The Panthers defeat the Marines and clinch a play-off berth

Rome, May 1, 2010 – The Panthers defeat the Marines with the score of 33-32. The key play was a missed field goal for the Marines with less than 2 minutes left in the game. With this win Parma already clinched a play-off berth with still 3 games to play.

In the first half the Panthers went down by 15, but came back with a pair of TD passes from Craddock to Diaferia and had the chance to tie the game. The 2 points conversion failed and Parma went to half-time down 22 to 20.

In the third quarter the Panthers scored 2 TDs with Hay and took the lead 33 to 22. The Marines cut the deficit to 3 points with a TD run and a 2 points conversion. On the ensuing kick-off, Panther Hay muffed the catch, recovered the ball but stepped out of bounds in the endzone, for a safety. Down by one point the Marines had the ball back and the momentum on their side, but missed a 33 yards field goal. Parma then took over and, with a couple of runs, sealed the win.

Next game: Sunday 9 May, when the Panthers will host the Bolzano Giants (kick-off at 3.00pm CET).

BOX SCORE