Monarchs rule

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

The London Monarchs head coach, Bobby Hammond, described his team's 11- 10 victory over the Scottish Claymores at Murrayfield yesterday as "one of the ugliest games I've ever been involved in.''

Few would argue with Hammond's assessment following a bizarre encounter which clearly illustrated the reasons why both London and Scotland have struggled to fulfil their potential during the first half of the World League season.

Between them, the teams combined for an extraordinary 12 turnovers, including a near comic three-play series in the second half which consisted of two interceptions and a fumble.

The Claymores were also hurt by penalties. Allen DeGraffenreid successfully converted a 46-yard field goal, only to see the kick ruled out for an infraction. His follow-up attempt was blocked.

Ironically, the margin of victory was the result of a penalty against the Monarchs. The kicker, Don Silvestri, ran out of time before trying a 48-yard kick. The five-yard penalty meant Silvestri converted from 53 yards away and in the World League field goals beyond 50 yards are worth four points. Both coaches accept that success will continue to elude their teams until they begin to eliminate their mistakes.

Inevitably, Scotland's only touchdown came from a turnover, the cornerback, Jocelyn Borgella, intercepting a pass from the London quarterback, Brad Johnson, then passing to his colleague, George Coghill, to score on a 26-yard return.

The only worthwhile scoring drive of the match fell to the Monarchs, Johnson throwing a 16-yard touchdown to the receiver, Larry Wallace, with less than three minutes remaining.