Luton U16 14 v Hithin U16 33

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Josh on his return to his old club was chosen to captain the side and during the toss he was asked to choose which end of the pitch he wanted. Josh replied “doesn’t matter” to the referee. Like it !.

As it happened Hitchin started with the wind at their backs and it was clear from the kick off that it was going to be a tough day for handling as the bright low sun was in our eyes in the first half.
The first scrum of the match came early and it was clear that scrumaging was the order of the day. The front row of Josh, Callum and Gary were strong with great flat backs. Although Luton had Hitchin for size, Hitchin’s front row were far more powerful. Hitchin gained the 1 ½ metre almost every time. The first try of the game came from a great attack down the middle of the pitch. Daniel was standing deep off Steve’s shoulder, he took the ball and scored to the left of the posts. Christie converts. 0 – 7
After some scrappy play Hitchin again found themselves 10 metres out. Great service from Elliot and Steve saw Joe hit the line at pace. He showed the ball and stepped off his right foot to score under the posts. A well-taken try. 0 – 14
After a great performance in the cup last week I was concerned that we needed to take our game to the next level. The fact was that Hitchin let the game slip for a long period in the first half and at times looked to be chasing the game when we should have been in full control. Luton came back and scored a try out wide, a very good conversion was taken and the score was 7 – 14.
After pressure on our line we gave away a penalty. A quick tap from Luton saw their #8 drive over.
Half time 14 – 14

At half time the players were frustrated with their play, there were no changes so the lads could make amends. Luton is awarded a scrum 5 metres from their line. Duane puts the Luton fly-half under pressure and charges down the clearance kick. The ball bounces and Duane - like a kitten on a ball of wool - pounces, picks up and dives over for a great back row try (he won’t like being called a kitten). Christie again converts. 14 – 21
Callum and Robbie, who again showed great work rate in the first half, are substituted for Reggie and Reece. Joe goes to hooker and Reece into the centre. Reece has an instant impact with a great carry up the pitch linking with Gary, Daniel and George. Steve takes the bull by the horns and makes a break up the centre of the pitch. Like a sharp knife into rotten flesh Steve surges forward and links with Dave, who cut’s back and links with the pack. Reggie makes an impact putting in some great covering tackles. Luton clear their line on 3 occasions, making Hitchin attack from the half way.
After some pressure on the Hitchin line, Ben makes good ground with ball in hand. Will Anderson playing like a young Will Greenwood was linking superbly with his outside backs, at the breakdown Tom gave a classy pass out to Steve who worked the ball wide. Again the last pass slips forward.
From a penalty, Luton clear their line and kick to Will J. They wished they hadn’t! He dances up the left touch line like Jason Robinson (but faster), he gets caught 1 metre out and slips a great pass to Steve who showed superb support. Steve scores. Christie gets the conversion. 14 – 26
With 5 minutes remaining Hitchin find their stride, some great forward drives from Josh and Gary linking with Daniel and George. The forwards are once again playing as a unit. After a good period the referee blows up and shows a yellow card to the Luton centre. While Luton re-organise their back line Tom spins the ball wide, with a 4 man overlap, Steve turns on the gas and scores. Christie takes the conversion.
Final score 14 – 33

After the game the lads admitted they made hard work of the victory, but some of the offloading before contact and general backs play was brilliant.

Man of the match was George, a classy performance at #8 and a great work rate.

Christies goal kicking is worth a mention and was top class.

Training next Sunday, be there !!