Dreadnoughts leave it late to defeat Bobcats
A touchdown in the final quarter sealed a 16-8 win for the hosts at Hooks Lane.
The victory continued the Dreadnoughts' perfect record this season.
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Hide AdThey are now joint top of SFC South division two with Hertfordshire Cheetahs, who arrive in Havant on Sunday (2.30pm).
Head-Rapson said: '˜Being behind in the game is never ideal.
'˜That is the closest we have come to losing all season.
'˜I was confident the team would pull it back, though, and get themselves into the game.
'˜We were controlling the game and dominating on defence '“Â apart from one mistake.
'˜The problem is one mistake can cost you a touchdown.'
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Hide AdThe Bobcats opened the scoring with a field goal following a slow start to the game.
Linebacker Murat Gumus earned the Dreadnoughts a safety at the end of the quarter.
And after the break, the hosts took the lead. Wide-receiver Rich Bloomer ran the ball from two yards for a touchdown for 8-3.
The Dreadnoughts went behind again in the third quarter after the Bobcats scored a touchdown.
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Hide AdBut with the end in sight, wide-receiver Jake Smith stepped up.
He caught a pass from quarterback Stu Rees and ran 20 yards to the endzone.
The Dreadnoughts went for two extra points which they scored to end the game 16-8.
Head-Rapson added: '˜Hertfordshire are the toughest team and the best side we are going to face.
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Hide Ad'˜We just have to prepare ourselves mentally and I am hoping the Bournemouth result makes the team realise we aren't going to coast through every game.'
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'˜I do think the game was a little flat.
'˜Because we beat them quite easily last time we thought it was going to the same again.
'˜That was at the back of people's minds but Bournemouth had improved hugely and were better than last time.
'˜We committed a lot of penalties we didn't need to commit but Bournemouth played tough and well.
'˜They were unlucky to lose, especially by one touchdown but fortunately we won and came out on top.