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U12’ s Hurricanes v Swinton Lions

Challenge cup 10.12.2011

 Hurricanes go marching on!

 A convincing 4-1 victory against Swinton Lions sees Hurricanes into the next round of the challenge cup for the first time in many years.

 Up for the challenge despite being without Bradley Zazuum Smith their regular keeper a returning Kia Leonard (broken arm) stood in for the absent Zazuum as skipper for this game.

From the whistle Kai started accurately passing the ball out to both wings, something that had been lacking from their game in the last few weeks and so Hurricanes were able to create the first of many openings. Ben Crowther again looking determined up front was revelling in the service he was getting from the wide positions and although straying off side too many times the eagerness was clear to see.

Hurricanes gained advantage with a sweet move started by Kai who played a beautiful pass out to Mathew Whiteside on the right wing who in turn played in a cross that was gratefully received by Ben and dispatched accordingly. Swinton then brought the scores level when a long range shot headed goal wards.  Harry Grimshaw (stand in keeper) seemed to have it covered but unfortunately he could only parry the ball upwards into the net. It was the first time Harrys hands had touched the ball since kick off!

Hurricanes much deserved second goal again started by Kai who this time played in Elliot down the left flank. He looked up and playing a one two with Ben sent in a deeper cross that found Mathew unmarked inside the box, letting the ball bounce once he then riffled his shot over the keepers head to give Hurricanes a 2-1 advantage to take to the interval.

After having a great first half in the centre of mid field Josh Finney swapped his shirt for the keeper’s jersey and let his teammate Harry out from between the posts. James Murphy replaced Elliot on the left flank and he continued to press the Swinton back line sending in crosses and even a few shots on goal. Hurricanes were again in the ascendency with the back line consisting of Daniel, Lucas, Mason and a more than determined Ryan all standing firm against any Swinton attack. Could Hurricanes score more goals to put this cup tie to bed?

Of course they could, with this much domination and possession it was only a matter of time, another well taken goal from Ben to give him his 9^th of the season and another by Mathew to take his total to 7th gave Hurricanes a 4-1 advantage. The score line should have been more with Ben, Keane and James all  firing straight at the keeper when a little more composure was really needed (some people are never satisfied).

A really enjoyable cup match in which both teams played their part. Two fairly even sides but it was Hurricanes who will be in the draw for the next round and there opponents will be either De La Salle Devils or Swinton Lions bigger brothers the Jaguars both of these teams from division 1.

When all the team play like they did today it becomes very difficult to choose a MotM. Ben and Mathew both on the score sheet, Harry and Josh for stepping in when their team needed them (in goal) Lucas in the heart of defence putting in another solid performance, for his sheer passing ability Kai was in the reckoning. However there was one player who never put a foot wrong today and if only his 40yard run and dribble had ended with a goal it would have made this choice easier. Ryan (hot-shot) Curran tackled, headed, cleared, .dribbled, blocked and passed his way to today’s MotM award making it his second of the season.