Defending Northern Conference Champions North Lanarkshire Rams took on their perennial rivals, Clyde Valley Hawks in the opening fixture of the BYAFA 2005 season at Cumernauld on Sunday.
On a very wet day the rain was always going to have an effect on the outcome of this game. The game began with Hawks taking possession of the ball but they were unable to make much progress against the Rams strong defence. It was not until Clyde Valley's next possession that they were able to drive the ball up field behind some powerful running from Andy Reynolds and Robbie Porter. With the ball on the 18-yard line Quarterback David Orr took the snap, behind excellent protection from the offensive line, floated the pass into the waiting hands of Darren Murray for the opening score of the Hawks and BYAFA's season. Robbie Porter carried the ball over for the extra points to give the visitors an 8 - 0 advantage which they took with them into the second quarter.
The Rams continued to chip away at the Hawks and their determination paid off when QB Kevin McElhinney tossed the ball ten yards to Alan Martin to bring the score to within two points. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful still leaving the visitors holding a narrow 8 - 6 at the end of the half.
Although the weather brightened up in for the third and fourth quarters the game became a dour defensive battle with neither team able to make much progress on the slippery surface. The Rams had the more difficult job as Hawks' Gary Clark's punting kept the home side pinned deep in their own half, allowing the 2003 National Champions to claim their first win of the season.
