Sunday 27 April, 14:30, Powerleague, Norwich

Weather: Overcast

By Nick Manning

London Blitz sent a message to the BSL Divison One on Sunday: "We’re no pushover!" The Blitz traveled to newcomers Norwich Devils in a game most people expected the Blitz to lose. The result, a 38 point blowout with a measured offensive performance and touchdowns from both the defense and special teams units.

"I’m pleased to get the first win in the bag," said Blitz Head Coach Nick Rockell. "It was good to see the guys stick at the game for 60 minutes and get a job done." Coach Rockell stressed that the big win does not mean the Blitz can relax in their upcoming off weeks. "We need to work on execution and timing. It’s important that we practice hard over the next few weeks and get ready to play PA Knights. We’ve still got a long way to go."

The game was sealed late in the fourth quarter by returner Marcin Lai, who returned a kickoff for 82 yards. But the game was won early on by the running of rookie Wingback Lee Palmer. In a breakout game, Palmer rushed for 126 yards on 16 carries - the first Blitz back to rush for over 100 yards in a game for 3 seasons.

Palmer’s workmanlike performance was rewarded in the fourth quarter with a five yard TD on the ground.  Palmer was backed up by the capable rushing of fellow rookie, Jody Toussaint and Ian Green. Toussaint’s turn of speed grabbed him an 8.5 yard rushing average on 6 carries and one score. Green’s 10 rushes for 28 yards netted him a couple two point conversions, and was unlucky not to take in a score of his own.

QB Luke Sanders completed 6 of 16 for 85 yards, throwing one TD to the multi-talented veteran Lai at the end of the first period of play. The score was the culmination of a mammoth drive by the Blitz, eating up almost 10 minutes of the clock and marching almost 80 yards. An interception return by Frank Mayo in the second quarter extended the Blitz lead before half time. The Canadian veteran also led the team with 2 catches for 36 yards on the day and a two-point conversion.