Similar to the first game of the year between Kragujevac and Novi Sad, the ASVÖ Gladiators had no problems winning their away match in Ljubljana, as the Silverhawks lost their fifth straight in SELAF going back to last year. This time the score was 38-6 for the visitors from Austria.
Both teams had trouble in the game. The Silverhawks licensed several US-players from Griffoni Belluno to join them for this game, but in the end they were not able to put them to good use.
The Gladiators on the other hand were unable to keep a drive together in the first half, so they were depending on individual performances. Big plays from QB Bernhard Kamber helped them get a 22-0 lead before halftime. Manuel Houtz and Rene Muhr got a touchdown reception apiece in the second quarter, and Gerd Ladinig ran for a score prior to that. The Gladiators opened the scoring with a safety early on.
In the second half the guests came out stronger, playing better on offense and scoring in a more usual manner.
Manuel Houtz scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter, first on a kickoff return, and then on another pass from Kamber to clinch the win. The ‘Hawks managed a touchdown to cut the lead in the fourth quarter, but their lousy day continued when the Gladiators intercepted the ball on a 2 point attempt and scored on a safety.
“A clear must win for our team. We were not allowed to lose this, otherwise any talk of the Gladiators in the playoffs wouldn’t have been serious”, said Bernhard Kamber who led the Gladiators with three touchdown passes. He also challenged their next opponent. “My challenge to Belgrade – the Glads are glad to meet you in Rudersdorf, but unfortunately I have bad news for you too; there will be nothing to celebrate for you on your bus ride home.”