Match report
From the club's own report · By Christian Steward
In a match that was billed as the division decider, the Hurricanes defeated the Stingers in a hard hitting Battle.
The Canes, missing two of their star receivers, showed their grit again as lots of players dug in and played both sides of the ball. The Canes opened up the scoring in the first half after some good defensive play from both sides, with Cameron running in from short yardage for the TD. The score 6-0. The second quarter saw the Hert's offence dominate the Game. With some impressive power running from Ostrega (Who believed again), Bode Oyewusi and Dean Mason, the Canes soon increased their lead. Ostrega rumbled in from short yardage on 2 occasions for 12 points, with Richard Savage adding one point after. The score at the end of the half 19-0.
The second half saw the Stingers Offence and Defense step up to a new level. Taking advantage of a tired Hert's team, Surrey managed to drive the ball down to the Hurricanes 4 yd line. However Ostrega forced the fumble and the Force XII Defense recovered the ball. The next Stinger drive however was successful, with Ashaye running in from 7 yds. The score 19-6. The Canes immediately sprung back to life and the offence started to move again. After a great play by Dean Mason, the stage was set for another touchdown. Ostrega crashed in from 8 yds out and Savage added the extra point. Score 26-6. On the Stingers next drive, Running back Rob Scruby bounced out of a mass of Canes players for an impressive 53yd Touchdown run. The extra point was good, making the score 26-13. The Canes offence went straight back to work. A great drive was capped off by a touchdown. What seemed to be about 10 seconds after the touchdown, the ref decided there was some holding somewhere, I don't think he knew where, but he was sure he'd seen some! So the touchdown was disallowed and Hert's settled for the 30 yd field goal by Savage. Score 29-13. The Surrey Offence then put together a drive, which ended in a touchdown but failed to get the 2 point conversion. The onside kick attempt failed leaving Hert's with the ball. The game ended 29-19.
In a game with some poor officiating, (But we won, so I wont moan any more), the Canes proved that they are the best in the Division. All the team played well and dusted off any cobwebs from the Christmas break. Special mentions should go to Pete Hogben who played a great game on both Offence and Defensive lines. New guy Adam who had a good first day at safety, old man Dan Cornibert made an impressive return at corner back and Cameron for his stylish running moves that didnt fool the defense for a second. Solid performances all round from the usual suspects, Ostrega, Groden, Renshaw, Oyewusi and Savage to name a few. The Play-offs are getting closer and the Hurricane is building up force. Oxford next in what could prove to be a tough game.