The Blitz B team finished off their second season with an encouraging win over the Ipswich Cardinals at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich.

Coming off the back of a loss to Cambridge, which was a much closer affair than the final score would suggest, the game against the Cardinals was a litmus test for the Blitz for a number of reasons.

A win would see the Blitz equal their win total of the previous season (4 - 6) - arguably a greater feat this time round given the additional obstacles a nomadic team has to overcome – ranging from the foreseeable logistical headaches, to having to forfeit a game due to an unforeseeable issue at their temporary home field.

A convincing win would give some credence to the Blitz’s belief that they could be contenders for the division title next season.

A loss, however, would make the Blitz the only team to have lost to the Cardinals since July 2015, knocking the credibility of a team that proudly wears the Blitz name on their jerseys.

The Blitz won the toss and began the game like a team with all the answers. Two touchdowns in the first quarter behind the running of Francis Stewart and the arm of quarterback Chris Walker quietened the home crowd. The Blitz added a third touchdown early in the second quarter. However, a blown assignment and missed tackle allowed a Cardinals running back to dart into the end zone and put Ipswich on the board.

The second half followed much the same pattern with the Blitz dominating, but only able to convert that into two touchdowns, and Ipswich scoring on a long TD grab following a defensive lapse. The game ended 34-13, a convincing win to round off a solid season.

The off-season will provide the team with the opportunity to reflect on their recent performances, and to dedicate themselves to improving both mentally and physically for 2017. The team has shown flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball this season, and with a little more effort and dedication, the talent and potential is certainly there for a division-winning team.

The goal between now and the start of the next season is simple – return, recruit, commit and conquer! #TPBF