Match report
From the club's own report · By Surjinder Johal
After last week's awful conditions the most significant factor in this game was the fact that the Hurricanes had managed to get themselves an astroturf pitch. This was down almost entirely to the incredible work of Team President Anthony Fitzpatrick. Ironically the weather also improved markedly and it was to sunshine that both teams began their warm ups.
Cardiff began the game well, holding the Hurricanes on their first drive and then shocking the Canes with a long completed pass. The defense though regathered itself and stood firm. The Canes offense then took over with the jumbo pairing of Dawid 'Big Dawg' Ostrega and Asy 'The Truck' Ho beginning to gain significant yardages as the offensive line began to dominate. An outstanding diving catch by rookie tight end Mike Butler led to Ostrega scoring from close range.
The Hurricanes defensive line began following the example set by the offensive line and began causing chaos. The twin defensive tackle pairing of Roli and Abi Savvaris began to take control of the trenches whilst Neill 'The Exocet' Prothero had his most dominating game ever at defensive end. The Canes defense had been gearing up all week to counter the threat of Cobras star running back Owen Roberts but surprisingly he was used sparingly in the first half.
Hertfordshire's second TD came in the second quarter. Despite tight double coverage Alex 'Big Gun' Cameron put the ball where only Ben 'Disney World' Smith could get it. However it still had to be an incredible catch - but with Smith that is what one has come to expect. Dickie Savage added the PAT.
Behind, the Cobras had to put the ball up more in the second half. This was like feeding raw meat to the defensive line as Prothero, Savvaris, Savvaris, Daniels, Stacey, Ho, Waldinger and Steward ran amok. Behind them rookie Rajan Saini had an outstanding first start at middle linebacker. The outstanding defensive performer though was Steve 'The Slayer' Sayre. Yet another rookie, Sayre stepped up big, very big. Playing corner he not only took his receiver out of the game but provided tremendous run support. Despite his stature he made some huge hits, twice causing fumbles. He deservedly won the Game MVP award.
The biggest hit of the day though was reserved for Prothero who must have violated several laws of the land when he perpetrated an act of brutality on one kick off. The offense controlled the game in the third quarter as the offensive line controlled the Cardiff D. Among these outstanding performers there was yet another towering display from Huw 'The Stallion' Stacey, who must now be on the verge of greatness. Rookie Ricaldo MacDonald also stepped up in the second half contributing some big runs. Ostrega added his second score before MacDonald sealed it with a deserved TD. Savage added both PATs.
The Cobras scoring came late in the game when safety Graham 'G Spot' Scott picked off an errant pass an took it back the distance, avoiding some woeful tackling in the process. The Cobras deserved the score in any case. Head Coach Jake Box was in reflective mood after the game but will take solace from the fact that he took over a team in some disarray just a year and a half ago, took them to the playoffs and this year has taken his team to the final four. Again, he must be a contender for Coach Of the Year.
The Hurricanes now advance to their second straight College Bowl against Andy Sweeney's Loughborough Aces. The Aces will bring with them three players who made the All Time BCAFL team and pose a daunting prospect. However, this was by far the Canes best performance this season. Both teams will be ready.