Hitchin U17 27 v Tring U17 19

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Hitchin went into this game unbeaten and feeling confident, but it quickly became apparent that Tring were a very well organised side with a strong forward pack and useful backs.

Tring started very well with a good 20 metre forwards drive towards the Hitchin line. The ball was moved wide and it was Steve who saved the day with a superb steal in contact. Hitchin cleared the line and the pattern for the first half was set.
Luke scored the opening try of the game. Hitchin’s forwards provided a solid platform and the ball was worked right by Tank to Steve. Steve fed quick ball to Will Anderson who in turn fed Dave and Luke. Luke still had work to do when he received the ball, he rode a tackle and scored a good try on the right hand wing. Conversion missed.
5 - 0
Tring were playing into the wind in the first half and were displaying good unity in scum, ruck and maul. Hitchin were slightly off the pace only committing 2’s and 3’s to the rucks. This low work rate let Tring back into the Hitchin 22. From a maul 10 metres from the Hitchin line the Tring’s second row took a pop ball close to the ruck and managed to find a massive hole in the Hitchin defence, he ran in a very soft try. (coaches start to get stressed)
5 - 7
Tring were on a role they were confident with their game plan of solid ruck and maul ball and they again kept possession well. The Tring right winger then scored a good try with strong running up the right wing. Hitchin missed 3 tackles to allow the Tring man in under the posts. (coaches are now stressed)
5 - 14
Half time comes and the atmosphere is calm amongst the Hitchin team. Every player seams to be aware that they have not started to play. Hitchin have fallen into the Tring pattern, it is stressed to the players that a wider game is required.
Hitchin start to work harder in the second half, but there is still lead in the boots. A lineout 15 metres out gives Hitchin a perfect platform. Callum provides superb ball which sees Christie hit the ball up through the middle of the lineout. Christie breaks a number of tackles and reaches with telescopic arms to score.
10 - 14
The morning alarm bell then rings and Hitchin U17’s get out of bed, the next 20 minutes see a different side. Duane, Joe and George are hitting the ball up. Steve starts to feed forward runners and Daniel, Reggie and Callum start to thrive in open play. Dave had been suffering from early on with a foot problem but he rode the pain. He scored a superb try after good work from Joe, Steve and Reggie who take and give with superb skill. Dave is left with a lot to do and turns on the pace up the right wing with Elliot in support, Dave steps off his right foot and cuts towards the posts for a nice try. (Coaches still stressed)
15 - 14
After the try there was still 15 minutes to go, Hitchin appeared to have weathered the Tring storm and appeared fresh and confident, all the pre season fitness work was now about to be called upon. Changes were made, Will Anderson had a calf injury and Reggie had to fill in at centre, Tom Mercer came on at 9 and Reece swapped with Josh who had given the coach what was asked with some superb runs. Reece got hands on the ball early and hit up with strength. Tom was given clear instructions to move the ball from rucks and mauls and his passing was crisp. Robbie came into the open side and was superb, he started to take perfect lineout ball and his work rate at ruck and maul time was top draw.
Captain Will J took the next try after Steve cut back towards the blind side, Will J was in support and turned on the pace to score.
20 - 14
With ten minutes to go it was still a very close game, Tring although starting to tire were still in the game. Hitchin were aware that another score was vital. George then gave a 5 minute display that earned him the man of the match honour. He picked from set piece and drove, he stood off and took flat ball punching through the Tring defence. The ball was worked out to Luke who was on fire, Luke kicked ahead and chased with Dave. Tring were put under pressure on their line with Reggie, Dave, Luke and Joe quickly onto the ball. Joe went to number 8 in the 5 metre scrum and drove into the Tring open side, quick ball saw George smash up to score. Christie converts. (Coaches start to breath again)
27 - 14.
With 3 minutes on the clock Hitchin were safe, but Tring had other ideas, Tring won a lineout 5 metres out from the Hitchin line and used the blindside very well to score a good try.

Final score 27 - 19

Hitchin were very much aware that they had only performed for the last 30 minutes in this game, and it served as a good wakeup call to a team that went into the game maybe feeling too confident.

Man of the match was George for his massive runs and good defence.

Stevenage next week, lets make it 6 from 6 please. Well played showed guts today.