Hitchin U17 43 v Beford U17 7

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After a good 5 week break for some of the players the first game of the new year was a league game against Bedford, who we had lost to last season. The Hitchin players enjoyed a good Christmas and the last two weeks training had been all about regaining the pr-Christmas fitness levels

The game kicked-off on the second team pitch which had a strong cross wind. Hitchin welcomed Ben back into the side after he chose to pursue other sports.

From the kick-off Hitchin were playing towards the club house. The coaches were concerned that Gorgeous George was carrying a hamstring injury and were keeping a close eye on him. With the league positioned as it is, Hitchin were well aware that a win and a four try bonus point were required to keep them in the chase. Hitchin’s first try came from turnover ball won by Daniel. The ball was moved to the left and Will Anderson carried the ball at speed off loading to Elliot on the wing. Elliot beat his man on the outside and then offloads in the tackle again to Will Anderson who from the ground pops to Christie who scores the try.

5 - 0

After this well worked try it was clear that Hitchin’s fitness and skill level was below that of pre-Christmas games, but this was understandable due to the holiday period. Dave was playing in the centre still carrying a lower back injury. He made a superb break from the next re-start after receiving ball from Steve on the back foot. It was reassuring for the coaches to see that Dave still possessed breathe taking pace. Hitchin then entered a period of slow lethargic rugby. The forwards as a group were doing what was required and no more. As a result elements of the crowd / coaches became frustrated. This frustration was felt by the players and was not helping their cause. Reggie scored the next try, which was started by Will Jay who had received the ball in his own 22. Will Jay broke down the right hand touch line, linking with Ben. Ben raced for the line and was aware of the cover coming across so did an overhead pass to Reggie who was in support.

10 - 0

Half - time

There was calm atmosphere at half-time. The players asked for patience from the coaches and there was a strong feeling that everything was under control. The second half started with an immediate try from Reggie. The ball was fed to Steve, Will Anderson and Dave who released Reggie into space, Reggie stepped off his left foot and scored under the post. Reggie still had the luxury of Will Jay in support.

17 - 0 converted by Christie

Great interplay by the forwards. Josh carries strongly linking with Daniel, Joe and Callum. Hitchin pressurise the Bedford line and are awarded a penalty five metres out. Tom who is on for Tank taps the ball, passes to Joe, who then feeds Ben and Ben scores.

22 - 0

Ben’s enjoying his return to the side and 1 minute after his last score takes another try. A clean take from Daniel at the restart and a strong run puts Joe into space. Joe carries from the Hitchin 10 metre line to the Bedford 22. Joe has Will Jay on the inside and Ben on the outside. With one defender to beat Joe passes to Ben who scores.

29 - 0 converted by Christie

Reggie is then denied a try by a forward pass. Hitchin again enter a period in the game where they take their foot off the gas. Duane is now at number 8 and Robbie is working hard in the open spaces having replaced George. Bedford come back into the game with some strong runs from their forward pack, with a little help from Hitchin and some indiscipline. Bedford get a penalty five metres out and Hitchin are not quick enough to face the threat and defend. Bedford drive over for a try under the posts and convert.

29 - 7

Next try comes from Steve who turns on the pace and breaks the Bedford line. Joe is in support on his inside shoulder. Joe does well to pick up a low pass and in turn feeds Ben for his hat-trick (that cost me a pint).

36 - 7 converted by Christie

The next try is from the captain Will Jay. Bedford kick long to get themselves out of trouble and Will Jay collects. He attacks the Bedford line from left to right. He side steps numerous tacklers and very cleverly appears to fall over before scoring a superb try.

43 - 7 converted by Christie

Dave is denied a final try by a forward pass. Hitchin finished the game with a solid win and bonus point. The mark of a good side is to play poorly and win. Hitchin turned their performance round in the second half, this may sound overly critical but our standards are high in the U 17s squad and we got off to a slow start in this game. After a 5 week break our first game of the new year is now out of the way. A big challenge faces us in the cup. The coaches picked Joe as the man of the match, but a great return from Ben, Duane and Reggie, who also deserve a mention.