1 1 1
LOCKHART 2 0 1
DAVIS 1 4
PENALTIES No. YARDS
42 440
GAMES PLAYED............... 10
KEYS.
OFFENSE. DEFENSE.
COMPS:- NUMBER OF COMPLETIONS UN - UNASSISTED TACKLES
INT NUMBER OF INTERCEPTIONS ASS - ASSISTED TACKLES
AVE - AVERAGE NUMBER OF YARDS INT :- INTERCEPTIONS
TD'S :- NUMBER OF TOUCHDOWNS BLOCKS :- KICKS/PUNTS BLOCKED
PASS/DEF :- PASSES TIPPED DOWN
FUM/REC :- FUMBLES FORCED
& FUMBLES RECOVERED
OFFENSE.
PASSING
NAME ATTMPTS COMPS YARDS INT AVE SACKS TDs
FRASER 20 6 111 2 18.5
RUSHING
DAVIS 4 15 3.75
FRENCH 19 108 5.68 1
HARRISON 5 41 8.20
WATTON 6 31 5.16
UNSWRTH 4 32 8.00
WOOTON 1
RECEPTIONS
NIMMINS 1 10 10
MARSHY 2 43 21.5
WATTON 1 16 16
UNSWRTH 1 32 32
WAITE 1 10 10
KICK OFFs
MARSHL 3 155
K/OFF RTN
MARSHY 2 23 11.5
RAMSAY 1 7 7
PATS
ATTMPTS GOOD PTS
1 PT. MARSHL 1 1 1
2 PT. FRENCH 2 1 2
PENALTIES TOTAL 5 YARDS 45
DEFENSE.
NAME UN ASS SACKS INT FUM/REC PASS/DEF BLOCKS SAFETY
UNSWORTH 4 1 1
STOREY.I 5 0 1
WOOTON 7 1
COOPER 1 1
WILSON 4 1 1
WALKER 3 1 1
NIMMINS 1 0
THOMPSON 1 2
RUMNEY 0 2
LOCKHART 1 1
WELLS 1 1
MARSHALL 1 0
WIMMY 1 1 1
BRIGGS 1 4 1
PENALTIES No.3 YARDS 35
OFFENSE.
PASSING
NAME ATMPTS COMPS YARDS INT AVE SACKS TD’S
FRASER 28 10 220 22 2
RUSHING
FRENCH 28 158 5.64 1
HARRISON 3 10 3.3
WATTON 6 24 4.0
UNSWRTH 3 19 6.3 1
WOOTON 1 5 5.0 1
RECEPTIONS
NIMMINS 2 48 24
MARSHY 1 58 58
WATTON 2 25 12.5
UNSWRTH 1 34 34
RAMSAY 2 49 24.5
WILSON 1 3 3.0
KICK OFFs
MARSHL 3 117 39
K/OFF RTN
MARSHY 1 27 27.0
UNSWRTH 2 61 30.5
DAVIS 1 9 9.0
PATS ATTMPTS GOOD PTS
2 PT. WILSON 1 1 2
WOOTON 1 1 2
PUNTS
MARSHL 1 19
PENALTIES TOTAL 3 YARDS 45
DEFENSE.
NAME UN ASS SACKS INT FUM/REC PASS/DEF
UNSWORTH 5 2 1
EDWARDS 1 0
WOOTON 11 2
COOPER 1 1 1
WILSON 3 3
WALKER 7 0 1 1
ATKINSON 1 0
THOMPSON 6 0
RUMNEY 7 2 1
WIMMY 2 1
BRIGGS 3 1
HARRISON 1
PENALTIES No. 1 YARDS 15