Sunday 18 May, 1997
Final Score : Claymores 10 - 6 Admirals
Played on a day where the rain fell in torrents and players were slipping and sliding all over the place, it really is amazing any points were scored at all. This game could eventually come to be known as Mud Bowl II after the London-Barcelona game last season.
Game Summary : After the opening drives, which produced no scoring, Scotland settled down quickest marching up field for Kari Gronroos to open the scoring with a 22 yards field goal in under 7 minutes. Tight defense ruled until the Claymores finally allowed the Amsterdam offense down to the 32 yard line where Oliver Quass booted a field to tie the scores at 3. That concluded the scoring and excitement for the first half as Wayne Lammle missed a 40+ yard field goal in the final seconds
Admirals quarterback Jay Fiedler was intercepted twice in the third quarter but to no avail as the Claymores offense failed to capitalise. As usual in Claymores games in 1997 the fourth quarter provided all the excitement. Oliver Quass kicked a 34 yard FG with under five minutes to play and the travelling support was happy - but only briefly. The Claymores immediately came back in a drive which culminated in a 50 yard pass from QB Dave Barr to '96 World Bowl MVP Yo Murphy who scampered into the endzone for the winning score. Gary Parker converted his first kick at Murrayfield with the PAT and the Scottish fans went home happy for the first time this season.
Siran Stacy : Yes, he's doing again - breaking records that is. He carried the ball for a World League record 43 times for most carries in a game and also completed his 8th career 100 yard rushing game - also a record.
Defense : A solid performance from the 'D' unit even without injured lineman Keith Powe. The secondary covered well and allowed only 8 completions, noe for huge yardage. Apart from one slip the 'D' line was the same; the slip was allowing Ralph Dawkins to run for 35 yards (eventually stopped by Doug Terry). A greatly improved performance from the Highland Sting allowing only 197 yards on offense.
Offense : This unit played well and got all the glory with Barr's pass to Murphy but it still failed to capitalise on the other teams mistakes and on good field position. Numerous times did the Claymores get the ball around midfield and go on attempt a field goal. They need to improve their red-zone and offense from 30-35 yards. In their own end of the field they could be the league's leading offense; in the oppositions half, they could be one of the worst. This is eveident when the only touchdown pass comes from midfield! Still, it got us the win which is the most important thing!
Special Teams : Yet again the punting has been inspired but the place kicking has left something to be desired. Lammle has to be the best punter in the World League but his place kicking has been atrocious the last two weeks. Something to practice this week methinks. Returning has never been a problem for the Claymores; with the explosive pairing of Murphy and Smith returns of 25-30 are the norm. Congratulations must also be given to Gary Parker who botted the PAT with apparent ease - forgive me for having so little faith in you Gary!
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| Claymores | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Admirals | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
1st quarter: SCO - FG, Kari Gronroos 22 yd, 6:35. Claymores 3-0
2nd quarter: AMS - FG, Oliver Quass 32 yd, 2:08. Tied 3-3
3rd quarter: none
4th quarter: AMS - FG, Oliver Quass 34 yd, 10:52. Amsterdam 6-3
Attendance : 9071
| Boxscore | Scot | Ams |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 20 | 11 |
| Rushes-yards | 51-156 | 18-111 |
| Passing yards | 152 | 86 |
| Punt returns | 1-10 | 2-0 |
| Kickoff returns | 3-50 | 2-33 |
| Interceptions ret. | 2-20 | 0-00 |
| Comp-att-int | 13-21-0 | 8-21-2 |
| Sacked-yards lost | 2-8 | 1-8 |
| Punts-avg. | 3-42.6 | 3-39.3 |
| Fumbles-lost | 2-0 | 2-2 |
| Penalties-yards | 3-10 | 3-15 |
| Time of possession | 37:39 | 22:21 |
Rushing : Scotland - Stacy 43-144, Barr 3-(-2), Royster 2-12, Kaaiohelo 2-0,
Receiving : Scotland - Degraffenreid 3-34, Royster 3-24, Brady 2-21, Couper 2-20,
Missed Field Goals : Lammle missed 2 don't have the distances - sorry!