U17 Hurricanes Storm Ahead Against Oxshott
Oxshott Royals 1 – 11 Worplesdon Rangers U17 Hurricanes
Sunday 27th saw the ‘Hurricanes’ hit the road for their first away league game of the season. This week the U17’s were somewhat closer to sea level at Cobham Rec, facing Oxshott Royals.
The corresponding fixture last season saw the Hurricanes end with 9 players and only just lost a very ‘eventful’ encounter. Foster, the Hurricanes’ influential mid-fielder, returned to action after completing the ban he gained from the above mentioned match. The large, wide, flat pitch at Cobham would surely be tailored to the Hurricanes style?
Usually slow starters, the Hurricanes didn’t disappoint and waited a few minutes before a very limp challenge (name supplied) at the heart of the defence saw a dangling Oxshott leg somehow loop the ball over the stranded Horton in the Hurricanes’ goal. 1-0 down 2minutes gone! Little did Horton realise that retrieving the ball from the back of the net would be only one of a handful of touches he’d get in 90 minutes. At the opposite end, Oxshott’s smiling ‘keeper was about to become the busiest person in Cobham!
With the exception of the start of the 2nd half, the next 88 minutes, mostly, belonged to the Hurricanes. Without playing at their fluent best, Hurricanes soon put daylight between the two teams and were 3-1 up with goals from Rodrigues, Alderton and Foster. As the first half ended with the team 5-1 up, Oxshott’s ‘keeper had spent 40 odd minutes either pulling off fine saves, bending down in the back of the net – or in the playground behind his goal!
For the second week running, the Hurricanes started their second half looking disinterested. It took five minutes of sustained pressure from the Royals to stir Worplesdon into action. The second half, in truth, was a complete mis-match. Hurricanes made full use of roll-on substitutions and numerous positional changes were creating chances from every angle. More goals and saves followed. Confidence was soaring and was turning into a swagger.
Direct running from Foster, Alderton’s slide-rule passing, jinking runs from Davies and Bennett all entertained half of the crowd at least. The ‘lightning quick’ Royle had, by now, left the quiet zone in defence to become centre-forward, adding to Oxshott’s woes whilst adding two more to Worplesdon’s total.
Rodrigues completed a hat-trick, Davies and Foster added one more a piece.
After attempting to score, usually from distance, Hutton finally succeeded and completed the scoring. He also secured £5 from his Dad.
Rodrigues 3, Alderton 2, Foster 2, Royle 2 Davies & Hutton
The Hurricanes’ defenders, although unheralded, continue to play their part as we try to launch every attack from defence and resist the aerial approach. Big thanks to Doug Flynn on the sidelines, he deputised adequately for our absent female admin staff.
Next League match Sunday 11th Oct Home v West Byfleet Scorpions KO 10am