THE Solent Thrashers made a successful 400 mile round trip to Newquay for the start of the under-17 youth season.

Last year, Basingstoke quarterback Bruin White and the Thrashers made it all the way to the BritBowl finals in Doncaster, and ended the season ranked fifth in the country.

They are now looking to emulate this again this year, and will face the Cornish Sharks, Sussex Thunder and Swindon Storm as division opponents in the South West division.

In their opening weekend of South West division action in the Cornish seaside town, the Thrashers recorded their first ever victory over the Swindon Storm with a 32-12 victory, as White was in fine form.

The second game saw a great comeback from the Hampshire team as from 14-0 down they drew level and then won the game with a touchdown with the final play for their first ever win over the Sharks.

Unfortunately the Sussex Thunder did not travel to the tournament, and the third game was awarded to Solent as a 1-0 forfeit.

The under-17s next tournament is at Swindon on June 18.

Previous to this quarterback White and Overton's rookie lineman Ben Barber, who both played well in the Thrashers Juniors opening game of the campaign a 22-8 loss to the East Kent Mavericks at Ashford.

The home side scored on their first drive, but the Thrashers hit back brilliantly with quarter-back White marching the offence up the field and capping the drive off with a 55 yard scoring pass to tight end David Pepper.

East Kent replied to make it 22-6, by half-time.

Adjustments were made at the break and the Solent defence tightened up which led to a safety and two points for the visitors.

The Thrashers next game is their home opener tomorrow at Test Park Sports Facility (noon) against the London Warriors.