University of Hertfordshire -v- University of Essex
Hurricane force turns up the pressure
University of Hertfordshire Hurricanes 51, University of Essex Blades 0
The University of Essex Blades were the latest victims to feel the relentless strength of the Hurricane force blowing from the University of Hertfordshire in the British Universities American Football League.
Whilst the Hurricane's offense again proved an unstoppable force, the defense provided the immovable object by recording their second clean-sheet of the season with a dominating performance.
Hertfordshire's defense was again led by outstanding defensive end, Emmanual Olakotan and rookie linebacker prodigy, George Gower. Olakotan had 4 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception and a blocked punt. For good measure he also returned the second-half kick-off for 25 yards. Gower racked-up 6 tackles, 3 assists and 2 sacks to add to his growing season totals. Also having a notable day were Adem Duran (4 tackles, 3 assists) and Thorbjorn Bengtson (4 tackles and 2 assists).
On offense, QB Joe Thompson was again able to pass at will behind the solid wall of protection provide by Juras, Binks, Bateman, Holland and King. Thompson hit four scoring strikes in partnership with receivers Andy Harrison (2), Nick Bagnell and Gareth Davis. The veteran runningback paring of Temi Oduyemi and James Howell carried 6 times for 64 yards and 1 TD and 8 for 102 yards and 2 TDs respectively.
Kicker Stef Rivera converted all seven extra point kicks.
Hurricanes head coach, Jim Messenger, said, 'We made a particular effort for this game to eliminate a trend we seem to have for slow starts. We certainly achieved that and never looked back. The players were very focused and put-in an a near-perfect first half performance. The work of the last ten weeks was evident in the results today. The challenge now is to maintain this standard and then get even better after the Christmas break.'
The Hurricanes now head in to the mid-season break with a perfect 5-0 record in the South Eastern Conference. Their next game will be on Sunday 12th February 2012 away at University of Kent Falcons. With the Falcons lying second in the division at 4-0, this crucial match-up should decide the bragging rights for the 2011/12 SEC crown.
