U9s at St Neot's

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A good performance from the outgoing U9's.

The Frozen North.

Squad – Aaron, Aless, Ashley, Ben S, Ben W, Chris, Daniel, Frazer, George, Jack, Josh, Max, Oliver M, Oliver P, Taylor, Tom.

Nick and I arrived in shorts and T-shirts hoping for a beautiful warm sunny day, as it had been the day before. It soon became apparent that this apparel, and my request to Chris W to bring his gazebo for sun shelter, were mistakes. Thankfully a hoodie was in my kit bag. A chill wind and overcast sky kept us shivering until at least 2pm, but the Hedgehogs play warmed our spirit. Although they did not make it to the play offs, this was a far better performance than at the county festival.

Game 1
Hitchin 0 v 0 Newmarket

Some bad passing out of the tackle initially, brought back memories of previous matches, but gradually the outgoing U9’s tightened up and started to play to their full potential. Daniel burst dramatically out of a maul and made vast ground before being hauled up. Ashley made a good run but was halted by a high tackle. 0-0 at HT. Thoroughbreds, Newmarket started the 2nd half at a canter and began to threaten the line. ½ backs Jack and Tom, had been replaced by Oliver P and George, due to minor knocks and there was the rare sight of Aless having the ball ripped from her! A Newmarket break was halted by an Ashley special and Frazer was seen manfully mauling like a forward. Stalemate at FT, but we had stopped the losing streak from county.

Game 2
Hitchin 2 v 0 Huntingdon Stags
Ashley, Chris.
Now, a win! A superb run by Chris eased some Stag pressure and Tom went very close before seeking a pass which ended near the line. Tom also made a great tackle soon after. Ashley had a juggle, but controlled the ball well to score, 1-0. Our first try in 5 games! A massive Stag prop went bulldozing down the line and was pushed out just short. From out own line, a series of moves saw Ashley go clear and pass to Chris, who made it 2-0. Josh entered the fray after HT, but after a good run, he was forced into touch. Our big guys must learn to run straight next season and use their strength to burst through. Aless ripped a ball clear to let Jack make a good run, with Huntingdon being pinged for handling on the ground. The Hogs switch move was given a go, with Chris doing well. Jack went very close, hitting the corner flag. The stags went the length of the pitch, but heroic defence kept it 2-0 at the close.

Game 3
Hitchin 0 v 2 Olney

Various pronunciations of our opponents name were heard before kick off, but local knowledge allowed us to put people right. The first scrum resulted in an Olney player, seeing Aless at hooker saying in amazement “ That’s their captain”. The ref replied “That’s OK. The captain can play anywhere!” Poor tackling allowed O in, 0-1 then Chris made amends with a big hit. Aless had to come off after an unfortunate pulling of her hair. A powerful drive, with the big pack, made it 0-2 at HT.
Frazer and Ben W made good inroads after the break and Taylor blocked well at a lineout. Frazer intercepted and Ashley got into some mauling. Oliver P made a good tackle from Fly half and Tom knocked the ball away from an O player, leading to a good run from Oliver. Ashley rounded things off with a scragging of an Olney winger.

Game 4
Hitchin 0 v 3 St Neot’s.

Unbeaten St Neot’s were our final pool opponents. We remember Reece (?) well for his single hand demolition jobs in the past. And so it came to pass, on the Sabbath, Reece made a Holy Trinity. 3 tries which killed off Hitchin’s chances off making the play off. Tom, sitting out the game with head between knees (not feeling sick) was asked by Tony “what have you got down there? A Gameboy” “ No it’s my Playboy” said I in jest. Daniel, showing great commitment in the tight and the Bionic man, Ashley, did their best to halt the hosts and Oliver M had a good run. But who should tackle him? Reece. He also scored twice before HT. Aless tackled someone and the comment “’cos she’s a girl” was heard, for some odd reason. I suppose we do quite well with our girls at Hitchin, compared to the small numbers seen elsewhere. Reece showed his mauling skills too, before scoring again. Lots of Hitchin endeavour, but no reward. Ashley got Reece, dislodging the ball but Ben S was pushed sideways across the pitch and we ended up try less.

Biggleswade, (Bugleweed on spell-check!) went on to beat St Neot’s in the final, so there is a God. But Envy is a Deadly sin. Reece certainly looks destined for greater things.
For the hogs, player of the day….after much deliberation, Tony copped out and understandably gave it to the whole squad.
Cruncher of the day? Who else but Ashley. Soaker of the day was Tony, after the team continued the tradition of spraying him after the last match. Thankfully, the sun was now warming us and we were able to strip off a little!
Founder’s Tag matches and Bar-b-q next week. Dave Marshall organises and Glen Cooper is reffing. Don’t miss it!