Three victories from three for Shropshire Revolution
Honest Shropshire Revolution head coach Stephen Tonks accepted that his in-form side will become a target after their flying start to the NFC 2 South Division season.
Revolution continued their perfect start by defeating one of their rivals for the crown this season, the much-fancied Chester Romans 24-21, as they battled from being behind twice before securing a winning touchdown.
The win made it three from three for Revolution, who backed up results against Lincolnshire Bombers and Halton Spartans with the close-fought victory at Cheshire County Sports Club.
A delighted Tonks said: “It was a fantastic game and I’m so proud of each and everyone of the players and coaches.
“We needed something big to beat a very good football team and on the day we delivered.
“We’ll have a target on our back now as everyone will be out to beat us.”
The Romans began their campaign with a 68-0 demolition of Crewe Railroaders and from the outset they put the Revolution on the back foot, creating a number of solid drives but were unable to get into the endzone for the touchdown.
The Revolution offence struggled to get the ball moving and after a number of punts Chester finally got on the board, running the ball in from close range.
Kris Doody converted a field goal to reduce Chester’s lead to 7-3 as the Shropshire offence began to settle into the game.
Revolution wide receiver Mark Phillips then produced a moment of brilliance, beating the opposition defensive back and heading 63-yards into the endzone from an Alex Wake pass.
Chester again fought back well to score another running touchdown and the extra point made it 14-10.
With the Romans pinned back inside their own five-yard line the Revolution defence forced a fumble which defensive end Adam Naylor picked up and took in for the touchdown.
It was turning into one of the games of the season as yet again the Romans refused to lie down, battling back to score another touchdown – this time from a short pass.
With just minutes remaining the Revolution created another excellent drive putting them in great field position.
Quarterback Wake found Andrew Morgan in the corner of the endzone for the game winning touchdown.
Defensive back Lee Burnside was one of the stars on the day for Revolution as he kept the Chester receivers quite as well playing a part on special teams.
The Revolution have a couple of weeks off before making the return to Halton Spartans on May 14 at Select Security Stadium.
