BAFA Community League

IT was a tale of missed opportunities for Oxford Saints as they lost 14-12 to Cambridge Cats in a nail-biting thriller that went down to the final kick of the game.

Oxford struck first in the opening quarter when quarterback Scott Gallen found wide receiver Sam Armstrong with a 23-yard scoring pass.

Jonny Dover’s attempt to add the extra point was blocked.

Dover then had a 38-yard field goal attempt blocked as the first quarter ended.

Cambridge hit back in the second quarter.

A 16-yard touchdown pass from Jonathan Bowen to Everett Marshall levelled up the scores.

Steve Bright added the extra point to give the visitors a 7-6 lead.

Oxford snatched the advantage back in the third quarter with an electric score from Sam Armstrong – having his best day ever for the Saints.

He hauled in a long pass from Josh Randall and raced 63 yards to score.

A change of kicker for the Saints saw Adam Newman try for the extra point, but this too was blocked.

Cambridge regained the lead in the fourth quarter with a three-yard run from Bowen.

And Bright did what the Oxford kickers had not managed to do by adding the extra point to give Cambridge a slender 14-12 lead.

Saints had two golden opportunities to win the game but fluffed them both.

The Oxford offence had four attempts from the one-yard line but were unable to capitalise.

Saints then had a chance to snatch victory with the last kick of the game.

Newman came on to attempt a 31-yard field goal only to see his kick fall wide of the posts, and that ensured Cambridge emerged with the victory.

Saints’ next league game is away to Nottingham Caesars on June 5.