So, the beginning of another season for the Pumas started this Sunday and what a game it was.

As the players started turning up there was something in the air that felt a little different this season.

Portsmouth where heavy favourites from the off to get the win however little did they know it was going to be a fight to get that Win.

With the kick-off to the season away Joe Saunders received his first kick return of the campaign managing to dodge, duck, dip, spin his way to Portsmouth territory setting up the Pumas first drive.

Some great blocking upfront by the Pumas revamped Offensive line saw them grind the field and a great pass from this year’s Quarter Back Adam Hazelwood in his first start completed to Pete Lawrence converting on 4th down.

The Pumas would grind the clock some more and continue to keep pressing on the first drive only to fall short on a fourth down showing an aggressive offence system this year.

Portsmouth took to the field with their offence and went to battle against the Pumas refreshed Defensive system brought in by Defensive Coach Graeme Stears. This is when they realised that this game was not theirs for the taking and they would be working for any sign of a win.

The puma defence stood their ground forcing Portsmouth to punt. This would be how the first quarter would be.

The second quarter was very similar however on a drive that Portsmouth believed they had stopped the Pumas Offence Quarter Back Adam Hazelwood showed off his arm off placing a ball perfectly on a fade route to Wide Receiver Pete Lawrence’s back side shoulder in a place where only he could catch the ball.

Lawrence was forced out at the 2-yard line unable to just stretch for the score however it set up the scoring play.

The next play would see Rookie running back Dominic Chase take the ball in for the score with FB Stuart Petrie ploughing the way.

The extra point drop kick was blocked leaving the score 6-0 Pumas.

The half would end with the Pumas leading the game and a Portsmouth team stunned.

The second half was the same as the first with the third quarter being a defensive battle with the Puma defence causing Portsmouth all kinds of issues.

The Puma defence showing that their field was a no-fly zone as rookie Free Safety Ben Collier collecting his first interception of the season.

The fourth quarter was where things changed Portsmouth’s bigger squad where now for the first time able to take advantage as fatigue started to kick in for the small squad of the Pumas.

Portsmouth managed to run the ball in for the score making the game tied at 6-6.

The Pumas offence where forced to punt and Portsmouth had to run against a Puma defence that was still in the fight.

Portsmouth behind some smash mouth running managed to drive the field and take the lead 13-6.

With 2 minutes, left the Puma offence took the field within their own 10.

Hazelwood would be tackled behind the line of scrimmage taking a hard hit forcing him off the field. Backup Quarter Back Jonathon Stamp would take to the field.

In a last attempt on 3rd and long stamp would drop back and throw to the corner route but the ball would be picked off by Portsmouth. Stamp making a Touch Down saving tackle on the Pumas 3-yard line.

The Puma Defence went out again with work to do and fought the good fight however Portsmouth would manage to get in for the score.

This would be the last play of the game with Portsmouth leaving with the victory 19-6.

Offensive Puma of the week #10 Adam Hazelwood in his first league start at Quarter Back this young player showed great ability to lead his team.

Defensive Puma of the week Shaun Rabbitt he worked hard from the defensive secondary making some key plays.

 

If you would like to get involved or watch a game check out the Maidstone pumas on Facebook They train in Maidstone at New line learning, Boughton Ln, Loose, Maidstone ME15 9QL