Barnet U17's 3 v Hitchin U17's 31

« Stockwood Park 22 Hitchin 39 | Main | A warm welcome to St. Neots despite the weather »

Having not played Barnet for 2 years Hitchin didn’t know what to expect. Weather conditions were poor, a cross wind and heavy rain meant that Hitchin were going to have to play a tight forward game. Hitchin started well with a massive tackle from Duane, unfortunately the recipient appeared badly hurt and had to leave the pitch

A number of knock-on’s early on for Hitchin allowed Barnet into the game. Barnet were awarded a penalty on the 22 and their fullback slotted the points.
3 - 0
Shortly after going down 3 -0 Hitchin began to build a score. Solid chasing at the re-start and good pressure saw Hitchin win a scrum. Reece was suffering from a bad knee and was asked to give 25 minutes to the team before being replaced by Jo. He provided a strong platform with Callum and Josh. George picked at number 8 and hit the ball up into the Barnet defence who were solid throughout the game. The ball was moved quickly by Tank to Steve who fainted to go wide then fed Christie who hit a sweet hole and powered through for the try. Very satisfying from a coaching perspective as this was what was asked for early on. Christie converts his own try.
3 - 7
Then came a ray of sunshine, not the weather but a bit of individual brilliance from the Captain. Barnet kicked long to Will J who took his time with the slippery ball. Once collected Will J ran the ball back stepping at least 5 tacklers and powered down the right touch line to score under the posts. The team were elated and gathered round the scorer . Christie converted
3 - 14
There was a slight lull from the Hitchin side as Barnet played well to get back into the mix with some good driving mauls. At half time Tank was taken off for Tom M, I must mention Tank’s box kick for the corner that gained Hitchin 50 meters, superb. Reggie was swapped for Robbie and Elliot was taken off for Andy.
Robbie took up where Reggie left off showing great work rate around the park, making tackles and getting hands on the ball in contact situations. Tom showed maturity in using the slippery ball, he controlled very well. Elliot on the wing had seen little ball but had worked well with Will J when covering back.
In the second half Hitchin were into a strong wet wind, but as a coach I knew that we would play better up hill and into the wind, it’s just the way these lad’s work.
Steve took the next score with a hard fast run on the cut back angle after some superb work in the loose from Duane, Jo, George and Daniel. Steve stepped off his left foot and powered over taking two tacklers with him. Christie converts
3 - 21
With the heavy wind upsetting the lineout’s Callum did very well to maintain his high standards, He worked hard in the loose and tight mauling play. Daniel also was exceptional taking almost every restart and providing a solid base for second phase. Josh was solid as ever in the scrums and was a wrecking ball in defence often making double hits with Duane.
It was not a day to be a back, Will Anderson was solid as ever in defence and Dave always looked dangerous ball in hand but it was not a day for these two to work their magic. Will A was very unlucky not to score when a kick through was chased.
Jo started the next try which was the best I have seen from this side this season ( and that is saying something) Jo took off smashed through 3 defenders, beat the back line for pace until he threw a 10 metre pass out to Will J on his right. Will J injected pace and fed Dave who drew the last defender perfectly. Luke who was superb throughout the game hit the line with blistering pace and scored close to the posts.
3 - 26
Christie scored the last try of the game after a quick tap penalty. Tom saw the space and moved the ball to the right. Christie as always hit the line ball in two hands and powered over for the try.
3 - 31
Very difficult to pick a man of the match, but on a day like today it had to be a forward. All of the pack were superb but Duane get’s it due to his defensive work. Robbie and Reggie were everywhere, Steve controlled the game well and Luke who saw little ball was cutting edge. I know I mention him every week but Daniel was again top notch.

4 from 4 I’m happy.