17th July 2003 - Nene Valley Hybrids 8-14 Cambridgeshire Cats The Cambridgeshire Cats, sponsored by Mickey Flynn's American Pool in Cambridge, fumbled their way to a narrow 14-8 victory over local rivals the Nene Valley Hybrids, the South Eastern Conference title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs last sunday. Both defences and offensive errors dominated the first half with the Cats just able to take advantage of the Hybrids turnovers. The first quarter ended with the score tied at 0-0 after a Steve Booth Field goal was blocked by Cats Defensive Back Chris Dahl. Errors continued to negate good plays by both offences until midway through the second quarter when Chris Dahl managed to break through the Hybrids Offensive line again to block a punt which was recovered inside the Nene Valley 10 yard line. Two plays later Booty Morrison barrelled in from the two yard line for the go ahead score. Brian Jelley added the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Pinned deep in their own half by excellent coverage by the kick-off unit the Hybrids turned the ball over again on their next drive. This time Michael Bey stepped in front of a Toby Mason pass and returned the interception inside the Nene Valley 10 yard line. The Cats Offence took little time in finding the end zone as Scott Debson ploughed in from 3 yards out. The extra point kick was added and the half ended with a spectacular interception and return by Cats Defensive Back Doc Lewis to preserve Cambridgeshire's slender 14 point lead. More fumbles and strong defence continued to stop both offences moving the ball with any consistency and no points were added in a third quarter. The Cats kicking game, led by Punter Doc Lewis, forced the Hybrids to drive from deep in their own half as time in the fourth quarter ticked by. Eventually the Cats defence tired and Nene Valley scored a much deserved touchdown. But after the Hybrids had scored the two extra points just 11 seconds remained in the game.  Fortunately Cambridgeshire running back Seth Campbell recovered Steve Booth's onside kick as time ran out. An extremely relieved Cats Head Coach Chris Wallis said 'We had some of our Offensive players missing today but nothing should be taken away from the Nene Valley Hybrids for their performance. They showed great character, courage and an awful lot of heart today. But a win is a win regardless of how ugly it might be. We know that we will need to step up our performances from now on but it's good to be able to play so bad and still get a victory.....just! Our defence won us the game today. They played hard football in scorching conditions against a tricky Hybrids Offence. I'm extremely proud of all involved the Cats organisation. To win the conference title in just our second season is a fantastic achievement.' The Cats stay unbeaten at 9-0 and have another tough fixture against the Essex Spartans this coming Sunday, on Coldhams Common in Cambridge, to complete their regular season schedule before the playoffs start. Kick Off has been changed to 1600. For further details please check the Cats web site www.cambridgeshirecats.co.uk or phone Chris Wallis on 01480 461905.