Deady Stars as Royals Open Season With Thundering Victory

(All photos used credited to Paul Beard: http://ukevents.zenfolio.com/)

The Worcester Royals got the 2015/16 campaign off to a flyer on Sunday with the dominant dismantling of Staffordshire Stallions, beating the hosts 37 - 0 as they asserted superiority from start to finish.

Adapting to life in the Midlands Division 1A for The Royals was always going to be a hard task, but in a game where they scored 5 touchdowns on offense, forced 4 turnovers on defense and recorded a safety on Special Teams, it could be argued they got off to the best possible start.

The outstanding performer was the Offensive MVP, rookie WR James Deady, pulling in two TD’s on what was a memorable debut for the Royals.

The key to the game was whether the offense could establish itself, and do so early. The Royals running attack was rampant from the start with Markeec Butler and George Salter, behind some impressive blocking by the offensive line, escaping would be Stallions tacklers and putting up impressive yardage.

On the other side of the ball the defense was stifling, allowing only one first down for the hosts and forcing four turnovers, resulting in an opening day shutout.

After losing the toss Royals would start with the ball in hand and after recovering the kickoff they quickly set about running the football. The offense marched its way up the field, past Staffordshire defenders, only for a fumble to hand possession over to the hosts.

The defense came on needing to amend a rare mistake by the offense and they did just that. After forcing a three the Stallion’s punt team came on but after a dropped snap the Royals D got to the punter inside the endzone, resulting in a safety.

A second possession quickly followed for the visitors and was speedily turned into points. WR James Deady caught the first of his two TD’s from QB Kieran Salais, converted by kicker and special teams MVP Joe Tate, giving Worcester an 9 - 0 lead.

Looking to make another stop the defense made its way onto the field once more. Continuing where they left off Worcester stopped Staffs again with two monstrous sacks, one by Line MVP Ben talbot, forcing a second consecutive three and out.

The tone was set and the O took it upon themselves to stretch the lead. After making good ground up the field Salais found Deady in the back of the endzone as the Royals extended their advantage by 15 points.

Another quick three and out produced by the defense was complemented when RB George Salter punched in his first rushing TD for the club. The PAT was successful handing Worcester a commanding 22 - 0 lead at the half.

The second half would see the Stallions open with possession looking for more production from a struggling offense. The Royals were having none of it. ILB and defensive MVP Kieran Hawkes picked off the Staffs QB deep in their own territory returning it well inside the redzone.

Salter would quickly convert the fantastic field position rolling into the endzone to notch up his second TD of the match. Worcester would go for two and with Salais rolling out the pocket he spotted WR James Mcnally uncovered in the endzone, zipping the ball in his direction and converting to make the margin now 30 points in their favour.

Staffs had another opportunity to get something going but after good pressure from the Royals defensive line the QB threw up the ball for only CB Santino Boffa to collect. Following a charge of Royals blockers Boffa would eventually be bought down just yards from the goal line.

Second year receiver Matt Cole also took the opportunity to get his first TD of the season catching a pass, wide open in the endzone from Salais, who had a near perfect afternoon, lengthening his side’s advantage.

An uncharacteristic mistake from the Royals defense saw a Stallions receiver break coverage and their new QB, replacing the injured starter, connecting for big yards, venturing close to Worcester’s redzone for the first time.

The Royals defense were not happy and were itching to bring home the vital shutout. Safety Jack Smithies would see to that intercepting the pressured staffs QB deep in his own territory, assuring an early season clean sheet and making that now guaranteed Royals win that little more golden.

With a rolling clock the game came to a swift end leaving the Royals to savour what was a dominant victory from start to finish.

Players on both sides of the ball impressed, rookies got their taste of football and with no serious injuries to note of, it was the perfect start for Worcester who will now look to next week’s vital battle at home to Warwick Wolves.

The game kicks off at 1pm, and will be played at the Moors Playing Field, Pitchcroft, Worcester, WR1 3ED.

(All photos used are by Paul Beard, full album found here: http://ukevents.zenfolio.com/worcester-royals-vs-staffs )