WRFC U17 Hurricanes Do Their Club Proud – SPL U17 Cup Final, Sunday May 8th 2016
Fleet Town Colts Youth 3-2 Worplesdon Rangers U17 Hurricanes
SPL League Cup Final: Sunday 8th May 2016
Hosts For The Day: Godalming Town FC
Our U17s emerged as League Cup Runners-Up in last weekend’s fiercely contested match against Fleet Town Colts Youth U17, played out in searing 26 degree temperatures at Wey Court, home of Godalming Town FC.
Sporting their new orange and black away kit (thanks to sponsors Ramsac), the lads looked very much the part as they lined up for the pre-match photo opp.
Hurricanes have had a remarkable run this season, unbeaten in 20 League games in the SPL Premier Division and with an equally impressive Cup run to have found themselves in the Final.
The Harry Kanes 2016-7
The Players With Manager Binny (LHS) and Fitness Coach Rob (RHS)
Awarded a bye in Round 1, the Hurricanes went on to beat St Francis Sports 11-0 away back in November 2015. Their greatest triumph was beating this season’s Premier Elite champions, Claygate Royals Griffins 2-1 at home in the Quarter Final in February. This was followed by a 3-1 win at home in the Semis against Abbey Rangers Youth on 20th March 2016.
Both Teams Prepare For The Respect Handshake
Hurricanes got off to a very strong start, getting the first shot off before Fleet had really found their feet. Within three minutes, the lads went ahead 1-0 with a finely crafted goal from Foster. Hurricanes kept the pressure going for about 10 minutes, winning the first corner of the game too, before the heat took its toll and the match steadied into a more predictable rhythm.
Working Hard: the Players Had To Tolerate Temperatures of 26C
Hurricanes On the Attack….
After about half an hour, it was end-to-end stuff, with Horton making a fine double save in the 29th minute to retain Hurricanes’ slender lead, before both teams were pulled off for an enforced drinks break. Worplesdon took a booking on the run up to half-time, quickly forgotten as they created another excellent goal-scoring opportunity that was deftly tipped over the bar by the Fleet ‘keeper. To the Hurricanes’ credit, they kept their 1-0 lead and after an injury scare involving Binfield in a goal-mouth scramble, all the players were grateful for the half-time whistle.
….Here They Come Again!
The second half saw some great football but matters got off to a worrying start for Hurricanes, as they conceded the equaliser by Smith, five minutes in. Fleet scored again with a well-aimed glancing header by Stapelberg at close range about 10 minutes later, putting them 2-1 ahead. To Hurricanes’ credit, they didn’t surrender but by now the game was getting feistier by the minute. Fleet received the second yellow card of the game for dissent as the frustration mounted for both teams.
Tense Second Half
With about 20 minutes remaining on the clock, Fleet scored again, the Hurricanes undone by a long overhead ball that switched play and saw MoM Colfer beat two defenders, leaving Horton to face an unstoppable shot.
With an opportunity to regroup one last time during the enforced drinks break, Hurricanes gave one of their strongest performances in the last 15 minutes to try as they might and get back into the game. They dug deep and it was Dennis who added another to his tally direct from a free kick to bring the scoreline to a respectable 3-2 minutes before the final whistle.
Michael Colfer, Fleet Town, Man of the Match, Receives the Match Ball from SPL Officials
SPL Premier Division Hurricanes can take a lot of positives from this Cup campaign. They beat the Premier Elite champions to get to the Final, and were Runners-Up to a team that has finished the season second in the Premier Elite. All this augurs well for their U18 season at Premier Elite level, where they know they will be able to compete with confidence. Well done lads, you’re a credit to your Manager, your parents and to your Club.
The Hurricanes Receive Their Runners-Up Medals
Congratulations to SPL U17 Cup Winners 2016 – Fleet Town Colts Youth