ESSEX Spartans American football team saw victory slip through their fingers against the Watford Cheetahs, going down 19-14 in one of the team's better performances of the year.
In stifling heat, the Billericay-based Spartans travelled with a depleted squad and showed great strength of character to push the Cheetahs to the closing minutes, but were unable to claim their second win of 2013.
After a mistake-riddled opening quarter, the home team opened the scoring early in the second with a questionable aerial strike to take a 7-0 lead. As both teams struggled with the weather, the first half came to an end with the Spartans still only a score behind.
The Spartans' defence were in fine form, and an interception of the Cheetahs quarterback was quickly converted into points by the elusive Craig Willis. With Nick Mayer tacking on the conversion, the Spartans were level at 7-7.
Their joy was short-lived, however. The Cheetahs scored again through the air, but were able to convert thanks to Kieron Murphy's tackle of the Watford kicker, and the score read 13-7.
Murphy kept the Spartans hopes alive with a sack of the Watford quarterback in the final quarter, and while the visitors seemed to be struggling, the Spartans were beginning to take hold of the game. Willis broke free for another long score, and with Mayer again converting, the Spartans led 14-13.
Sadly, it was not to be, with Watford scoring their third passing touchdown of the game to regain the lead 19-14. Essex had a chance to win the game, but their efforts were in vain and Watford wound down the clock to claim a hard-fought victory.
Spartans head coach Marc Saunders said: "This was a great and necessary step in the Spartans road to winning games. Under tough conditions and with low numbers, every player gave 100 per cent effort and we were close to snatching victory."
"A solid practice next week should help us get closer to those elusive wins in our remaining games."
The Spartans next face the Milton Keynes Pathfinders away from home on August 3, with their final home game at Hannakins Farm on August 18.
For more details, visit www.essexspartans.co.uk
