Match2 2008 - Cornish Sharks
Killer Sharks aFRAYed of Nick !!!
The Hampshire Thrashers continued their good form at the start of the 2008 season as they maintained their unbeaten home record at Winchester. In 2007 the Cornish Sharks had a fierce defense but the new look Thrashers offense took control and swept them aside.
In fact the first score of the day went to the Sharks as the same hoodoo struck the Thrashers as in Newquay last June. An early turnover gave the Sharks a short field and on the back of some good running took a 7-0 lead.
This proved the wake up call that the Thrashers needed as their rookie running back Andy “Nick” Fray showed their D glimpses of what a long day it was going to be. Early in the 2nd quarter he broke through some would be tacklers to score his first of the day from 24 yards out. The blocked PAT meant a score of 7-6. The Thrashers D stepped up to the challenge and the swarming tackling, aided by sacks from Ashley Wright and Nick Michael (sponsored by www.greekrichlist.com) engulfed the Shark attack causing numerous 3 and outs and turnovers. Fray was eager to oblige as he scored his second on the ground from 5 yards out. Heavy pressure from the D then caused a punt from the Sharks endzone, the result of which was a Safety after Manny Ferreira blocked the punt out of the endzone bringing the half time score to 14-7.
The Thrashers knew the game was still evenly balanced but began the 3rd at brake neck speed. A swift turnover allowed Fray to power in from 14 yards. His unique blend of ‘Thunder and Lightning’ was proving too much for a tiring Cornish defence.
Into the 4th quarter and the proud Thrashers defense kept up their amazing streak by stopping the Sharks 10 for 10 on third down, constantly giving the ball back to the offense. Nick Fray finished his day in style as he scored his forth of the day from 10 yards out giving him 200 yards on the day off 17 carries. The extra point was kicked by Dominic Williams giving the Thrashers a well earned 27-7 victory.
The OL made a significant contribution allowing the Thrashers ground game to clock up 263 yards and collectively picked up the Offensive MVP. In another strong performance Campbell Davis scooped the defensive award with among his highlights a momentum changing fumble recovery in a mature performance from the rookie. Without doubt the Team MVP could only go to one man; Nick Fray as he spearheaded a ground game that the Sharks were unable to stop.
The Thrashers will look to cement their lead in the division against another strong side as the East Kent Mavericks are the next team to visit Winchester Rugby club on Sunday 11th May. Kickoff is at 2:30pm and entrance is free.
