CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The Holland College Hurricanes dropped a 30-16 decision Saturday to the UNB Fredericton Red Bombers in Atlantic Football League action.
the Hurricanes defence started slowly for the Hurricanes as a result of the injuries that have haunted their starting lineup. Early in the first quarter, UNB scored off a 20-yard off-tackle run that should have been handled by the Hurricanes defence.
The Bombers added a field goal later in the quarter.
The Hurricanes offence started making plays and before the end of the first half Connor Cruichshank scored a field goal, making it 10-3 at halftime.
The Bombers took advantage of good field position in the third quarter and added a touchdown to make it 17-3. The Hurricanes made some adjustments and rallied, with Brady Crowe scoring a rushing touchdown from the Bombers one-yard line.
Just when the ’Canes were playing well on both sides of the ball, the Bombers returned a Holland College punt for a major, making it 23-9.
Late in the fourth, Crowe hit receiver Matthew-Uriah Kaye-Mitchell for a 25-yard touchdow, bringing the score to 23-16 for the Bombers.
With less than two minutes to play, the ’Canes were trying to tie the game but failed to score on three passing attempts. The Hurricanes could not hold off the Bombers last attack, with the hometown squad scoring a major with 30 seconds left.
The Bombers improved to 3-2 while the Hurricanes are 2-3. The two teams meet Sunday at 1 p.m. on MacAdam Field at UPEI Canada Games Place in the final game of the regular season.
“The ’Canes defence and special teams need to make some adjustments this week to prepare to make up for the defeat,” said Hurricanes head coach Ross Young. “Our offence showed signs of a strong run and pass game and we are looking forward to a rematch this weekend. We will need to make some personnel adjustments and work on our execution. If we prepare well and fix our mistakes, we will beat the Bombers.”
