Hurricanes blow-away the Pirates!

( Hatfield, 15th November 2009 )

Hertfordshire sprang clear at the top of the Division on Sunday with a comfortable 24-0 win over the UEA Pirates.

After a couple of days of fierce weather, Sunday dawned calm and bright. But the visitors from East Anglia arrived to find a different kind of storm brewing in Hatfield!

After the opening kick-off, the Hurricanes defense quickly shut-down the Pirates first drive leading to a punt returned into Pirates territory. Powerful running by Adrian John took the offense quickly to the goal line, but the home team had to settle for a 5 yard field goal by Adrian Gumbs to open the scoring.

In the second quarter, two good drives were capped by touchdown passes from Alex Szabo to receivers Dominic Husbands and Adrian Gumbs. Gumbs also kicked both extra points.

In the third quarter, the aerial assault continued when Szabo again found Gumbs in the endzone for a second score. Szabo finished the day with nine completions for 132 yards and three TDs. Gumbs gained four receptions for 52 yards and 2 TDs. But it was the relentless ground attack that sunk the Pirates with the lightning of AJ (12 for 158yds), James Howell (6 for 62) and first year RB, Vincent Kanu (4 for 52) bursting from behind the thunder of offensive line, Steve Gregory, Jason Nueman, Ryan King, Daniel Gilbert and Iman Sharif.

The defense whipped-up a whirlwind of their own with Linebackers, Sharron Gill and Fab Gargiulo leading the charge with six and five tackles respectively. In the secondary, Chris Cowley and Tom Roberts both made interceptions, Roberts adding to the two he gained in week one. The defensive line, led by defensive captain Mike Wayans, who spent last year on the practice squad at Oklohoma University, dominated the line of scrimmage.

After the game, Hurricanes head coach, Jim Messenger, said: "The Pirates gave us a tough game today. They have an excellent squad and I'm sure they will be challenging come the end of the year.' He continued, 'I'm very pleased with the start to the campaign. Our veteran defense, orchestrated by Defensive Co-ordinator, Simon Hatcher, is delivering on the early promise. The offense, which is in a rebuilding year, is surprisingly good for this early in the season. We have had an excellent year for recruiting and I think there is much more to come yet from the whole squad."

Offensive MVP: Adrian John: 12 carries for 158 yds
Defensive MVP:  Fab Garguilo: 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 pass defense
Special Teams MVP: Adrain Gumbs
Game MVP: Sharoon Gill: 6 tackles, 1 assist

Next game: Hertfordshire @ Greenwich Mariners - 22nd November 2009, 1pm kick-off.