Match1 2008 - Plymouth Admirals
The Hampshire Thrashers opened the 2008 season with a home game against the Plymouth Admirals. Due to torrential rain the previous 2 days right up to the kickoff the field was always likely to limit both teams.
The Thrashers took the ball first and on the third play from scrimmage took advantage of a defense expecting a run as new boys Dan Storey to Ty Williams connected on a 61 yard bomb. Soon after the weather conditions reared their ugly head as the teams traded turnovers but it was the Thrashers again who were first to trouble the scoreboard as the same pair hooked up, this time from 23 yards.
The second quarter was a scoreless affair as both defenses created turnovers. Rookie Liam Telfer and veterans Paul Smith, Nick Michael (sponsored by www.greekrichlist.com) and Ashley Wright all recovered fumbles on the day to prevent the Admirals advancing anywhere near the Endzone.
The third quarter highlight was a 64 yard touchdown run from another rookie, as Nick Fray broke into the open field and tore off down the sideline to add a further cushion to the score. Fast thinking from Storey resulted in a 2 point conversion as rookie receiver Rich Hall was left uncovered to bring the score to 20-0.
In to the 4th the Thrashers O-line created a clear lane allowing Fray again to break away on the ground for a 27yard score, taking him beyond one hundred yards on the day. The Thrashers defense then turned the screw as a critical sack on 3rd down by Alwyd Kosted gave the Admirals a long 4th down on their own one yard line. The resulting play saw both Phil Price and Manny Ferreira converge on the punter causing him to fumble the ball out of the endzone for a safety for the games final score
The Thrashers know that they will have to up their game for their next visitors. The Cornish Sharks will be opening their season against Hampshire on Sunday April 27th at Winchester Rugby Club.
Anyone with any interest in the sport is urged to come down and watch the game, admission is FREE and the team is always looking to welcome new players and off field staff. For any details email info@thrashers.org.uk
