Fullers U16 54 v Hitchin U16 5

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A pitch inspection was required before the match and the referee decided that the pitch was playable. It was clear to Hitchin that the game was going to be a tough one. Fullerians were top of the league at the start of this match and had performed well throughout the season

Fullerians V Hitchin League Game
Sunday 25th February 2007
Looking at the Fullerians team it was clear that they were not a big side, which meant to the educated eye that their backs would be strong.

Christie was given the role of Captain playing at number 8 for the second time this season. Joe was again selected at inside centre given the role of making hard yards in the soggy conditions.

At the kick off it was clear the Fullerians had a very well drilled team, they were all very fast to the breakdown and when the ball was moved wide it was clear that first impressions were right, their backs were very sharp.

Daniel Scott jumping at number 2 took the first two Fullerians lineout’s against the throw, unfortunately the tap ball was scrappy for Elliot, who in wet conditions was then put under pressure. When the ball was moved out to Steve he found he was given very little time to move the ball. Joe took the majority of ball from Steve and made hard yards.

Fullerians capitalised on the conditions and the handling errors. When ball went to ground they were kicking the ball through and chasing as a line. Fullerians got a penalty early on and the score was 3 - 0.

Dave was playing fullback. I was conscious before that game that Dave was not a willing fullback. He is a great strong running wing, but he has not played fullback in the past. Dave had a great game chasing every kick through, going down on the ball and using his strength to wait for support. Throughout the game Dave saved Hitchin on a number of occasions.

Fullerians with 15 minutes gone began to use their backs. With a good fly-half shipping the ball early they were regularly producing the overlap. Speed outside meant that by half time Fullerians had built a healthy lead with a score of 34 - 0.

The halftime talk was simple, the lads knew what to do in the second half. Fullerians had peppered Dave with kicks through the line and long touch finders. Reece had a calf problem so Joe, who was also suffering from a tennis ball size lump on his shin went into the front row. Daniel Wheeler came into the centre, to partner another flanker Reggie. Will Anderson had twisted his ankle and within 3 minutes of the second half Ben was taken off with the same injury. Andy came onto the wing and made some great tackles.

For the first 15 minutes of the second half Hitchin were camped in the Fullerians 22. With scrum after scrum it was clear that Hitchin were the stronger in the tight. Christie picked up from the base on a number of occasions’ and made ground. Duane who tackled like a lion on the African planes was hitting everything. Hitchin drove over the line, but unfortunately there were so many bodies the ball could not be seen by the referee. After sustained pressure Hitchin won a penalty under the posts. Quick thinking from Tom and Elliot saw the ball moved to Daniel Scott who cleverly switched the direction of play. The ball was moved quickly through the hands for Reggie to score. 34 - 5

The second half was much closer. Fullerians were keen to spin it wide at every opportunity and they got their reward with more well taken try’s out wide.

The best player on the pitch was the Fullerians left winger who had speed to burn and got a handful of try’s.

A mention must go to the Hitchin forwards who throughout the match were strong at set piece. Josh, Andy and Duane tackled their hearts out and were leaders in the tight. Steve showed guts and a determination, running the backs with maturity. Robbie was superb playing out of position on the wing, making some important tackles.

Special mention must go the Daniel Wheeler, a flanker in the centre he showed immense upper body strength when taking the ball into contact. Callum threw into the lineout superbly and made numerous cover tackles. Final score 54 - 5 but I may have got my sums wrong !!

Man of the match for Hitchin was Reggie. He never stopped running and tackling and took a great try.

Congratulations to Fullerains for winning promotion and best of luck next year.

For those lads that picked up knocks please let Brian know so Physio can be booked on Tuesday night.

See you all at 18:55 Tuesday night.