Hitchin U12s v Kettering and Milton Keynes

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Mixed results on a morning that highlighted some areas for improvement.

Hitchin v Kettering. Lost 7 – 14
(Try: James A. Conv: Harry)

First half
The best bit was at the start. Kettering kicked off, James A caught the ball cleanly and set off on an arcing run to score in the corner. Harry converted to put us into a 7 – 0 lead after a minute. From the restart we were pressing again, Euan taking the ball on, feeding a short pass to Joe RG on the charge, who fed Adrian. A great passage of play with the ball interchanging between backs and forwards saw George cross the line , but the score was disallowed for an earlier infringement. With Kettering just clearing their line good work by Eric and Bryony set us up for an attacking scrum from which George became isolated and was penalized for not releasing in the tackle.

Second half
It was our kick-off, but the ground gained was swiftly lost through the award of two penalties against Hitchin from which Kettering scored. Whilst some questioned the veracity of the touch down, it would not have happened but for our indiscipline. With the scores level a further penalty was awarded against us, Kettering took it quickly, the ball was chipped through and their winger was first to the bouncing ball to score the winning try in the corner.

Hitchin v Milton Keynes Won 7 – 0
(Try: Bryony. Conv: Harry)

First half
MK kicked off and immediately rucked us off the ball, allowing them to attack our line. A superb tackle and clearance kick from Harry relieved the pressure and Bryony then demonstrated her excellent work in the mauls, ripping the ball clear and making good ground. Henry was by now finding his feet at fly half and a chip ahead was gathered by Hannah, with the ball going to Joe RG before a knock on halted the move. With MK penalized for collapsing a maul, the quick tap saw Michael Fowler held up over the line but again Bryony was there to rip the ball clear and collapse over the line from less than a metre out. The half ended with basic errors entering our game, frustratingly causing us to lose all of ground gained by doing the right thing – loads to work on at training.

Second half
A good start with strong running by Bobby and George set up a Hitchin scrum from which Euan made good ground. A penalty against us for allowed MK to relieve their line, with Callum running the ball back after a missed touch. The pack then had their best passage of play with controlled rucking and mauling by William, Joe RG, Adrian and Bryony putting MK on the back foot. A knock on allowed them some respite as did a number of uncharacteristic infringements that lost us all the impetus to our driving game. With Michael Fowler managing to hit an MK player’s knee with his nose, the ensuing blood replacement saw Eric back on to the field and into a front row where Bryony was taking her customary number of balls against the head. The game eventually petered out amid dropped passes and basic errors, but we can be pleased with a win over MK who have had the upper hand in previous years. Hopefully we’ll have another go at Kettering later in the season.

Player of the week: Bryony