On Thursday night, following postponement due to bad weather back in January, Hitchin U11's took on the Robert Bloomfield Academy (RBA) Year 6 team in a close fought match under the floodlights on Hitchin’s 1st XV pitch. The event was developed as part of an ongoing schools programme that is an integral part of the LV= and HRFC relationship.
Although bitterly cold (for early spring!) a large group of spectators and over 40 players participated in the match. After some fantastic rugby the final score ended in a draw with four tries each - arguably the drawn try scored by a Hitchin boy with split loyalties, Thomas Adamson (pictured) being a pupil at RBA and playing for them on the night has subsequently been put right on the subject!.
This was the first of many events involving RBA, focussed on developing a strong relationship with them and a commemorative cup was awarded to RBA which will hopefully change hands many times over future matches. RBA are a very sports oriented school with both the head and deputy head being former Heads of PE at other schools and they are very active in driving the development of this relationship.
These two teams will meet again at the LV= Weekend (20th April), when RBA will bring their squad along for a joint training session followed by the return fixture.
Hitchin were also pleased to receive an invitation from RBA, to participate in their "freshers" event in September to help promote rugby and encourage pupils to join HRFC, in addition RBA are keen to offer some competition for our girls teams.
This was a superb example of a unique partnership in practice, LV= support of HRFC enabling the sport of Rugby to grow and develop amongst players of all ages and abilities.