Hurricanes storm through County Cup preliminary round

The under-9 Hurricanes rose to the challenge of competing in the First Round
of the County Cup today, with 3 impressive wins.
All of the 12-strong team worked hard to get strong tackles in; cover the
width of the pitch; push forward; and make their passes connect with team
mates.

Team List: Will Leebrook, George Timmins, Jake Martin, Thomas O'Brien, Jake
Dowling, Leo Fertig, Adam Tyas, James Boyle, Matthew Simpson, Leo Cripwell,
Jack Burton, Freddy Verbruggen.

Match 1: MH Hurricanes 9 - Oakham 0
Tries by James (5), George (2), Will, Leo Fertig.
Strong tackles by George (as always), technically brilliant tackles by Jack;
and notable defence by Jake Martin, James, and Freddy. The team's
much-improved tackling this week was central to them keeping a clean sheet.
James & Jake M made strong runs & accurate passes, to help start the day
confidently.

Match 2: MH Hurricanes 9 - South Leicester 0
Tries by James (4), Jake M (2), George, Will, Leo Cripwell.
Another fantastic performance by the team, with some brilliant tackles by
Jake Dowling, Matthew and Will (who was critical in keeping our defensive
line wide, making hard tackles, and helped keep another clean-sheet with a
critical tackle).
The boys were much more confident in winning the ball in open play, and Adam
showed good initiative in this match to pick up a loose ball and run. James
made some great passes to team-mates, to put South Leicester under pressure.
There was some flashes of inspiration, such as when Fred made a strong run
before passing off to Will, who gained further distance before passing again
to Leo C, who strode home for his try.

Match 3: MH Hurricanes 11 - Syston 0
Tries by George (4), James (3), Jake M, Leo F, Will and Jake D.
The boys went into the last match inspired by Simon Dowling - with the
ambition to achieve a historic 3-match clean sheet; and with the challenge
to meet their 9-try performance of the first 2 matches.
The team smashed their target, reaching double-figures: some say it was 11
tries, some say 12. However, it was clear that the boys kept their 3rd
clean-sheet out of 3.
Jake Dowling led the charge with a crunching tackle, and the strength of our
defence (particularly in this match: Thomas & Jack) over-awed the Syston
side. Fred, Adam and Jake M picked up stray balls. Matthew Simpson pushed
forward confidently in this match, and strong running from George and James
helped the boys to secure another well-deserved win.

Steve, Simon & I were blown away by the fighting spirit of every boy in the
squad today, and we're proud of their attitude & achievements. Their
confidence is growing as they start to enjoy the tackling & asserting
themselves for the loose balls. They're organising themselves into a
better-formed line, and clearly bonding as a team.