Eirball.Football – Irish Australian Football Archive

Recap

A 3,000-strong crowd at Manchester saw a wild match which was won by a single point by the Manchester Allstars versus London Olympians. The Allstars jumped out to a 13-0 lead thanks to Quarterback Rich Bolen’s early pass to Jim Nendel and a 20-yard run by running back Nick Gough. The runners-up the previous two seasons, the Olympians hit back, however, as two touchdowns from running back Richard Dunkley, a QB-sneak by Paul Ware and a 37-yard pass from Ware to wide receiver Andy Smythe to leave them 25-13 up at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was again the Allstars on top as they finished as they started with touchdowns from Nendel (an 18-yard reception from Bolen) and then second-string cornerback Seymour Osbourne intercepted a pass to a Manchester receiver, returning it 12 yards for the tying score. John Smith converted the Point After Touchdown kick to make it 26-25 at the end to Manchester Allstars.

Scoring

1st Quarter

MA – Jim Nendel TD Pass from Rick Bolen (6-0)

Unknown Quarters

MA – Nick Gough 20yd Run (13-0)

LO – Richard Dunkley TD Run (13-6)

LO – Richard Dunkley TD Run (13-12)

LO – Paul Ware TD Run (13-18)

LO – Andy Smythe 37yd TD Pass from Paul Ware (13-25)

4th Quarter

MA – Jim Nendel 18yd TD pass from Rick Bolen (19-25)

MA – Seymour Osbourne 12yd Interception Return (John Smith PAT Kick) 26-25

References

[2] Anon. / Mark Lees (Ed.)(1987) “Results – Standings – Fixtures: Bud Playoffs / National Playoffs: National: Allstars Osbourne is the big play hero” First Down. August 22, 1987. pg. 16-19. Mediawatch Ltd. Charlbury, Oxfordshire, England, UK.