Red Bombers defeat Hurricanes in Atlantic Football League action

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Charlottetown, PE - The UNB Red Bombers defeated the Holland College Hurricanes 28-21 in Atlantic Football League action on Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown.

A UNB interception by Bobby Mcintyre in the first minute of play positioned the Red Bombers on the 'Canes 32-yard line. Quarterback Brendan Cornford went to work right away. Two quick passes put the ball on the two-yard line, and then running back John Morse took it in for the major.

On their next possession, the Hurricanes drove down to the UNB 30-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Once again Cornford went to work. This time he connected with A.J. Durling for the major on a 44-yard pass and run. The first quarter ended with the Red Bombers in command 14-0.

UNB added to the lead early in the second quarter. Precision passing by Cornford set up a 2-yard quarterback keeper and suddenly the defending AFL champions were down 21-0.

The home crowd was stunned, but Nick Hunsley brought them back to life when he hooked up with receiver Robbie Tufts on consecutive plays. Then on third-and-three from the UNB 14-yard line, Hunsley bolted for the end zone. The 'Canes were back in it, trailing 21-7.

The score seemed to change the 'Canes' fortunes. Before the half ended, Luke Williams pulled in a deflected pass from Hunsley and rumbled 40 yards for the score.

UNB took the 21-14 lead into the intermission, but Holland College had the momentum.

It would not last. A Hurricanes fumble early in the third quarter set up a pass from Cornford to Cody Stewart for a 35-yard touchdown. The score stood at 28-14.

The 'Canes got a break later in the quarter when Robbie Tufts picked up a fumble on a botched UNB punt return and ran it back 44 yards into the end zone. Alex Quinn's point-after made it 28-21. Despite their valiant efforts to tie up the game in the dying minutes of play, the Canes fell short. With the 28-21 victory, the Red Bombers moved into sole possession of first place in the AFL.

Cody Stewart was chosen as UNB's player of the game. Robbie Tufts took the honours for Holland College.

On the day, defensive halfback Jonathan Gallant led the Hurricanes in tackles and was selected as the APM defensive player of the game. Tufts, who had seven receptions on the day, garnered APM offensive honours.

Next Saturday the Hurricanes visit Dalhousie University Tigers at 6 p.m. The Tigers defeated UNB Saint John Seawolves 21-7 in other AFL action on the weekend.

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