thirdandlong.co.uk 27 Chicago Bears 21

Thirdandlong shock Bears in overtime...

It was 2 seasons ago when the Eagles last faced the Bears, beating them twice to take the division 4 title. In one season the bears have strengthened their squad in all areas, gaining promotion last season to join the eagles once more in another title battle.

The bears however have been installed as clear favorites to take the division 3 title, having built an extremely strong team on a seemingly small budget.

Going into the game at Myers Grove, Sheffield the thirdandlong boys were given very little chance after a disappointing start to the season of taking anything from the game.

Just 44 seconds after the start of the game however the 51,000 strong Myers Grove crowd was on its feet, as with just the second play of the game Davidson found french canadien Landraville for a 51 yard pass, and a 7-0 lead. The lead wasnt to last long however, as on the Bears first possesion Claud Mulholland marched his team down the field to level the tie at 7-7. For the rest of the quarter the thirdandlong eagles failed to complete another pass, whilst Mulholland looked dangerous, twice taking the Bears close to the redzone. With a quarter played and the scores at 7-7 it was the bears once again that looked favorites to take the game and their dominance of the first quarter was rewarded with the lead just seconds into the second, a 7 yard Mulholland pass to Lapierre. It was looking like a long day for the Eagles fans.

Davidson however had other ideas, as on the eagles next possision he fired straight back, levelling the scores at 14-14, launching a 60 yard pass with pinpoint accuracy into the safe hands of Landraville...the Bears defence look stunned as the Myers Grove crowd erupted. It was certainly game on...

The Davidson/Landraville partnership was to pay dividends again on the Eagles next possesion, as the linked for a 46 yard touchdown sending a clear message to the Bears that they were not here to make up the numbers, going into the half with a 21-14 lead.

Half Time 21-14

The third quarter continued to be a tight affair, with defences on top for the most. Despite a huge effort on the part of the Eagles defence to hold on to the slender 7 point lead, Mulholland found Campbell for a 40 yard touchdown. The disapointment was clear to see on the faces of all those looking for an Eagles shock win, and the Bears turned the screw - forcing the Eagles to go 3 and out on their next two possesions. However Mulholland couldnt make the territorial advantage count and this one was heading for overtime...

OVERTIME...

When the chips are down you look to your most experienced and talented players to step up and win you the game. In English international DAVIDSON the Eagles have one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and it was his partnership with Landraville that sent all those connected to the Eagles into raptures, tossing another huge touchdown for 59 yards and the win just seconds into overtime. The eagles had delivered an extremely important early season win...