Report courtesy of the Southern Sundevils

This game was another typical Aztecs Sundevils battle. On a windy day, Bristol won the toss and elected to receive, but early on this was clearly a defensive battle. Southern held Bristol on their first two runs and then Sundevils new DE Kerry Gray sacked Bristol’s QB on 3rd and long.

After a punt the Sundevils O took over on their own 48, but only to turn the ball over on downs 3 plays later.

On Bristol’s next series their Offence was again sacked, on 3rd and long, by K Gray forcing another Aztecs punt. The Southern Sundevils starting on another short field and opened with a short run by Tim Iles. This was unfortunately followed by a QB Ted Baynham interception.

The interception was returned 32 yards and gave Bristol excellent field position for the first time in the game.

It looked like Sundevils Defence had held firm until on 3rd and 4 at the 11, Southern were caught off side. Bristol wouldn’t miss this opportunity, as they scored on a 6 yards touchdown pass from David Keen to Jason Tyler on the very next play. The extra point kick was blocked by Sundevils DT Jac Franchin, but the Aztecs had broken through for a 6 – 0 lead.

The Sundevils responded well gaining 28 yards on 6 straight rushes as the quarter ended.

In the 2nd quarter both Offences gain same hard yards, but couldn’t break through. After an exchange of punts Bristol’s TB David Liddle popped through the line and broke free for a 44 yard gain. This was after a Defensive collision took out 3 Sundevils. The Defence managed to re group and again DE K Gray stepped up, this time to force and recover a fumble on 3rd Down.

This would be the closest either Offence would come to scoring. Bristol ended the half with a well earned 6 – 0 lead

The half time re group worked wonders for the Sundevils, as QB Ted Baynham and FB Scott Miller led their team on a 65 yard 12 play drive that just fell short on fourth down at the Aztecs 15.

This first Southern drive set the tone for the 2nd half, as the managed to keep Bristol locked down in their own half for the whole of the 3rd quarter.

Right at the start of the 4th quarter, following a Sundevils blocked punt the Aztecs almost got out of their half until FS Justin Farrugia stepped in front of a wayward pass to keep the pressure firmly back on the Aztecs.

Southern had a holding penalty on the interception return so their Offence started back on their own 36.