SGS Pride’s American Football coach, Ben Herod, expressed disappointment with his team’s performance despite their 14-7 victory against the Exeter Demons on the road.
Although the South Gloucestershire and Stroud College squad secured the win, Herod was clear that the quality of play fell short of expectations. Wide receiver Thomas Pande-Jackson’s two touchdowns were crucial in tipping the scales, but overall, Herod believes there’s much room for growth.
“It’s been a tough start to the season for us and other BUCS teams,” Herod commented. “Many players have been competing in back-to-back games since September, which has tested our depth. The team’s development has been impressive, but this was still a poor performance.”
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Despite the win keeping SGS Pride close behind league leaders Brunel Burners, Herod emphasized the need for a stronger showing moving forward.
With a break from competition ahead, Herod hopes his team can recover and return closer to full strength for the second half of the season.
The game started tight, but Pande-Jackson broke the deadlock with an electrifying 60-yard touchdown run. A subsequent two-point conversion attempt fell short as Owayne Montaque was stopped just shy of the end zone.
Exeter responded fiercely, earning a touchdown from Max Holland and an extra point by Luke Roxburgh to lead at halftime.
After the break and a motivating halftime talk from Herod, SGS Pride shifted gears. A 20-yard connection from quarterback Ash Bailey to Pande-Jackson secured the winning touchdown.
Beyond Pande-Jackson’s game-changing plays, Baileys’ consistent passing and Montaque’s powerful runs stood out. Defensively, Ellis Phillips was a constant presence, applying pressure, while JJ Aboagye’s tackling prevented Exeter from gaining ground.
SGS Pride will face Exeter Demons again at their Stoke Gifford campus on Sunday, February 1, hoping to showcase a stronger performance.