Under the Friday night lights, SGS PRiDE faced off against the Cardiff Cobras in a fiercely contested Severnside derby at Stoke Gifford campus. Despite their best efforts, PRiDE suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 loss, granting the visitors their inaugural victory against their South Gloucestershire and Stroud College rivals.
The match began with high intensity and rapid shifts in possession, as both teams vied for supremacy. Offensive drives alternated, with SGS PRiDE pushing forward only to be countered by strong defensive stands from Cardiff. The first half ended in a stalemate, 0-0, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the contest.
A standout performance came from PRiDE defensive end Denzel Boye, whose relentless pressure and key tackles frequently disrupted Cardiff’s offensive rhythm, turning momentum in SGS’s favor.
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The second half saw the intensity ramp up as both sides sought to break the deadlock. PRiDE quarterback Ash Bailey connected with Josh Wilson for a skillful touchdown run, putting the home side ahead. A subsequent attempt at a safety by Bailey, targeting William Freire, was narrowly thwarted by an impressive defensive tackle at the edge of the endzone.
However, Cardiff responded fiercely. After regaining possession, a Cobras player broke through SGS’s defense to level the score, and their kicker later secured the lead with a decisive field goal as the clock wound down.
Despite valiant efforts from SGS PRiDE in the closing moments, they were unable to reclaim the advantage, ending the game with a narrow defeat.
SGS PRiDE Head Coach Ben Herod reflected on the loss with mixed emotions: “It was a tough loss and the first time we’ve ever lost to Cardiff. Up until the defensive lapse that allowed their score, we were confident. Our offense moved the ball well but stalled in the red zone.”
Herod added, “We created plenty of opportunities but failed to capitalize, leaving the game within one score until the very end. Their ability to convert key plays ultimately made the difference.”
Despite the setback, the result secured SGS PRiDE second place in the division, guaranteeing a home quarterfinal against Northumbria. Looking ahead, Herod expressed optimism for future clashes, “It would be great to have a rematch with Cardiff further down the line.”
SGS PRiDE next face the Brunel Burners on Sunday, 15th February, at Brunel University Sports Park with a 12 pm kickoff, eager to bounce back from this narrow loss.