Ipswich Cardinals 16 Kent Exiles 12IPSWICH Cardinals racked up their second win in a row at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich.

American Football:

Ipswich Cardinals 16 Kent Exiles 12

IPSWICH Cardinals racked up their second win in a row at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich.

After a dismal first half of the 2008 campaign including five losses from five games, the two victories have seen the Cardinals overhaul their oldest foe, the Norwich Devils and rise out of a relegation place.

Late in the second quarter Exiles quarterback Aaron Griffiths completed a short pass to veteran tight end Glen Boyle for the games opening touchdown. The extra point kick was missed.

Mixing short passes from quarterback Mike Peters with tough runs from running backs Paul Borstel and Don Candis, the burgundy and gold “machine” went into all ahead full mode ending in a stunning touchdown completion from Peters to his favourite target, Byron Washington.

The 6ft 3in receiver leapt above two defenders to snare the ball at the three yard line and force his way into the end zone. Troy Duporte's extra point kick fell just under the crossbar after a 15-yard penalty of over-exuberant celebrating of the touchdown.

The third quarter absolutely belonged to the host team.

Washington grabbed the go-ahead score, catching another perfect Peters throw.

This time Duporte was spot on with his kick and the scoreboard advanced to a 13-6 Cardinal lead.

Into the fourth quarter a fourth down at the Exiles five yard line saw the kicking team run out and convert, Duporte's 23 yard-effort soaring through the woodwork for a now 16-6 advantage.

There was a sour note was young lineman Kyle Clark received treatment for hip damage, leaving the field in an ambulance. The delay gave the visitors a chance to regroup but despite a late consolation score when Griffiths found Stewart Muir from four yards out, time was against them.