The Essex Spartans vs London Olympians (photo-gallery)
[Spartans 0 - Olympians 32]

The last time the Olympians met the Spartans it was a physical encounter despite a comfortable win for the Olympians. The coaching team never doubted the realization of another win against the Spartans but the question was whether the defense had matured enough to produce a shutout.

Olympians received the ball on the game commencing kickoff and returner Toyin Dawudu ran it back for 31 yards. The subsequent drive met considerable resistance from the Spartans defence and ended with a punt. Spartans could not make much of their possession either. Thereafter the Olympians focused on the rushing game with running backs Seun Shobande, Chris Forrester and Adrian John making 10, 8, and 25 yards respectively. Receiver Kenny Bello also chipped in with 8 yards from a reverse play. It took an interception from Olympians DB Tosin Dawudu to get the scoring going when Shobande ran 22 yards into the endzone. Kicker Chris Davies nailed the PAT to give the Olympians a lead of 0-7.

Throughout the second quarter the Olympians defense were in total command and gave the Spartans offense very little time in possession. QB Neale Canning connected with receivers Bello for 10 yards and Davies for 57yards (40 yards after the catch). This gain was then rounded off for a TD by running back Adrian John - 19 yards. The PAT was unsuccessful to leave the score at 0-13. Before the end of the quarter, Olympians linebacker Michael Omeru forced a Spartans fumble to give his team possession. Receiver Folley Ogundele then ran the ball in for a TD and kicker Victor Olamide made good the PAT, 0-20. The Spartans came to life briefly to see out the half with rushing of 36 yards from their running backs.

The third quarter began with the Spartans receiving the ball but a fumble turned it over to the Olympians in very good field position. Bello rushed for 12 yards, rookie receiver Kevin Yiminyi took a catch at 11 yards and Canning scrambled for a TD but the PAT was no good - 0-26. The Spartans hit back with a 45-yard pass and 8-yard run but the Olympians defense held their ground and forced the punt thereafter.

The last quarter was rounded off with an emphatic drive from the Olympians, with Tomi Biberovic under centre from a midfield position. Bello on reception ran for 7 yards, Forrester and Shobande rushed for 3 yards each, Ogundele made a spectacular 4 yard catch from behind, Forrester ran for 25 yards, full back Alwyn Davis rushed for 5 yards and receiver Shaun Stillwell completed a reception in the endzone for a TD from Biberovic. The scoring ended thus 0-32.

Olympians game MVPs were:

MVP - Victor Olamide
Special Teams - Art Bakmanidis
Offence - Chris Forrester
Defence - Michael Omeru

The next stage of the season is the playoffs but this depends on the outcome of the outstanding game between the conference leaders East Kent Mavericks and Colchester Gladiators.