June 5th saw the Hereford Stampede host the returning Swindon Storm on an overcast Jubilee Sunday. The first game was a close matchup between the teams which ended in a 9-8 victory to the Stampede. This game was built up for another close affair, with the Storm coming for revenge.
The game started much like a boxing match with both teams trading jabs and sussing out their opponents. After a few failed drives from the Stampede offense, the game kicked into life after a 40 yard punt return from WR JJ Spencer. This was then taken advantage of by RB Blaine Smith for a 30 yard rushing TD after breaking multiple tackles, with the games first score, 6-0 to the Stampede.
Swindon’s offense couldn’t reply to the opening score of the game and were stopped by the Stampede defense, which brought about the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Stampede offense looked to build on their opening score but a pass was intercepted by the Swindon Storm defense. This again resulted in a stuttered offensive drive by the Storm.
With possession back in the hands of the Stampede offense, everything started to click with both the running and passing attack on full display. A play action pass from QB Stephen Hall connected with TE Dave Seymour who found himself all alone in the end zone for touchdown number 2. A successful 2 point conversion extended the lead to 14-0.
Storm tried to reignite their running attack with possession back in their hands but were stuffed by the Stampede defense. This brought out the special team unit for Swindon who were forced to punt the ball away. The punt was caught by WR JJ Spencer who dialled up the play of the day with a mazy 60 yard punt return to make the score, 20-0 to the home team.
The Hereford dominance continued after two tackles for losses and a blocked punt by DL Dan Ellis, which was then recovered on 10 the yard line. With great field position the Stampede took full advantage gaining another TD through a QB sneak from QB Stephen Hall to make it 26-0. This brought an end to the half with the Stampede very much on top.
After the restart, the story was much the same with the Stampede defense forcing their will upon the opponent. Stampede LB Joshua Bolland forced a fumble which was recovered by DL Bernie Hackshaw. It was that man again RB Blaine Smith who converted the short field position after bullish blocking by the Stampede offensive line. A pass from QB Stephen Hall to TE Dave Seymour for the two point conversion made the score line, 34-0.
Both sides of the Stampede team were now in full flow. After a couple of attempts to get the ball into the end zone, Hereford QB Stephen Hall threw a dart to WR Alex Payne on a crossing route for his first ever touchdown. The score now 40-0.
The ball was back in Storm’s possession but it was going nowhere after a sack from LB Pete Smith and a gut wrenching tackle by LB James Sirrell. The Stampede offense was far from finished and produced a rushing touchdown through WR JJ Spencer off a jet sweep. WR Hector Kidwell took advantage of a high snap on the Extra Point attempt to run the ball into the end zone for a 2 point conversion.
The game was coming to a close but Swindon showed fight by forcing their way up the field. After the Storm’s best drive of the game the ball was passed long downfield on the right hand sideline only to be intercepted by Stampede DB Chris Morse.
One final score was secured by the Stampede after more aggressive running by RB Blaine Smith was finished off with a QB dive from QB Stephen Hall bringing the game to a close with a resounding 54-0 win to the Stampede.
Hereford Stampede now go to 3-2 on the BAFA 2022 season. Next fixture sees Hereford travel to Swindon where they’ll be looking to gain another victory.
Notable Performances
Touchdowns
2 – Jay Jay Spencer
2 – Blaine Smith
1 – Dave Seymour
1 – Alex Payne
2 – Stephen Hall
2 pt Conversions
1 – Jay Jay Spencer
1 – Hector Kidwell
1 – Dave Seymour
Interceptions
1 – Chris Morse
Fumble Recovery
1 – Bernie Hackshaw
Sacks
1 – Dan Ellis
1 – Pete Smith
