Hitchin U16 15 v Hemel U16 7

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A great morning for rugby - bright and no wind. The game kicked off at 11:05 am and the referee was very clear on the kind of game he wanted. Hitchin had great preparation for this game, arrived early with plenty of time to warm up and run through plays.

Our first kick-off was just short and the high tempo start the team were aiming for was to come from the scrum. After some middle of the pitch play Hitchin were awarded a penalty on half way. A good kick for the line gave us a lineout 10 metres out. A great take from Dan was ripped during the maul and kicked free. The ball was worked back and Gary got the game started with a strong running break up the centre of the pitch, looking for the off-load. The ball was quickly worked right to Ben who pinned his ears back for the line, only being caught by two cover tacklers 5 metres out. After good pressure on their ball we get a lineout. A split line out sees Christie tear through the middle leaving 2 tacklers in his wake and scores a good try.
0 – 5

It was a day for the boot. Good kicking from Steve and great chasing from the wings Matt and Ben put lots of pressure on the Hemel fullback who dealt with everything very well. George, Gary and Callum rolled from a maul and linked well up the middle of the pitch. Robbie and Josh made ground leaving Joe to get on the end of a backs move and score in the tightest of corners. Rory Underwood would have been proud!

0 – 10

Kicking from the floor was hard as the planted foot was sliding, Christie needing longer studs. After the first half hour the game became scrappy and flat. Half time comes and we decide that the game must be lifted to a higher intensity. Robbie makes way for Duane who had been suffering from food poisoning (eating the dog’s food!). In the second half Will J covers and counter attacks on many occasions always adding a spark to the game. Elliot starts to get good clean ball, and when he does the team look much stronger. Reece makes good hits again having to play out of position in the centre and Reggie makes a solid hit on the centre, out wide. Ben gets the ball in space and sprints for the left hand corner, four cover tacklers sprinting across. Ben goes over for the try but to the surprise of the crowd and to Ben the referee gives a knock on, scrum to the opposition. After another flat period Josh hits the line 26 metres out and powers through numerous tacklers, using the hand-off and his leg drive to great effect. He even tops the try with a dive over the line (he’ll be living off this for years!).

0 – 15

It is clear to the lads that a bonus point is on offer, however as soon as that is mentioned Hemel mount a strong attack up the left side and a missed tackle or two leads to their first and only score. This was converted.

The final score 7 – 15 made the game seam closer that it was. A good league performance and a welcome win.

Men of the match for me were Gary for his strong forward play and Will J for great covering and attacking.

Congratulations Gary Baker for progressing to the final selection stages of the London and South East division.

Training on Tuesday. Game against Newmarket at home next weekend – let’s build on this victory.

OH! Nicki you must keep wearing your pink wellies!!

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