Hitchin 14 v Harrow 13

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Hitchin talisman Dan Squire scored all Hitchin’s points against Harrow on Saturday to record only their fourth league win of the season

Having been beaten easily in the corresponding game on the first league Saturday of the season the Hedgehogs knew that they had to carry on with the spirit from the previous weekend if they were to gain anything from the match.

Fielding a team with numerous changes from last week the home side was into early action putting the Harrow team under pressure. This pressure gained an advantage when Dan Squire was able to slot over an early penalty and put Hitchin in an early lead. Hedgehog mistakes then let the visitors back into the game with their own penalty goal to draw level.

The game settled into a war of attrition with both sides fighting hard to gain territory and provide an opportunity to put points on the board. During this period Hitchin were able to show their potential out wide with wingers Chris Martin and James Larman attacking at pace and asking questions of the Harrow defence. With veteran second row Dougie Brooker guaranteeing good line out ball and the back row of Baines, Barnett and Benucci driving on at ruck and maul the pressure soon told with a fine drive and a break which resulted in a try by Squire.

Further Hitchin pressure towards the end of the first half with skipper Vivian providing good service from scrum half resulted in a further penalty in Hitchin’s favour which Squire slotted over for a lead of 11 – 3 at the break.

Turning around with the wind and slope against them the Hedgehogs were aware of the need for calm heads and quality possession if they were to win the game. Outstanding performances by Brooker who pulled off one try saving tackle on the visitors’ wing and the decision ,asking of centre Mark Jennings, Aidan Barnett and Shaun Prutton gave Hitchin the upper hand for most of the second half. Dan Squire added to the score with a third penalty goal early in the second half.

The rest of the half consisted of two lapses of concentration by Hitchin when making unforced errors and allowing the visiting team the opportunity to score two un-converted tries to get close to the home total. Despite these set backs the young Hedgehogs held on for a deserved win which caused many smiling faces at Old Hale Way and a rousing singsong in the changing rooms at the end of the game.

Hitchin skipper Robbie Vivian said, “After the hard work put in last week and the changes this week we are now building a squad of players who are learning from each game they play and show great promise for the future. We may be relegated but our foundations are strong. I was proud of the boys’ commitment and attitude today.”. This observer would also like to emphasise the impact on the team by “Man of the Match” Dan Squire.

Team: Joff Lord, Shaun Prutton, Simon Banner, Doug Brooker, Hayden Perkes, Joe Benucci, Aidan Barnett, Dale Baines, Robbie Vivian (Captain), Dan Squire, Chris Martin, James Bull, Mark Jennings, James Larman, Vinnie Kevans and replacement Lee Sheldrake.