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Cornish Sharks 7 – 27 Hampshire Thrashers
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 the Cornish defense glimpses
of what a long day it was going to be. Early in the second quarter he broke
through would be tacklers to score his first of the day from 24 yards out. The
blocked point after attempt meant a score of 7-6. The Thrashers defense 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 three 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 defense 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 third 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 defense.
Into the fourth 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. Dominic Williams giving the Thrashers a well earned
27-7 victory kicked the extra point.
The offensive line 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. Kick off is
at 2:30pm and entrance is free.