Shropshire Star

Shropshire Revolution stay perfect against Spartans

Red-hot Shropshire Revolution clocked up yet another victory as they continued the best start to a campaign in their 11-year history.

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Shropshire have won four from four so far this season.

A gritty 24-14 defeat of Halton Spartans extended the Rev’s record to four wins from four games as they continue to sit pretty at the top of the BAFA NL NFC 2 South.

Stephen Tonks’ team turned around an early deficit to establish a healthy lead, before then surviving a late Halton onslaught to improve their record to 4-0 for the 2017 season, clear of their rivals – most of who do have games in hand.

The Oakengates Leisure Centre outfit were told in no uncertain terms by Tonks to up their game following a sluggish start and it was the fight to secure a turnaround that impressed the head coach most.

“We weren’t at our best and I told the players at half-time they needed to dig deep,” said Tonks.

“Their response was just what I would expect and I couldn’t be prouder of them for going out and getting us the win.

“We’ve had a few close games recently and this result proves that we’re more than capable of fighting back.”

Kris Doody’s early field goal gave the Rev a 3-0 lead but that was quickly extinguished as the Cheshire hosts ran the ball from close range to power ahead in front of a lively crowd.

After words of encouragement from the head coach, the Rev fightback began with Mark Phillips landing a touchdown following impressive work by quarterback Alex Wake.

Shropshire were then quickest to react to a slice of luck as Wake’s pass ricocheted off a Spartans defender before wide receiver Chris Smith claimed the catch just inches from the turf.

He then lateralled on to Dan Codling to score from close range.

Veteran wide receiver Adam Harris, in his first season back at the club since a winter return, then followed up with his first touchdown of the campaign to have the Revolution a healthy 24-7 lead.

The hosts kept fighting and pulled a score back of their own in contentious circumstances. The officials awarded a catch inside the Revolution five-yard line when it appeared unclear as whether the recover had full control of the ball.

But despite late pressure, the visiting defence coped admirably to continue a 100 per cent record that spells well for 2017.

Shropshire’s defensive coordinator Tom Altinok added: “From a defensive perspective we were excellent.

“Halton made us work for the win – and credit to them for giving us one hell of a game.”

The Revolution return home to Oakengates on June 4, where they welcome Humber Warhawks (2.30pm kick-off).

The visitors have won and lost one from their opening two games – and both teams will be raising money for The Severn Hospice on the day.