Thrashers kick start season against Admirals

Posted in: Hampshire Thrashers    By Darren Short. May 13, 2009 - 12:25:54 PM

Plymouth Admirals 8-78 Hampshire Thrashers      





Hampshire Thrashers season began in earnest on Sunday against old adversaries Plymouth Admirals with a 76-8 win at Winchester Rugby Club. Following a disappointing tie against rookie club Gloucester Banshees, the Thrashers were hungry for points and proved too powerful for the battling Plymouth side.

Thrashers Brennan Peterson on his way to the endzone.

The Thrashers offense was on fire from the first possession and some tough running from Steve Price and Tim Iles kept the defense honest allowing some stunning rushing from new signing James Smith who managed 83 yards and 2 touchdowns from 7 carries. The offense proved unstoppable when Nick Watson took to the air for 11 completions for 162 yards and 6 touchdowns, connecting with no less than 6 different receivers most notably Brennan Peterson (5 receptions for 52 yards and 3 touchdowns) and Rikki Lear (4 for 82 yards, 2 touchdowns).
With the first half almost over at 34-0 the Admirals shocked the Thrashers defense with a stunning pass play for 6 points and converted for 2 to finish the half with a score and were clearly looking to carry that momentum with them to the second half.

Peterson on the run.

Despite the fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude from the visitors, the Thrashers defense were relentless throughout the game allowing the Admirals only 2 first downs whilst producing 4 turnovers courtesy of a James Tildsley interception, plus fumble recoveries from Pete Macey, Paul Kelly and Darren Short. The second half ended with 6 unanswered scores including 2 touchdown passes from deputising quarterback Brad Sawyers to take the final score to 76-8.

Woods became the fifth receiver to score.

The Thrashers next game will be their first ever visit to the Essex Spartans in an inter-conference match up, this is sure to be an interesting encounter, with the Hampshire side undoubtedly confident following this weekend performance.
 




Images courtesy of John Egremont.

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