Shropshire Revolution hit back to set up crunch clash with Steelers
Shropshire Revolution bounced back from successive defeats to keep their play-offs hopes alive with a resounding victory over the Doncaster Mustangs.
The hosts turned on the style at Oakengates Athletics Stadium to run out 48-8 winners.
“It was an assured performance from us and I’m delighted that we have come back with a win,” said Shropshire offensive co-ordinator Neil Holtschke.
“No game is ever easy and Doncaster has been a Division One team for some time so we have to give them the respect they deserve.
“It was the confidence boost the team needed after two defeats in a row and this was exactly the performance the coaching staff were expecting.”
The Revolution raced out to an early first quarter 20-0 lead with touchdowns from Chris Smith, Mark Phillips and Matthew Dudley.
Doncaster, who sit bottom of the NFC 1 South Division, found it hard to put a drive together against a rampant Shropshire defence and struggled for the majority of the match.
In the second quarter, Phillips and Dudley grabbed their second touchdowns of the game, catching passes from Revolution quarterback Alex Wake.
Doncaster did get onto the scoreboard with a touchdown of their own but it was merely a consolation as Shropshire continued to dominate the game.
The Revolution backfield was bolstered by the return of running back Andrew Charman, who was making his first start of the season, and he ran in from close range.
Shropshire’s final touchdown was a beautiful one-handed catch by Adam Naylor, who is usually on the defensive side of the ball but has been utilised as a wide receiver.
Next up for the Revolution is a crunch clash with Sandwell Steelers at Oakengates on Sunday (2.30pm).
The winners will be favourites to secure a play-off spot behind runaway leaders Leicester Falcons.
Kick-off against the Steelers will be 2:30pm at Oakengates Athletics Stadium this Sunday.
