The Colchester Gladiators vs London Olympians (photo-gallery)

[Gladiators 28– Olympians 16]

On a hot day in Essex the Gladiators and Olympians squared up in an encounter between two 6 - 0 teams. The Gladiators won through with a sound win but for both teams it was a tough encounter.

The Olympians took the ball and drove deep within the Colchester red zone only for a hand off to go missing and the ball turned over. The Gladiators came out and took their trademark offence into Olympian territory before coming up short on 4th down.

Thus marked the passing of the first half until the Gladiators managed to convert 3rd and short and break their run into the Endzone. At the half the score stood at Gladiators 7 - Olympians 0

On the opening drive of the third quarter the Olympians finally hit pay dirt. However the Gladiators hit back making the score 8 - 14. Back came the Olympians and scored again. With the score at 14 all and not having seen the field goal team take to the field all day, Head Coach Warren Smart decided to go for a 2 point conversion.

QB Neale Canning took the shotgun snap and set up to throw only to be flushed from the pocket. Switching direction twice Canning was grabbed by the defensive line and as he started to go down spotted Folley Ogundele in the back of the Endzone. Before hitting the ground Canning swung the ball underarm style and looped the ball to Ogundele for the 2 pointer. The score was now 16 - 14 in favour of the visiting team.

Having cut out the outside play of the Gladiators offence which had proved so difficult to stop, the home team started effectively using an inside counter move which the Olympians never got to grips with. Soon the home team was back in front but the visitors had their blood up and were looking to put the pressure on. The score moved up to 16 - 21 and the Gladiators forced the Olympians to punt. After securing a second score and with time running out the Olympians could only try for glory.

The final score was Olympians 16 Gladiators 28. This looks like a match due to be repeated in the play offs so watch the return.