U12s v Luton & Northampton Casuals

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If you have trouble reading this report then you’re just going to have to SHOUT. What with the cars, planes, cancerous zinging of the pylons and howling wind at Luton, it was hardly any relief that it wasn’t hacking down with rain as well.
Then with having to play on a football training pitch it was no wonder some of the guys got a bit soft round the edges, with those negative vibes coming out of the ground – evidently we also mistook Sunday morning for Wednesday night, the cones and lack of markings causing a disorientation that definitely showed in the results.

The luck definitely deserted us this week, a few mistakes alowing the first game to be lost to a breakaway try, and the second lost by lapses of concentration.

Hence, it can only get better – just ask Joe Rose-Gray’s dad who, at 52 years young, has just come out of retirement and is once again enjoying his rugby. Seriously though, you’ve got to lose to know how to win, and seeing the smile the size of the Thames on the little Luton lad’s face who waltzed through us makes up for a lot.

Hitchin v Luton. Lost 0 – 5

This was a cracking game despite the errors. Luton kicked off and Henry set up the first maul from which James A broke off on a strong run which the Luton defenders did well to stop. Charlie was conspicuous in the early exchanges, linking well with his Kingshott mucker.

At one point Bryony drove low at the back of a maul and the whole unit shot forward taking such solid citizens as William, Peter and Adrian with her. Good body position was also demonstrated by George who by staying on his feet was able to rip the ball from the tackled player who had to release.

The scrums were again working well and we certainly had the measure of their pack, but as the game wore on the anxious faces on the touchline dreaded the breakaway try that duly came. The nimble Luton winger with a low centre of gravity swerved though to be brought down short but his mates were in support and scored the vital try.

There was no doubting the effort in what was a fantastic game to watch.

Hitchin v Northampton Lost 10 -20

The one that got away…. This game saw the return of Joe Page to the pack, temporarily handing his styling mirror back to Gavin ( you won’t see that again Joe). An awesome start saw us winning streams of ball and good runs by Ashley and Erik gave hope for a winning return after the loss to Luton. From a scrum to Northampton on our line we nicked their ball, and an excellent passing sequence between Matthew, George and Callum saw James A take the final pass to clatter over to score. The momentum was maintained, with Harry looking as sharp as a tack – sniping breaks, the lot. When Bobby wrestled the ball free to score and make it 10 – 0 at half time the omens were looking good.

The second half was a dozy affair for Hitchin – how Northampton scored four tries to none and steal the game is an object lesson in playing as a unit and taking your chances. Heroic tackling by Harry, George and Ashley prevented a bigger scoreline.

Despite the loss it was good to test ourselves against a new team – plenty to work on so let’s get training !

Player of the week: Ashley