Hitchin U16 85 v Royston U16 0

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Hitchin's U16's lined up to face a Royston team that arrived early and appeared keen. The 11 players for the U16's squad were switched on both mentally and physically. Amos approached the U15's coach to ask for help and Paul and Freddy came running over keen to help us out. Then I have to announce to the lads that we can only field 13 players, including the two from the U15's, I won't print the reaction from those that were present

Mr John Drew the Referee got the game underway and immediately Hitchin were into their stride.

Try 1. came from Elliott, who was playing at outside centre. Good straight running from Chris and Josh meant that Elliot was able to use his pace and score on the left-hand side.
Hitchin then had a good period of forward drives in which the ball was being taken into contact, body positions low. After a few phases the ball was slowing up, forwards were standing out in the backs a little too much and not doing the hard graft. Strong words from Brian and myself soon fixed this problem.

Try 2 was scored by Daniel after strong runs from Tom, Ollie and Chris, Daniel receiving the ball 10 meters out, still with a lot to do. Daniel rode 5 tackles and reached out to score under the posts.

Try 3 came from a great switch between Tom and Steve with an off load to Ollie who was held up short of the line. Our guest Paul was in support to score under the posts with great off loading in the tackle.

Try 4 came from a sharp break up the blind-side from Tom. Paul is in close support and takes the ball at pace on their 10-metre line. He sprints up the touch line until the last defender does very well to hold him. In support is Freddy who runs round under the posts for a well taken try.

Try 5 was great team work and good handling. First out to the open-side with Matt cutting back inside, passing the ball back into the forwards, who recycle the ball for Elliott to take a good try.

Try 6 Duane takes his first of many from the restart and has a powerful run up the pitch using the hand-off to great effect.

The ball is recycled and Steve makes a strong dash for the line. Ollie who is in support is on hand to finish a tidy move.

Try 7 Duane makes one of his trademark tackles on the halfway. The ball is stolen and is shipped out via Chris who once again straightens the line. Steve uses his pace to round the opposition and score under the posts.

Try 8 Duane takes the ball from the kick-off and makes ground. Daniel, in close support carries the move on, until Josh, who would have been unstoppable, knocks on. Royston get the 'put-in' to the scrum 5-metres from their line. Our strong scrum wins a tight head and a sweet switch between Tom and Steve sees Steve take his second try.

Try 9 came from a very strong outside break from Ben who replaced Freddy. Ben used his leg strength to brush off 3 tacklers and scored under the posts. Tom drop-kicks the conversion.

Try 10. This came after a period of sustained pressure on the Royston line. Royston were asked by the referee if they wanted to continue with the game - every Royston player stuck their hands up and said 'we play on'. I remember last season against Twickenham when we were in the same situation, we opted to play on and it showed great strength of character. Royston had a scrum and their scrum half kicked over top. Matt scampers back dives on the ball and is met by two defenders. Matt stays on his feet and drives the ball forward until his support arrive, after a line out Ben finds himself in possession with the entire Royston pack bearing down on him. Ben uses his acceleration and blasts through 6 tackles to score a great try.

Try 11 came from the best period of play I have seen in a long time. Joe was involved in the move on 4 occasions.
Taking the ball into contact, Ben made good ground down the left side of the pitch then Duane with a strong run up the middle. Callum took a very good try, spinning out of tackles on his way to the line.

Try 12 After a good phase of play in which Josh crosses the line but is held up, Royston have a scrum on the half way. Hitchin take a 'tight head'. Daniel picks up from 8, goes blind and shows great pace by scoring in the left corner.

Try 13 Again started from our line, great continuity through the hands. The forwards combining with backs until Steve uses his pace to score in the right-hand corner.

Try 14 Ollie finishes a flowing move that showed a great awareness of space by Tom and Steve.

Summary
Thanks must go out to Royston who like us had players missing and had to borrow some U15's. Duane had another Lewis Moody type game making big hit after big hit with not a care for his own body. Chris showed great hands, perfect timing on the ball and made lots of space for others to score. My 'men of the match' were firstly Joe. Joe was everywhere, making the hard yards and giving great passes. Secondly Matt, who has not played much rugby but who showed a great understanding of the game, and considering he was on the wing had a great impact, coming so close to a try on a number of occasions. Well done all who played, my roast dinner tasted so much better than last weekend (so did the wine) !!!!

The referee gave the final score at 85 - 0 but it might have been more as 85 and 14 tries does not add up.

Hemel next week everyone at training Tuesday.