16 March 2008
PYROS WIN FIRST EVER PLAYOFF GAME

Last Updated 16 Mar 2008

The Pyros have waited 5 years for the opportunity to reach the playoffs and made sure that they wouldn't be one and done, beating the Durham Saints this Sunday 18-6 in a thrilling match that was not decided until the fourth quarter. The Pyros stepped up in what was truly a team performance as they held on to every inch and fought for every yard.

The Durham Saints started the game off with a bang; RB #24 Rob Burkhill breaking away for a big run down the right sideline. The Pyros defence, who finished second in the league this year with 22 points against, woke up quickly and stuffed the Saints and forced them to punt. For the next few drives, neither team was able to move the ball with any great success, usually punting on their first or second set of downs. However, the Pyros did manage to put a good drive together towards the end of the first quarter, putting the Saints on their heels in their own half. The Saints then turned the ball over with an errant pass that was picked off by the Pyros D, giving them great field position. A few plays later, #44 Tal Peer ran the ball right up the middle through the Saints defence, being stopped at the 1-yard line. The ball was then punched in by #25 Kieran Phillips giving the Pyros a 6-0 lead. The conversion was not successful.

Both defences then traded stops a few times as neither team looked ready to budge. Both teams were hitting hard and not giving up very much to their opposing offences. Towards the end of the first half, Durham began to drive down the field and looked to be threatening to score, but a couple of incomplete passes and a penalty saw them turn the ball over on downs. Both teams went into halftime looking to make some adjustments and take control of the game, which was very closely contested.

The second half began and was looking very similar to the first; both defences hitting hard, stuffing runs, and neither team able to mount an effective drive. It seemed that the game would be won by the defences on this day more than the offence. The Pyros D stopped Durham deep in their half, and then pressure on a punt gave the Pyros great field position which they needed to capitalize on. On second down, #11 Ben Alkureishi fired a pinpoint strike on a post pattern that was caught by #11 David Pasnik for a TD. The Pyros missed the conversion again, but looked to be taking control of the game.

Durham stepped up to the challenge on the very next drive and completed a short pass on a crossing pattern that was then ran down the field to the Pyros 20-yard line. After a penalty on the Pyros D on the next play, #24 Rob Burkhill took the ball to the right side untouched for the TD. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the Saints proved that they weren't ready to lay down just yet, and were going to make the Pyros fight to the very finish. The Pyros understood what needed to be done, and behind spectacular blocking from the offensive line, they drove 50 yards down field, but were stopped short and forced to punt. The defence did their job and stopped the Saints attack and gave the Pyros another chance to score. This time, the Pyros drove 75 yards down the field and capped the drive off with a 1-yard run by #25 Kieran Phillips.

The Saints, knowing that time was short, turned to their passing game and drove the ball quite well down the field after the Pyros score. They were unable to score, however, and the Pyros got the ball back and ran out the clock. The teams chatted amicably after the game, and showed respect to each other after what was a tough battle for both. The Pyros are now due to play the Conference 1 champion Newcastle Raiders in Newcastle on the 22nd of March. The Pyros would like to thank everyone who came out to watch and wish the Durham Saints all the success in the world in the offseason. Their rematch next year is sure to be a great one.

GAME MVPs
Offence - #25 Kieran Phillips
Defence - #1 Mike Rankin
Line - #69 Jonathan Bastit
Overall - #44 Tal Peer