Bishop Stortford 15 v Hitchin 7

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Hitchin U16's arrived at Bishop Stortford (B/S) for the first time in a few years and were well aware that this would be a challenge. B/S have a reputation as being a competent side with strong links to the school and so we expected a tough challenge.

I had been in contact with Brian throughout the week and we were keeping a keen eye on events at school and county alike. Then came the news that two of our players were injured and out of Sundays game - our Captain Gary, along with ReeCe, two strong influential players. However this season we have a larger squad and a very capable Vice Captain in Daniel. Brian and I very quickly realised that we could still gather a strong side.

We all arrived at B/S on time and well turned out. It was clear to me that the systems that have been implemented for pre-match routine were still in place.

Daniel led the team onto the pitch and from the first whistle we came together as a unit and dominated every phase of play. I had asked for big tackles to make an impression and without hesitation Duane served up a bone crunching hit that sent shouts of recognition through the Hitchin supporters. Our first scrum was set up quickly and the front row of Joe, Callum and Josh were tight. It was clear that B/S could not cope with our hit and the referee made an early decision to reduce the impact of our advantage by bringing the front rows closer together.

After 15 minutes of sustained pressure and domination, the scores were still 0-0 we had given our all and come away with nothing. Steve at 10 and Elliot at 9 were controlling the game. Olly and Will carried the ball well into the centre, but our speed to the breakdown combined with the number of forwards we committed to rucks and mauls, meant that Elliot at times had to fight in order to release the ball.

After our domination B/S got the 'rub of the green' and scored in the right hand corner. Their kicker doing very well to secure the conversion, 7 - 0 down and our heads drop momentarily. After a period of sustained pressure they get a penalty in-front of our posts, an easy kick and it is slotted.

Approaching half time B/S get good possession, but there are two moments that start to turn the game. The first being Guy making a hard hit on his opposite number. The second, being when the B/S 8, their best player, breaks down the left-side. Regie comes across the pitch and hits the 8 into the crowd, with a superb covering tackle.

Half-time comes and I am still confident that things can be turned around, only 10 - 0 down and we have not released out attacking weapons in Will Jay and Ben. B/S have some luck with a mis-timed lineout, and find themselves close to our line. They drive us over and take the try. We realise that we should have been tighter after the lineout and regret giving away an easy try.

Shortly after half-time Christie comes on keen to get involved. A low pass is thrown his way and is knocked on. His anger is clear and the next time he touches the ball is after a sustained attack in which Andy and Daniel make good ground. Joe straightens the line and George and Josh clear out. Christie takes a sweet pass from Steve holding the ball in two hands, dummys and straightens, sending the B/S back line off to the left. The sea’s part and Christie glides through for a well taken try. The conversion scored and we are back in the game.

Attacks from Will Jay down the centre of the pitch spark life into the Hitchin supporters, but he loses his footing. Ben takes on three B/S defenders, rounding their winger, but his attack fails when the ball slips from his grasp.

After some massive hits Duane goes down with a head injury. Johnny comes on and straight away takes good ball in the lineout. A strong drive after a 'good take' sees us make 30 metres. Not getting the ball quickly to the back of the maul, means that we are held up and all the good work comes to nothing.

Strong runs from George and Daniel, off quick penalties, are disrupted by B/S counter rucking. We take the ball into contact too high and get turned over. Time is running out and frustration sets in. B/S makes a good break down the right side, their right winger has the line begging. Will Jay covers and forces the error.

The game ends 15 - 7, and it's clear that we missed a great opportunity to get our season off to a wining start. Positives that can be taken from the game include -

Our lineout functioned smoothly
The scrum - some might say was too strong
Straight running from the centres and a good control of the game from the half backs
Tackling was 50% better than last year

We move on from here, we get better and we refine out systems. A good start but winning is what we are all here for.

A big thank you to the lads who benched but didn't get on - looking forward to seeing you play next week.

'Men of the match' - Duane and Daniel -
Duane for his tackling and work ethic
Daniel for his leadership and work ethic