Scorpions Stung!
Worplesdon Rangers U17 Hurricanes 4 – 0 West Byfleet Scorpions
25th October 2015
The Scorpions from West Byfleet ventured onto the ‘slope’ yesterday to take on the high flying Hurricanes. In fact this was a table-topping clash as both sides were unbeaten.
The start was delayed as the allocated ref failed to show. No problem for the resource-laden Hurricanes as Mr T Dennis gladly accepted the role for the second week running, however Tim wasn’t quite as smart, this week, having only 30 seconds to prepare and borrow some boots. His performance was just as the previous week……very good!
The delayed start gave Worplesdon some added warm-up time which they used in novel fashion, incorporating the tennis courts on the lower slopes. This did raise a few safety issues not covered in usual risk assessment, which is always carried out by Binny and his coaching staff.
Losing the toss the Hurricanes found themselves kicking off in the unfamiliar territory of the ‘Summit End’ with the ‘Scorpions at ‘Base Camp’. A recent friendly between the two sides had seen Worplesdon win away 9-1 and it was the Hurricanes who seemed to assume this league match would go the same way!
Lethargic as ever from the start, Worplesdon were going through the motions as the Scorpions seemed to set out for damage limitation whilst trying to score on the counter. Without breaking into top gear, the Hurricanes were playing the better football as the Scorpions looked-on and held-out. Gallant defending, great goal-keeping and some weak shooting kept the game goalless, as the Hurricanes pressed for the opener and the tennis players remained vigilant!
The deadlock was broken on the half hour as Rodrigues gave the ‘keeper no chance from12 yards. Davies and Rodrigues soon made it 3 -0 for the free-running Hurricanes, who looked set for another big win as half-time came.
Three minutes after the re-start, the Scorpions number 7 rose un-challenged and headed against the bar from a corner. Byfleet had some impetus and the slope in their favour, could there be a way back?
Worplesdon responded with their accustomed stylish passing in all areas of the pitch. The Hurricanes were un-fazed and started to create chances at will but were thwarted by some stunning saves from the Scorpions’ ‘keeper and some strong defending.
Once again, any 50/50 ball in the Scorpions’ box went the defenders way and when the Hurricanes had clear sight of goal and looked certain to score, the chance went begging.
Clarke adding a 4th from inside the area and Flynn, having a goal disallowed for Worplesdon were the only times the Hurricanes found the net in the second half.
Worplesdon dominated the half with nearly all the possession and large parts of that were in the Scorpions’ box. The defensive unit of Williams, Dennis, Binfield and Capt. Habgood handled the long clearances with out too much trouble and through good communication were the starting point of some great football.
Dazzling wide play from Davies and Bennett, mid-field dominance from Clarke and Flynn, precision passing and no shortage of skill from Alderton, Foster and Rodrigues in attack made for a very pleasing spectacle.
The final scoreline could and should have been many more than four. West Byfleet had contributed to an entertaining match and had probably got a better result than hoped for!
Once again, a large crowd was bolstered by ever more senior citizens, rival Managers and coaching staff from other WRFC teams looking for advice and ideas in addition to seeing first-hand how it’s done!
The oranges made a welcome return but unfortunately Paul (Hurricanes catering manager) was reluctant to part with them until after the match.
Well done to the lads.
Thanks to all the fans.
Apologies to Onslow Tennis Club.