Grasshoppers U17 18 v Hitchin U17 15

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Hitchin arrived at Grasshoppers after the long wet drive keen to get on with what was to be a tough test against top of the table opponents. Both sides unbeaten in the league to this point there was a lot at stake.

Hitchin had the bare minimum 15 players and it was a difficult decision for the coach to ask Tom Mercer and Tank to share the flank position, one playing attacking scum half and the other filling in during defence.
Hitchin started well but it was soon apparent that Grasshoppers were a strong unit. Grasshoppers were physically bigger in the pack, which takes some doing, they were very strong in the maul area and clearing rucks.
Hitchin opened the scoring with a try in the right hand corner from pack leader Joe. Christie gave the conversion a good go but with a heavy wind at his back there was no joy.
Steve controlled the game well using his boot to great effect. Luke and Elliot were chasing everything down. After the try Hitchin had a slow spell, there were small mistakes that started to creep into the game at ruck, maul and lineout time. Grasshoppers scored a good try from a cross field kick, Luke had two men to mark which proved one too many.
Grasshoppers then scored another try through their backs and the score was 10 - 5 at half time. Will Jay had come very close to snatching a score before the break with a kick and chase that resembled Rob Howley’s try in the 2004 Euro Cup final.
Half time team talk was crisp and to the point, we knew what needed to be done and that was to cut out the mistakes. Robbie, George and the two scum halves had defended well as had Steve and his centres, Dave and Will.
Grasshoppers opened the scoring in the second half with their speedy right winger just slipping through 2 tackles to score.
Hitchin then hit back, Christie, Joe and Josh made some telling runs up the pitch, Steve and Will Jay were finding great touch kicks. The next try came from Luke on the right wing, great forward driving play saw Luke in at the right corner.
The lineout started to click with Daniel now getting higher and in front of his man. Hitchin were looking the fitter side as they entered the last quarter. Grasshoppers were awarded a penalty, which was converted. With the score at 18 - 10 Hitchin knew they had a lot to do. Hitchin worked hard to move the ball well out of their 22 and were awarded a penalty within kicking range. Christie stepped up and was just off target.
Steve finished the game with a great try. Josh and George had been within sniffing distance of the try line but the ball was moved out to Steve who powered through two tackles to take the try.
Hitchin were out of time and every man was gutted at the loss. Grasshoppers were worthy winners but Hitchin knew they had missed the boat.

Will Jay was superb throughout the game and was clearly Hitchin’s man of the match. Reece and Reggie were clearly missed and credit must go to Tom Mercer and Tank for their hard work.

Datchworth next week, and you guessed it… it’s away again, but this time not 50 miles. Well done lads.