Sunday 13th May saw Hurricanes take on 2nd place Claygate……

What a treat…..summer weather, cut grass and the win against 2nd place Claygate. Claygate came from nowhere early in the season and have raced up the table with solid results in the league. And our away fixture on that cold windswept pitch at the top of the M3 had ended in our first ever 0-0 draw in spite of both teams going for it for 80 minutes.

With Alfie, Morgan and Nathan injured (get better soon) and Billy preparing for a GCSE tomorrow (good luck), 13 Hurricanes took on the league runner ups at Frogmore. A win for Finch would take them to 5th above Burpham and give them a shot at 3rd or 4th on the final game of the season next week.

The Hurricanes were focused in the warm up and got off to a strong start with a big focus on pressing and passing. The smaller pitch and the big centre back made it difficult for Finch to create a clear chance. Ben A was called into action to deflect a ground shot bound for the far post, and their keeper tipped Ollie’s headed chance over the bar minutes later. 

The passing football was working wonders, getting the ball away from danger and creating opportunities down both wings. A step change from recent games. Ollie broke the deadlock with a long range shot which took a big deflection into the back of the net when Claygate couldn’t clear the ball.

The Swans got the equaliser from a header and took the lead with a curling shot from the outside the area after a corner wasn’t cleared far enough. But the Hurricanes continued to play as a team, passing confidently, pressing hard and attacking in numbers. Henry got the equaliser in a scrambled corner to make it 2-2. And a long range shot from Adam beat the keeper but rattled the cross bar, Finch got the rub of the green for a change when the ball dropped to Sam to put away the winner 3-2.

There were more chances in the game but the Claygate keeper did well to keep the visitors in the game. Across the team they played brilliantly. The Hurricanes defensive unit was superb, lead by Jacob and Marcus. It all came together today and hopefully they can continue this into the final game of this brilliant season in the Premier division. 

The 3 points have put them level with Abbey (but behind on goal difference) and guarantees at least 5th place finish (bang in the middle of the table). Both teams on 23 points and both with a final game against Teddington still to play to close out the season. Haslemere are currently in 3rd on 25 points, probably very worried that 2 teams are on their tails. Abbey play their game on Tuesday, so it is technically possible for Finch to finish 3rd if Teddington draw or win, and Finch win on Sunday. So all to play for!!

So next Sunday th Hurricanes travel to Teddington to finish the 2017-2018 season. 

Congratulations Hurricanes.