Match report
From the club's own report · By Matt Coppinger
The return of the Hurricanes to the field in '99 started in impressive fashion as the Canes downed the Falcons 32-0 away from home. QB Alex Cameron once again kick started an offence inspired by the blocking of Tim Clarke, Anthony Fitzpatrick and the rest of the offensive line. Explosive running from Dawid Ostrega and Daniel Cornibert (both ex London Capitals) gave the offense it's much needed ground game. The defense was also solid with second year LB Neil White weighing in with 7 solo tackles.
The game started in a freak play when Kent's opening kickoff span off the kickers boot and recovered 10 yards down field by Kent. Kent went 3 and out and within seconds Cornibert took a handoff for a 41 yard TD run off a great run block by TE Mike Butler.
Kent soon settled and an excellent catch by their WR saw the Falcons move the ball deep into Herts territory. The Force 12 replied with some fearsome hitting and Kent were forced to punt. Alex 'Big Gun' Cameron wasted no time in hooking up with long time friend and London O's receiver Ben Smith for a 46 yard TD catch. Richard Savage converted the XP. Herts 13 - 0 Kent.
Rotation on the defense saw rookies Abe Savvaris, Harry Davison, Rajan Saini and Martin Waldinger make plays in succession on Kent's next drive. Once again Kent's quick short punt was fielded by Ben Smith and returned to Kent's 45 yard line. The offensive line found it's groove behind some punishing blocks. Bode Oyewusi and Ricaldo McDonald found running room as the Canes moved the ball. Another great catch from Smith put the ball at the Kent 5 yard line where rookie Oyewusi ran in to pay dirt. Savage hit the Xp to put Herts 20-0 up.
Kent switched to their passing game and soon ran in trouble. The defensive line were invigorated and playing some tough football. Indeed they led the defence in tackles as a unit. Justin Daniels had his best game at DT and Roli Savvaris was his usual force with 6 tackles.Pressure from the defense and a sack from Daniels put the Falcons QB under pressure. Consequently, the unusually quiet Mark King made a great pick and returned it 23 yards to give the Hurricanes the ball back. The Canes couldn't take advantage however and the half ended with the Canes cruising.
The second half saw plenty of action for the Canes new crop of rookies. Dawid Ostrega finally got his reward for some tough running with a 1 yard TD plunge as did Ricaldo McDonald from 5 yards out. The defense kept a determined Kent offense from seeing the endzone and Hurricanes rolled to a 32-0 victory. Notably the offensive line looked impressive as they opened holes for all four running backs and kept the sack column clean.
The Hurricanes now face division rivals Surrey in what will decide the division championship title. The green machine are playing at home and hoping to consolidate their winning ways.