U11s at Letchworth - match report 30 Sep 07

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One of those days that proved the adage that the stats don't tell the whole story. Our original plans to experiment with the positions in the side were confounded somewhat by Stevenage not turning up. This also meant inevitably that some players would get less of an opportunity to play than hoped, but it's only the start of what should be a long season.

The ground was very wet at the start of the day making the ball greasy but it was really encouraging nonetheless to see how many attempts there were to move the ball by passing. There was also throughout the day some good rucking and mauling play - emptying out the ball and calling. There were even several opportunities for some to have a go at kicking and, generally, the team deserve credit for not overdoing this new aspect to their game. The kicks, when they were made, were intelligent though it is to be hoped that some lessons were also learnt (i.e. if you do kick then you need to get it into touch).

Each of the matches was keenly contested with perhaps the first game against Letchworth not quite going our way. Letchworth have been beefed up this season with the addition of several players from last season’s disintegrating Stevenage team. Nevertheless, we had more territory (sorry but haven't got the stats on that one - perhaps if someone would care to take a stopwatch?) but with never quite enough spark to carry into the final few yards. Simon made one characteristic steal on his own try line to run the length of the pitch only to be denied a try by a good cover tackle by his opposing full back. The Hitchin forwards and backs never looked particularly troubled throughout the match and covered well.

For the second match against Datchworth, six of the team who played Letchworth were rested and we used the opportunity to try players in some new positions as well as giving a runout for some of our newer players. While we struggled to match a competent and well-organised Datchworth team, we need matches like this for the whole squad to develop and reach its potential.

The final match against Royston was the most controversial without a doubt. Royston had already beaten Letchworth and Datchworth and had a BIG (actually it was TALL) team. At the end of the first half we actually managed to score a try (was it Calum?) but confusion over where the try line actually was, meant that the ref didn't see it (he did apologise for his error at half-time). The play was set up by a decent kick to touch from a penalty followed by Ellis winning the lineout (again!) and rolling out with typical power into the try area, after which there was general confusion during which the ball was touched at some point. All credit to the players for not letting this put them off and so continued to compete well in a very hard fought match and, on balance deserved more from the game. Royston’s try at the beginning of the second half was well worked – tying up our forwards in a ruck 10 metres from the try line and then passing the ball out to their backs for an unchallenged run in. More controversy was to follow in the final play of the match when our kicking put the Royston defence into panic mode and Rui (?) went for the corner - it must have been an incredibly close call. Royston may have won the match (and the event), but we certainly made them work their socks off for it.

All in all the whole squad did themselves proud in their first matches of the season and it gives us a good base to work on. Encouragingly, players took on board what they’ve been taught in training so far this season – more passing and running with two hands on the ball. There was some notably good catching under pressure (for instance Kate) and some keen running and tackling especially the less experienced players (e.g. Ross). We shouldn’t underestimate the mental and physical challenge of moving up from u10’s to u11’s. Not only do the players have to cope with new positions and new rules, but they are now playing on bigger pitches.

A special mention should also go to Peter and Guy for coming along to support the team even though they were both nursing injuries.

Match 1 v. Letchworth Drawn 0-0 (HT 0-0)

Ellis, Will, Joe, Kate (sub Lew), Calum, Harry, Dom, James D, Rui, James W, Tim, Simon

Match 2 v. Datchworth Lost 0-21 (HT 0-7)

Ellis, Jacob, Brandon, Calum, Lew, Chas (sub Tom > wing), Tim (> scrum- half), Rui, Dom (sub James D), Ross, Beth, Jamie

Match 3 v. Royston lost 0-5 (HT 0-0)

Ellis, Will (sub Jacob), Joe (sub Kate > centre), Calum (prop), Lew, Harry, Dom, James D, Rui (> 2nd row), James W, Ross, Simon