Nighthawks ready to swoop on division title at play-offs

Jul 30 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

MERSEYSIDE Nighthawks are heading for the play-offs after their 36-6 victory over Manchester Titans

With two games remaining and still at top slot in the North Division, Merseyside are now looking to clinch the Conference title and obtain home field advantage for the play-offs.

Nighthawks took the lead through Jason Elliott (Tight End) in the first quarter before racking up 22 more points in the second.

Linebacker John Allison scored on an interception return, while quarterback Tim Parr scored from a yard out of the end zone and running back Mike Banks grabbed a 16 yard touchdown of his own.

Being 30-0 up at half time, Nighthawks looked to control the game after the break and Banks added a second touchdown as his side ran out 36-6 winners – completing a double victory over the Titans this season.

Nighthawks general manager Susan Clark said: “I am so please with the victory today. It’s meant so much defeating teams like Manchester, who have often been a thorn in our side over the years. Now we can look towards taking the Divisional title and a much-deserved run in the play-offs.”

Defensive captain Sean Mooney, who was man-of-the-match, said: “I am just one of many heroes today. We've all trained long and hard for this and our efforts are paying off. I am so proud of my team mates after today’s performance. They have duly earned the right to battle it out for a place in the Championship final in September."

Nighthawks have a two week break before they head across to Blackburn to take on second placed Lancashire Wolverines in what will be the conference title decider.

Head coach Charlie Holland said: “We now have to focus ourselves on our next opponents and prepare for what will be a tough battle, but I am confident that we will go into the game with only one thought in mind – to win.”