Cheshunt U17 0 v Hitchin U17 7

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Hitchin U17’s arrived at Cheshunt with only 15 players having had guys withdraw during the week. George had had a great time at his mothers birthday and was unfit to play. We played Cheshunt last year and lost to them, however the lads in warm up looked sharp and were keen to start well.

From the kick off Hitchin played to their strengths with big runners taking the ball forward, Jo, Duane and Christie making ground. Unfortunatly there was a clear lethargy in the side when it came to clearing out rucks, this in turn led to Tom getting unclean ball. The entire first half appeared to be the two sides weighing each other up, it was littered with handling errors, and blatant off sides that were not nipped in the bud early on.

Half time score was 0 - 0. Hitchin were very much aware that all they had to do was get field position and build some structure. If we could start to build phases then gaps would appear. Cheshunts defence was very impressive at times, they worked as a flat line and were able to disrupt Hitchin in full flow on a number of occasions.

Hitchin broke the dead-lock after a 5 metre scum on the Cheshunt line. The ball was worked to Steve who changed direction and sent out a sweet pass to Dave who was at full flight. Christie converted .

0 - 7

After that score Hitchin upped the tempo, Both Luke and Jo came within inches of scoring in the corner and Luke was just beaten by the ball for a chip and chase, the ball running dead as Luke dived for it.

The most pleasing aspect of the game was in the last 5 minutes. The game had gone to uncontested scrums, Cheshunt having used all of their replacements. A big advantage was taken from Hitchin as we were very strong in the scrums. Cheshunt pounded the Hitchin line with big runners. Every one of the Hitchin team put their bodies on the line and made their tackles.

I can’t take many more games like this, I need a drink……

That’s three out of three very well done lads. Jo is man of the match for his leadership and determination throughout. Daniel was again superb. But every player deserves a mention.

Team.
Josh, Callum, Reece, Christie, Daniel, Duane, Jo, Reggie, Tom M, Steve, Will A, Dave, Luke, Ben, Tank (Elliot)