Furness Phantoms got their BAFA National League Division Two Central campaign off to a winning start last Sunday, as they defeated Morecambe Bay Storm 14-6 at GSK Sports Club.

In what is now named ‘The Battle of the Bay,’ the Phantoms continued to get the better of the side they defeated in both of their meetings last season.

After Morecambe withstood the hosts’ first drive, the Phantoms weren’t to be denied as Kris Raybould caught a short pass for the game’s opening touchdown in the first quarter.

With the extra point missed, Furness held a 6-0 lead.

The Storm weren’t able to hit back before half-time, due to to some superb defence from the likes of Alex Galbraith and Steve Soulsby.

Both teams committed several penalties in what was a stalemate of a third quarter.

That was finally broken when quarterback Joe Allington broke free and threw an improvised deep ball for receiver Raybould to catch and score his second touchdown of the afternoon for the Ulverston-based side.

A successful two-point attempt after opened up a 14-0 lead and although Morecambe finally broke their duck in the final quarter with a long pass to their slot receiver, their late onslaughts were thwarted by Furness’ defence.