Hitchin U16 5 V Harpenden U16 27

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Herts. County Cup 18th March 2007

Hitchin were well aware that this was going to be the toughest game of the season so far. Harpenden having won league 1.

Hitchin chose to play into the wind and the game started at a high tempo. Hitchin settled into the discussed game plan and drove into a force 8 wind with strong runs for George, Joe, Garry and Josh. The forwards were working well clearing ball. In the first 15 minutes Hitchin won 5 penalties for Harpenden players lying over the ball and handling in the rucks. Each time Hitchin took quick tap penalties and drove forward. Elliot fed the forward runners well.

Hitchin were able to attack the Harpenden line on three separate occasions, but all the attacks resulted in Harpenden either kicking the ball long or running out of defence.

It was expected that Harpenden would use the wind at their backs in the first half more than they did. They ran a lot of the ball they had, with was not a lot. From a good move involving their strong running centres their number 8 went over for a try in the left hand corner.

0 – 5

Hitchin appeared stronger in the scrum with Josh and Garry working well. Andy and Christie in the second row were adding great support around the park. After the Harpenden score there were two moments of note. Christie took the ball from another penalty and hit into the Harpenden defence, sending their brave tackler flying. Duane made a massive hit on the Harpenden captain, who I’m sure will be rubbing his ribs better tonight.

At half time Hitchin were content but annoyed that they had not converted all the pressure on the Harpenden line. Psychology plays a massive part in any rugby match. With the strong wind now behind Hitchin I was very concerned that we didn’t relax and hope that the strong wind would assist.

My fears became reality early in the second half. Harpenden were now much more aggressive in the tight areas. Steve, Reece and Rauri made some great cover tackles, but the first up hits were slipping off and Harpenden were capitalising on this.

Harpenden went on to score two more good try’s, the first under the posts. The second was as a result of missed tackles and their centre showed pace and strength to score

0 – 17

Hitchin were aware that they had not faced up in the second half and were keen to put things right. Elliot (TANK) was being harassed at scum time and his feeds were affected. Hitchin conceded a number of free kicks which Harpenden were happy to run.

After some great running from Josh Andy and Reggie the ball was worked wide to Reece who hit the defence. After some good work on the Harpenden line and great pressure when they won the ball Harpenden kicked into the wind. Will J collected the ball and beat two defenders. The ball was sent left to Rauri who showed great pace and a strong hand-off to score in the left corner. Christies conversion attempt was a metre off.

Ben and Dave on the wings didn’t see a lot of ball and they were both required to defend for much of the match. With 20 minutes to go Harpenden had the luxury of making numerous replacements, all of which were solid players. Harpenden scored a good try out to the left with a two man overlap.

Steve received a heavy bang to the nose and was in a lot of pain, he was replaced by Robbie with Rauri switching to fly half. After the change Harpenden mauled the ball over the Hitchin line and scored.

Final score 5 – 27

Looks like a broken nose for Steve, he will have to work on the chat-up lines and not rely on good looks in future. A lot was learnt form the game, after some very one sided performances this season, it was satisfying to see that the Hitchin side can compete with one of the best sides around.

Training Tuesday at 7pm then East London next week. One to look forward to.