Hitchin U16 55 v Datchworth U16 0

« Saracens Premier Rugby Camp | Main | Buzzard Rugby »

The Datchworth fixture last year was a well contested match. Hitchin knew they had improved and this was going to be a good test of how far they have come this year.
Robbie was leading the side and playing at his favoured position of open side

With Gary and George taken away by county at the last minute some changes had to be made. With greater squad depth than last season the changes were easy to handle.

Robbie opted to play into the wind which is always sign of confidence.

Datchworth kicked off and the ball was taken straight out by the wind, from the scrum on half way Hitchin attack and Will J enters the line. Will J links with Reggie who is half caught and passes to Dave, however the pass is hurried and Dave isn’t able to take it cleanly. From the scrum Hitchin are awarded a free kick for a wonky feed. Tom quickly releases Christie who hits 3 defenders and looks set for the first try. Christie is held up short of the line, Tom moves the ball to Joe who crashes through tackles for the first try of the game.
5 - 0
From the restart Hitchin take and move the ball wide. Great hands from Steve and Will A sets Reggie free. With nowhere to go Reggie makes ground with a touch finder. Datchworth attack from the lineout and the ball is worked wide to their right winger. He breaks the tackle of Ben and has the line in front of him. Robbie tackles the winger from behind showing great pace and saves a try. Will J picks the ball up after Robbie’s tackle and scoots down the line. He sees the cover defence coming across and cuts back into the centre of the pitch. He then sprints for the line leaving the defence for pace, a superb solo try.
12 - 0 Christie gets the conversion.
Duane took the next try after some great number 8 play from Christie. He picked up in the scrum and carried into the fly half. The ball was fed to Steve who could see his opposite man was still out of the game. Steve was able to link with Duane who hit the line from depth, he then pumped his legs and scored.
17 - 0
From the next restart Steve works the backs wide, Dave gets the ball in hand and sets off with great speed. A super tackle from the Datchworth fullback halts Dave’s progress. A scrum follows, and following the engage, Joe hit’s the deck. There is concern for a neck injury, but with a bit of ice Joe is back on his feet and hit’s the next scrum with great force. Hitchin are 10 metres out from the Datchworth line and on a number of occasions Datchworth give penalties away for being off side in the midfield. From a ruck Christie hit’s the line as first receiver, he quickly passes to Andy L who ships the ball onto Will A. Will rounds the first line of defence and then steps off the right foot to score a good try.
22 - 0
From the restart Steve takes the ball and gets the backs moving. Dave takes a good pass from Reggie and Dave makes a strong run up the field making 60 yards from the restart. From the scrum Steve takes a good pass from Tom. Steve allows the Datchworth 10 to rush up. Steve then steps the fly half and sprints for the line. Steve uses his strength to carry a tackler over the line.
29 - 0 Christie gets the conversion.
Ben then has two strong runs up the left flank. He is fed by Daniel and just tackles out 3 metres short of the line. Hitchin then camp in the Datchworth 22 for 5 minutes. Some strong mauling almost makes a try under the posts. Datchworth defend well and hold Hitchin out. The ball is then moved out to the left and Callum, with plenty still to do, stretches for the line. He scores a good try
34 - 0
The next try was scored by Dave. Taken from the restart Duane smashed the ball up into the defence like a runaway train. The backs then moved the ball out wide, great handling from Steve, Will A and Reggie, saw Dave turn on the speed and score.
41 - 0
Half Time.
At the interval Josh is spoken to about his play. In the first half he linked well with his backs giving great passes. In the second half the coaches were keen to see him take on the opposition with ball in hand. He hit’s a great line and makes 30 metres powering forward with strong legs, the ball is recycled and Andy L goes over for a great try.
48 - 0 Christie gets the conversion.
Datchworth make it clear that they want the game stopped if Hitchin reach 50. Andy comes on for his second appearance onto the wing in place of Ben. Andy has a strong run up the left wing. The ball is moved to Will J who cuts the defence. Will J is able to offload to Joe who scores by the posts.
55 - 0 Christie converts.

Game stopped after 40 minutes of play.

Man of the match was Duane for his work rate and ball carries. The side was led well by Robbie who is probably still smiling after victory over his old club. Will J your length of the field try was superb and will be considered for try of the year.

Work now starts for the Harpenden game, 7pm start Tuesday. The coaches are there from 6.30pm so don’t be afraid to pop down early.