Hurricanes Blow Hot Against Trents
AFC Henley Hurricanes U11s played their third match in two months against Caversham Trents.
A hot, sunny morning was the scene for the Hurricanes’ latest game. A cooling breeze blew across Cintra Park, but players and spectators were both glad of an early start. The recent dry weather had left the pitch hard and dry. Caversham Trents were in their now-familiar blue and white stripes, whilst the Hurricanes were in their yellow summer plumage.
It was the Hurricanes who found their rhythm first. Oscar looked in good touch on the wing, working with Will L. Gabe got the first shot of the game, but it ran wide of the target.
The pitch was hard, which made the ball bounce high, and sometimes unpredictably. Consequently, much of the action was in midfield as the teams battled to control the ball and create opportunities. Nicholas was in the thick of things, and when the Trents attacked, Gabe raced back to join Jack T in defence.
Casper and Shiva were passing well in midfield. Oscar’s shot was bravely saved by the Trents’ keeper under pressure. At the other end, Trents were awarded a free kick which was calmly saved by Harrison. Harrison’s long ball down the pitch found Oscar, who skilfully headed the ball over the keeper and rolled it into the net.
The game entered a quieter phase, where the Hurricanes saw much of the possession but were kept at bay by the Trents. Dominic, Adam and Shiva passed the ball well between them. Casper had one shot saved and another went into the side netting.
The second half began with Trents reinvigorated by their half-time oranges, coming out with purpose. An early Trents ball passed right across the Hurricanes’ goal, but there was no attacker to convert the chance. The Trents did force a corner, which was pushed through a sea of legs in the box and into the goal.
The Hurricanes looked to respond. Ethan’s powerful shot from distance was saved, and Ed and Oscar chased down another long ball from Harrison. When Trents were awarded a penalty for an inadvertent handball in the box, Harrison made a fine save. This time, the Hurricanes responded immediately. Oscar running the ball down the right, and Ed taking it past the Trents’ defence and scoring with an accurate low shot.
The Hurricanes had begun enjoying running down the slight slope of the pitch, and new goalkeeper Adam found it relatively quiet at the back. The game ended with a typically powerful Jack T strike from outside the area. Ed and Oscar were both influential up front, sharing the man-of-the-match award for their passing play.
Next week sees the final game of the summer season, again back at Cintra Park as part of the Berkshire Youth Development League.
