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 Homerâs 33 yard field goal after the defence had forced the
Pumas to punt with gaining any yardage. The score soon increased with the Pumaâs
still unable to gain a first down, Andy Cochraneâs 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 Chilternâs 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 Michaelâs 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 Suttlingâs 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 Homerâs extra point
attempt just going wide 42 - 0. The final score in the game came in the final quarter on
Andy Crowtherâs 44 yard pass to Ally Reid 48 -0.
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