Hitchin U16 49 v Ealing U16 5

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A late kick-off for the U16’s meant that most of the players had a good lie-in. By 12:30pm they were ready for the game. It was clear from the pre-match routine that the Hitchin team were up for this game, with one loss in the league and an emphatic win outside the league, it was a great opportunity to put down a marker.

Gary opted to kick-off. Steve placed a perfect kick just over the 10 metre mark and Gary collected the ball. The forwards flooded forward, the ball was recycled and sent right. Good hands from Steve and Will J got Hitchin close to the line. Hands in the ruck from Ealing meant Hitchin were given a penalty under the posts. Steve using the momentum took a quick tap and Reece used his power to score under the posts.

Christie slots the conversion. Ealing restart with a fine high kick, this is collected and immediately sent right. The ball is kicked through the line and Will Anderson sprints through and gets another boot to the ball. He follows his kick and scored a fantastic second try, 23 seconds after the restart.

Ealing then recover from the poor start and using their massive prop and handy fullback make their way up to the Hitchin line. Ealing send the ball wide to the right and find an overlap. A good try is scored and Hitchin are well aware they have switched off after a strong start.
Hitchin switch-on, and good forward work produces quick ball for Elliot. This results in a scrum under the posts in attack. The ball goes right and Guy takes a good pass, cuts back inside and scores a well taken try. Christie scores the conversion.

After strong forward play from the kick-off, Hitchin get a penalty on the Ealing 10 metre line. Christie kicks for goal but the ball drops short by 2 metres, but the momentum is back. After a short period of pressure from Ealing, Hitchin fight back and win a penalty under the posts. Christie scores the 3 points and the score is 22 – 5.

After great pressure on the Ealing line, they clear the ball and Hitchin get a line-out 10 metres out. Daniel takes a great catch from Joe and a rumbling maul trundles towards the Ealing line. Christie scores a great forwards try from the drive.

The second half is underway and Hitchin start strongly a great passage of play through the hands of Josh, Andy and George. This leads to a maul quickly approaching the Ealing line and Joe rolls off the side to score, but the ball is knocked from his grasp as he goes over the line.

After sterling work up the middle of the pitch by George and Joe, combining on 3 occasions, Hitchin knock on under the posts. Hitchin pressurise the scrum, the ball pops out the back and after a ruck Christie dives on the loose ball to score his second try.

After some great ‘go forward’ rugby from Ben he injures his knee and Tom M replaces him. Hitchin are controlling the match and there is one moment that lights up the crowd, with Christie hitting the line at pace, holding the ball in two hands, he sends the defence into disarray. After a ruck Elliott places a smart kick into the Ealing corner.

After a solid lineout the ball is worked out to Will J ,who now at fullback is cutting the defence to shreds. Will J sets up the ball and it is worked right. Who else but Christie is on the end of a good pass from Steve! Reggie is in support but Christie rides the tackle and scores.

After the restart and a good maul by Hitchin, Steve explodes up the blindside with exceptional pace and fantastic support from Andy, who takes a good try. It seams like a repeat of earlier but the next try is scored by you guessed it, Christie. He carries he ball in two hands and has the ability to flat foot defences. He has two in support, Josh and Reggie, but the line beckons.

Moments of the game that impressed the crowd were a massive tackle from Duane on the Ealing winger, who was lucky to stay conscious. The lineout work was spot on from the whole pack. When the replacements of Robbie, Callum and Tom came on, the intensity remained the same. Reece playing out of position was faultless.

“Men of the match”
Christie for being a point’s scoring machine!
Steve - for adding pace and drive to the back line.

A satisfying performance all round – well done lads!!