4th July 2004

BSL Division Two

Chiltern Cheetahs 48-0 Maidstone Pumas

Sunday saw the Cheetahs record their 7th straight a highest scoring victory with the visit of Maidstone Pumas. This is now the best start to a season by the Cheetahs, who opened the scoring on Martin Homer’s 33 yard field goal after the defence had forced the Pumas to punt with gaining any yardage. The score soon increased with the Puma’s still unable to gain a first down, Andy Cochrane’s runs set up Jim McMahon to score on a 13 yard catch from Rob Suttling, this was not only the first time Jim had scored but the first catch ever. Martin Homer extra point attempt was wide leave an 9 - 0 Cheetahs advantage.  Ally Reid intercepted a Pumas pass on their next drive and return it 28 yards to the Maidstone 4.  On the next play Andy Cochrane rushed into the end zone only for a penalty cancelling out the score. Good defence plays from the Pumas denied the Cheetahs from scoring as the second quarter started with a pass broken up in the end zone on forth down, for what was going to be the Offences only play of the quarter.
Again the Pumas where forced to punt and Chiltern’s Andy Crowther return the ball 35 yards to score with Abdul Lawal catch from a Suttling for the extra points 17 - 0.  The ball was soon back in the end zone when linebacker Nick Michael intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for his first every senior points. The extra kick was converted by Martin Homer 24 - 0.  Michaels was again in the action, intercepting has second pass of the day after Andy Maxwell had forced a quick pass from the Pumas Quarterback. The Interception was returned 8 yards before Michael’s run into a group of tacklers, but before he could be brought down he lateralled to team mate Andre Clarke how ran the further 28 yards into the end zone 30 - 0. Just before half time the Pumas where forced to punt, and Andy Crowther again returned the ball into the end zone, but this time from 36 yards out, to become the first Cheetahs player to return 2 punts for scores in a game. Rob Suttling’s pass for the extra point was intercepted in the end zone, leave the Cheetahs a 36 - 0 half time lead.

The Cheetahs received the ball to start the second half, and after gaining a couple of first downs turned the ball over on downs, but soon had the ball back after the defence force the Pumas to punt. Darren Shepsman scored on a 41 yard run, his first touchdown of the season, with Homer’s extra point attempt just going wide 42 - 0. The final score in the game came in the final quarter on Andy Crowther’s 44 yard pass to Ally Reid 48 -0.

Cheetahs MVP for the game where Rob Suttling (Offence) and Mike Butler (Defence)

The Cheetahs now have to wait until 25th July when Kent Exiles are the visitors to Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club.  The club are also looking to invite as many players from the past to this game as it will be the last of the regular season games this season.  For more information on the Cheetahs, please contact either Richard Barnes 07710 249300 or Giles Stevenson 01494 728371 or www.chilterncheetahs.com