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 kick off 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 and 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 fourth the Thrashers offensive 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 third down by Alwyd Kosted gave the Admirals a long
fourth 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 add players and off field staff. For any details email info@thrashers.org.uk