Sebastian Liggenstorfer reports on a disappointing day for the UEL American Football team in their first home game of the season.
Post-less and now also winless. Just as in the week before, UEL Titans had to play a game on a make-shift field without any goal posts. And just like the week before, the East Londoners ended the match with nothing to show for their efforts.
The Titans suffered a second defeat of the season in as many games, as the City Sentinels won 20-14 at Memorial Park.
The two team locked horns throughout the whole game, but a crucial mistake by the Titans on special teams put paid to their chances of winning.
The home side were set to punt the ball away late in the fourth quarter on their own 10-yard line, but a bad snap meant the punter did not receive the ball and the Titans were turned over.
The visitors capitalised on the Titans’ mistake, and scored a touchdown and converted their extra two-points to win 20-14.
The lack of proper posts meant there were no field goals and every ‘Point After Touchdown’ was a two-point conversion.
The game had started well for the Titans, as they forced the Sentinels to punt on first drive, but the hosts failed to get a good field position after they fumbled the ball.
The home side continued to cause problems for the away side’s offense as they stopped their running game and forced them to pass the ball.
However, both defences looked strong and a tight first quarter ended 0-0.
Make or break
The first scoring play happened close to the half time break. The Titans had a long drive to the opposition’s 10-yard line.
After three run plays by Tevin-Chockez Julius, The Titans faced a make or break fourth down to take the lead.
The play went back to Julius and he managed to force his way into the end-zone to give his side a 6-0 lead.
The Titans received the ball to start the second half, but a Sentinel defender intercepted a pass on the second play and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown to level the scores.
After a forced punt, the Sentinels were attacking again and after a series of good passing plays they scored their second touchdown to go up 12-6.
In the Titans next series, Rayon Johnson scored the second Titans touchdown after a couple of good runs to once again bring the scores level.
The Titans could have gone in front after they got the ball back thanks to an interception from safety Jordon Bolessa, but the hosts were unable to score a touchdown from the five-yard line.
With seven minutes to go in the game the Sentinels started their drive on their own five-yard line, but a bad snap forced a safety, giving the Titans an extra two points to give the home side a two-point advantage at 14-12.
The Titans got the ball back and only needed to run down the clock and gain a few first downs.
They failed to do so. Then came the decisive play. The crucial mistake on the punt gave the ball right back to City, leaving them with only five yards left to score a touchdown.
After an immense effort from UEL to keep the Sentinels out, the visitors converted from five yards which gave them a 20-14 lead and the win.
With their second defeat in two games, The Titans have now one week off to prepare for their next game against Greenwich, where they will seek their first win.