The Coventry Cassidy Jets were taught a stern lesson today as they were shutout for the first time since 2004. A 28-0 defeat at the hands of the London Blitz at Coventry Sphinx FC, also marked the first home loss for the Jets in a stretch of 22 games dating back to their debut season. Tony Perkins was one of few bright spots as his return went part of the way to filling the void left by the unavailable Kofi Campbell.
London set a frantic pace and blew the Jets away in the first quarter. Taking possession from the opening kickoff, the Blitz quickly drove down field with Gareth Dauley waltzing home from 33 yards to cap off a superb opening drive. Nathan Holt was perfect on the day and nailed the extra point for an early 7-0 lead. Jeremy Simms' 47 yard kick off return set the Jets up to get back on level terms but London's ferocious defence forced the Jets off the field without troubling the scoreboard.
Quarterback Fred Boyle led his team downfield in just 6 plays, hitting Michael Casper for 32 yards and a 14-0 lead just 9 minutes into the game as the Jets looked a little shell shocked. A turnover ensured Coventry's ensuing possession ended after just two plays. Edson Bras recovered Nick Jones' fumble to set up the Blitz on Coventry's 17 yard line. Dauley ran in his second touchdown of the game just 3 plays later as the first quarter expired with the guests coasting into a 21-0 lead.
Perkins entered the game to start the second period and his tough running earned 24 yards on 4 carries as the Jets moved the ball for the first time. The drive quickly stalled after just one first down but the Jets' defence finally forced the Blitz off the field, it didn't continue however, the Blitz's offence were soon back on the field, taking possession at the Jets' 27 after a short punt. Boyle hit Rod Bradley with just 9 seconds remaining in the half to extend the lead to 28-0.
Coventry's offence was no more effective in the second half but their defence stiffened enough to keep the Blitz from adding to the scoreline. London took the opportunity to get valuable game time for some of their up and coming youngsters as the game was out of reach for the hosts. The closest Coventry would come to scoring was Will White's 35 yard interception return, the defensive captain snagged a pass over the middle before being chased down at the Blitz 25.
An intentional grounding call handed the visitors the ball back as the two rivals traded possession. Perkins almost set the crowd alight as the game petered out, his 68 yard punt return ended in a turnover as the Blitz forced a fumble and proceeded to run down the clock. Head Coach Gerry McManus has just two weeks to prepare his team for a trip to the Farnham Fast Lane Knights as they look to bounce back.