The ‘underhogs’ come out on top
Hitchin 2nd 20 – 6 Harpenden 3rd
Playing at home, Hitchin 2nd team knew they had to pull something out of the bag to get a crucial win. This match was not only a league fixture but also the 2nd round of the cup.
Newly appointed skipper, Joe Benucci, challenged the team in the first half by decided to go against the wind. This confidence paid of as the home side dominated the beginning of the game with a pack too powerful for Harpenden to contain. Tom Tidey was on form in the line outs, throwing the ball to Kieran at 2 ball. The Hitchin pack demonstrated impressive mauling skills with Jason Livings being the power house. The away team didn’t stand a chance with the ‘underhogs’ camped in the Harpenden half for 15 – 20 minutes and not letting up. The supporters witnessed an ‘almost try’ as Joe Benucci pounced on a Harpenden lineout ball. Despite taking it over the line it was disallowed by the referee who deemed it to be a knock on. Hitchin relentlessly piled on the pressure; getting penalty after penalty then, finally, Caldwell stepped up and slotted the ball between the posts to make it 3-0.
With 15 minutes to go in the first half Harpenden capitalised from some crucial Hitchin mistakes and successfully put the ball through the posts twice to take the lead 3-6 at the end off the half.
After a half time pep talk from the skipper, Hitchin were geared up to bounce back. The difference was definitely seen in the backs with impressive work rate from Callum Taylor and James ‘Pumba’ Drury tackling the opposition and cleaning out rucks at a very quick rate. Excitement came with powerful running from Christie Caldwell who brushed off the Harpenden defence and passed a good clean ball to Painter, unfortunately this did not result in a try.
Remaining 3-6 down and only half an hour left, Hitchin were beginning to lose sight of a win. Adam Howard and Jamie King linked up well but were unable to get through the Harpenden defence. The home side were desperately trying to drive the visitors back with props James Bolters and Sean Maginity making crunching tackles. However, it was only when the Harpenden Scrum Half failed to spot Joe Benucci grabbing the ball and scoring a long anticipated Hitchin try that the home team finally hauled themselves back into the game. Christie skilfully knocked it over for the extra points (10-6). The uplifted Hitchin side retained control of the game with great running from Ben and Samuel Underwood. Callum Taylor was playing some sharp rugby, making a tackle on the away teams inside centre, quickly finding his feet, ripping the ball and running it under the posts. Christie, without fail, added the extra’s (17-6.)
The home crowd were silenced when Adam Howard kicked the ball halfway down the pitch using incredible ‘Roonie style’ football skills and then dived on the ball. This was short lived as, for the second time, Hitchin were subject to a disallowed a try. Benucci, seeing a hard fought victory in sight, made one last hit on the Harpenden flanker. Pearce Maginity made a massive impact when he came on, making great tackles and linking up well with his brother Sean. Dougy Brooker had a top game until he broke a rib…but, showing true Hedgehog spirit, he bravely carried on and fought through the pain.
Christie finished off the game with an extra 3 points. A spirited performance from Hitchin 2s led Harpenden to leave the pitch empty handed.
Team Sean McGinnity, Thomas Tidey, James Bolter, Jason Livings, Kieran Barringer, James Drury, Callum Taylor, Joe Benucci, Adam Howard, Christy Caldwell, Samuel Underwood, Matthew Lippard, Michael Painter, Ben Phairasi, James King
Subs Dougie Brooker, Pearce McGinnity
Scores T: Joe Benucci (1), Callum Taylor (1)
C: Christy Caldwell (2)
P: Christy Caldwell (2)
Player(s) of Match 1. Christy Caldwell, 2. Callum Taylor, 3. Joe Benucci
League Tables