With the Manchester Titans, sponsored by the Manchester Printers celebrating their 10 season of football, they also were celebrating their 100th competitive game with a huge event at Salford City Stadium on Sunday 11th August. A double-header fixture with both the Junior & Senior teams playing, there was also Football America with their mobile store, a 50 foot inflatable assault course, a raffle for local charity Ciaran’s Cause and prizes and games galore. Live game commentary was provided by Caleb Jackson, who kept the crowd of several hundred thoroughly entertained with his knowledgeable play by play.
The Titans had several honorary Captains, former GM Tony McCulloch, former HC Olando Holman, and former player (and now Junior Coach) Allan Murdoch participate in the coin toss.
Merseyside won the toss and elected to receive. A good return meant they would start from their 44 yard line. However the Titan defense stopped 3 straight running plays for a total of only 3 yards and the Nighthawks were forced to punt. On Manchester’s first play, QB Alan Mead threw deep towards TE Chris Heap but was intercepted by Mersey CB Adam Stephens and the ball was returned for a touchdown. Titans DE Andy Burridge charged down the Merseyside kick attempt, making the score at 6-0. A holding penalty on the ensuing kickoff meant that the Titans would have to start from their 9 yard line but they moved the ball well, mixing the running of RB Nick Copley with Mead’s completions to Heap and a 22 yarder to WR Danny Caballero. However, the drive ended on the Nighthawks 22 yard line when Mead was stopped short on a 4th & 1.