Close loss drops Privateers to 1-3

Despite a late-game aerial attack by the P.E.I. Privateers, the Saint John Wanderers’ solid running game proved to be the difference on Saturday.

[url]http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=345048&sc=99

The Wanderers edged the Privateers 24-21 in a Maritime Football League game at UPEI.
The Wanderers ran for over 300 yards — most of that up the middle — against a Privateers’ defence that was missing injured defensive tackles Donnie Mitchell and Kosala Gunathilaka.
The Privateers, who fell to 1-3, opened the scoring in the first quarter on a spectacular 109-yard pass-and-run play from quarterback Chris Mutch to Jeff Hillier. However, Hillier went out with a shoulder injury a few plays later and did not return.
The Wanderers (3-1) then started to grind it out, connecting for two touchdowns and a field goal to take a 17-7 lead into halftime.
They added another major in the third quarter.
Jonathan Haines, Charlie Harron and Reuben Turner picked up majors for Saint John. Jeff McQuade kicked the field goal and all extra points.
The Wanderers had little success in the air as the Privateers’ defensive backfield shut down the passing game. Richard Lush and Adam MacDonald picked off passes for the Privateers. Lush also picked up a fumble on the day.
A short but intense rain shower in the fourth quarter seemed to refresh the Privateers as Mutch threw a 55-yard pass-and-run to Josh Hamilton to set up another 20-yard pass to Mitch Murphy for a touchdown.
The Privateers went for two points and running back Dave Clark carried for the extra score.
After a solid defensive stand, including tackles in the Saint John backfield by Sebastian Ayangma and Keegan Scott, the Privateers took possession again and rolled to another touchdown with less than three minutes remaining.
Mutch repeated his early exploits as he again connected with Murphy for his second touchdown of the quarter.
The Privateers tried an onside kick, but the Wanderers recovered the ball and hung on for the win.
The Privateers have a bye this week, and will host the Fredericton Gladiators in their final regular-season home game in Charlottetown on July 10.