The Norwich Devils were defeated for the first time in over a year with a loss at fancied Kent Exiles.

The Devils started the game on offense but went 3 and out on their first possession, but a long kick by Devils' punter Ian Burchett and a big tackle by Daunte Saloy left the Exiles on their own 1 yard line. Next play, linebacker Steve Hoskins caught the Exiles in their own end zone for a two point safety. Two possessions later, with defenses largely on top, and Norwich facing a third and 20, Norwich quarterback Troy Schmidgall was intercepted by Exiles

defensive back Baron D'Anyangwe who returned it 41 yards to the Norwich 2 yard line where James Anderson made the touchdown saving tackle, but next play the Exiles went in front through running back Andre Becker's run. Mark Evans' extra point kick fell short to leave the Devils trailing 2 - 6.

In the second quarter Kent moved further ahead when quarterback Aaron Griffiths found receiver Richard McHugh with a 29 yard scoring pass, capping a 10 play 72 yard drive. Evans' kick was good this time to put Kent 13 - 2 in front. Just before half time Kent increased their lead when Evens hit a 23 yard field goal to leave the Devils down 2 - 16 at the half.

In the third quarter Kent thought they had scored again on a 5 yard run by Robert Stewart but it was ruled out for holding, and then Evans' 22 yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. The Exiles started the fourth quarter strongly with Stewart running for 55 yards on two carries to take the ball to the Norwich 5 yard line, and 4 plays later Griffiths went in for the score on a 1 yard quarterback sneak. Evans' extra point kick was blocked by Hoskins and then picked up by Devils cornerback Quincy McGill who ran the whole length of the pitch for a 2 point score. Although both teams had several more possessions, there was no further scoring in the game.

Norwich now face tough back-to-back games against the Sussex Thunder, travelling to Sussex next weekend before returning to Norwich two weeks later, playing at the Hewitt School on Sunday 22nd June.

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