Hurricanes Earn their Stripes Against Tigers
AFC Henley Hurricanes U11s made the longest journey in the division for a competitive match against Twickenham Tigers.
An overcast morning was the setting for the Hurricanes’ game against Twickenham Tigers. The parakeets squawked loudly in the trees, whilst the Tigers prowled below in their black and orange stripes.
After two minutes’ silence for Remembrance, the Hurricanes were first to settle into their rhythm. Nicolas won the ball well in midfield, and Will G twice shot narrowly wide. The Tigers did show their claws and were quick on the break when they had the chance. They were the first on the scoresheet, goalkeeper Harrison parrying the first shot but the rebound was shot cleanly into goal.
The Hurricanes responded quickly, captain Oscar had a chance to level which just evaded him. However, the momentum had shifted, and the Tigers forced the Hurricanes to defend. Jack T and Dominic were both committed in keeping the Tigers at bay. The Hurricanes needed an opening to get into the game, and found it when one of Dominic’s long throw-ins led to a corner. Some tenacious work from Oscar and Nicolas in a crowded box allowed Luca to get the ball over the line from close range.
The second half began with an early save by Harrison from a shot fired in from inside the box. The Hurricanes were soon in the driving seat; some accurate passing between Luca and new signing Josh set up Shiva for a fine shot over the keeper from the edge of the box.
From this point the tempo of the game changed as both teams tried to wrestle the advantage from the other. A Tigers striker scored a great individual goal, forcing his way through the Hurricanes’ defence to find the target. The Hurricanes responded immediately, Josh and Shiva again combining well in midfield and Oscar making no mistake from Luca’s cross. The game continued with punch and counter-punch: a fingertip save from Harrison and a goalmouth clearance by Jack; Dominic’s long throw-in to Oscar, whose cross was tapped in by man-of-the-match Shiva; a Tigers goal from a free kick outside the box.
This was another highly competitive game for the Hurricanes against opposition who defended stoutly and were skilful in attack. Their next game is a home fixture, so only the rather shorter journey to Jubilee Park required!
