Hitchin 10 – Hertford 34

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Mr. Frisch’s quote of the week: “They (the Colts) were playing from underground. Now they’re playing above ground. Soon they’ll be ready for take off.”
(He has a way with words!)

Despite sporting some hangovers the lads turned up – a bit of a scratch team due to absences – I’m not sure it’s right that you should have a life outside of rugby – but keen to do battle against Hertford which we knew would be a strong team.

Apparently I didn’t mention Barry’s name enough last week when he was man of the match so I thought I’d make up for it this week…….. Barry couldn’t play this week because he’d been a bit daft and played for the 2nds – what happens? He gets injured.

Hertford went straight into the attack with good running and incisive play but cracking tackles from Pat, Nugget, Tom, Will and Andrew kept them at bay. Sam the Man managed to put in very good clearing kicks to relieve pressure. After this initial onslaught, we saw good attacking play from Hitchin and they started to play well as a team. Some lovely ground gaining kicking from both Sam the Man and Nugget and some excellent play from Jack kept us in Hertford’s 22 but their defence held strong.

Spectators were treated to a little extra entertainment while Nick changed his shorts on the side lines – think the ladies team waiting to play enjoyed that bit in particular! Back to a line out and the ball was won by Hertford and they pressed for the line. All credit to Hertford, they showed some excellent attacking play, resulting in a score which was duly converted. Hitchin 0 – Hertford 7

Barry stood on the side lines.

The water boy was not up to his usual speedy standard, something to do with spending a week in Italy and eating too much pasta ….. it’s alright for some!

From the kick off Hitchin went on the attack with Jack making a lovely little run down the wing but being pushed into touch. Nugget was having an excellent game with some lovely kicking and running and Hitchin were able to make ground. But… unfortunately the ball was turned over again and shipped out to the very fast Hertford winger and there was no stopping him. Hitchin 0 – Hertford 12

Hitchin’s heads did not go down and back they came – a penalty given to Hitchin resulted in a lovely kick and chase by Nugget down into Hertford’s 22. Hitchin drove for the line allowing JP to nip out and score a cheeky try in the corner. Hitchin 5 – Hertford 12

Hitchin were fighting hard and tackled like demons - Will, Pat and Khalid flattening bodies as Hertford tried to break through. Really good lineout play by Dominic… again… and some really sound work by the forwards was keeping Hertford at bay. Hitchin were not only playing as a team again but could actually be heard communicating on the pitch! But that ruddy winger of theirs broke through and despite some battling by Nugget they scored a try under the posts. Hitchin 5 – Hertford 17

Barry was playing with his balls on the sidelines (rugby balls that is!)

Again Hitchin came straight back into the game with both forwards and backs doing well to support one another and keeping the ball alive. Everyone was tackling their hearts out and Khalid was invariably at the bottom of the rucks.

Half time and the oranges came on – thank you Mr. Bush. Tom Lawman so enjoys them he has now taken to eating oranges at home apparently. Nice to know we’re supporting the government initiative of eating five pieces of fruit or veg a day. This club’s not just thrown together you know.

Anyway, this week there was a proper second half and your correspondent paid attention to the game and didn’t get distracted by the side line gossip. So …..

Kick off didn’t make 10 metres. Hitchin got the ball and went into the attack only to lose the ball, but two brilliant tackles from Paul and Nugget panicked Hertford into a forward pass. Scrum down Hitchin ball but a huge drive from Hertford turned it over and the ball was lost. Here we had a bit of panicky play again with the ball loose and rolling. Only Dominic had the wits to whizz in and throw himself on the ball, Sam the Man made a grab for it and a good kick saw us gain some valuable ground. The line out was won by Hertford but a series of hard hitting tackles from Paul and Pat and a fabulous kick by Nuts ended with Pat scoring a well deserved try. Hitchin 10 – Hertford 17

Hitchin back in the attack saw some excellent play by Nuts and Sam R with some bone crunching tackles and some good kicking from Sam the Man – watch out Barry!!! But Hitchin were flagging a bit and Hertford were stronger on the wing, making the most of a gap in our defence, they just ran through to score a try. Hitchin 10 – Hertford 24

Hitchin were doggedly determined though and kept up a fine rearguard display of good tackling, followed by a lovely run by Paul and an excellent drive from Nick. Andrew was up to dark, dirty stuff in the scrum – black magic and wizardry – we reckon he’s a warlock – but his Mum can’t be a witch ‘cos we all know she’s more like Tinkerbell the Fairy! Sam R made some brilliant driving tackles and Sam Wilson was having an excellent game despite his hangover. Play was in Hertford’s 22 and we really deserved a try but despite some superb driving mauls featuring JP, Sam R, Nick, and Tom the Tank we couldn’t quite get the score despite pushing hard for a break through. Pat and Nick tried to run through but Hertford’s defence stood firm. Dominic was everywhere …. again. Finally an offside penalty against Hitchin led to Hertford producing a fabulous kick that took play down the field. Despite some more top tackling – a real stormer from Dominic – and another tangled mess on the ground – with Khalid at the bottom - Hertford broke through to score. Hitchin 10 – Hertford 29

Andrew really does need to sort out his laces! Do you agree Barry?

With the game lost, Hertford managed to break through to score the final try. Hitchin 10 – Hertford 34

Men of the match = the whole team. Andrew, Tom, JP, Nuts, Khalid, Pat, Sam R, Dom, Rob, Sam W, Nick, Jack, Will, Paul, Nugget and Ben. This was another team effort and a really good performance. You can be proud of yourselves! xx

REMEMBER NO MATCH OR TRAINING ON SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER. TRAINING ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS WITH THE SENIORS – JUST JOIN IN.