Sunday 24th Feb

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change of venue for some; please read....

All
Apologies for the late arrival of this weeks riveting news.....
A change of plan for Sunday. We found out we can only take one team to Datchworth so we have arranged an additional fixture at Welwyn. Aim is to be at both venues by 10.00. If for any reason you cannot make it or need to change your venue please let me know. We have tried to make sure that those with siblings are at the same venue.

Datchworth with Eric:
Pippa, Rhian, Niall, Sam, Jordan, Harry L, Alfie, Joe W, Daniel

Welwyn with Simon:
Harry D, Joseph, Elliot W, Alex, Iago, Ben L, Jack, Elliot S, Rees

Directions:
Datchworth SG3 6TL. Best I can do I'm afraid. Just head for Datchworth and there will be loads of people in high viz jackets directing you. The U8's are playing on the pitch on the left hand side of the club house. Last year we went and there was no coffee in the club house due to there being no electricity. I am not sure if electricity has arrived in Datchworth yet so I'm going to Welwyn!

Welwyn:
Welwyn RFC
Hobbs way
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL86HX
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&hloc=GB|AL86HX

No match reports as yet for last Sunday for the Lions as i understand Jill has technical difficulties....

Match reports for the Tigers from our very own Gabby Logan (well Caroline anyway but Caroline knows more about rugby than Gabby - she is married to Kenny logan and what did he know about rugby!)

Tigers 1-8 Old Albanians

The OAs were very well organised and started strongly, forcing the Tigers back. Some good running by the Tigers was thwarted by OAs who blocked their paths, gained ground with successive turnovers and converted for four tries. Tigers responded with a hard fought try, by Jonathan, just before half-time. After the break more pressure from OAs led to three quick tries, despite hard work from all of the Tigers team. Some strong running by Ben S gained some ground, but the OA's defence was strong and kept the Tigers out and even added a final try. Every one of the Tigers gave their all and Daniel making a very strong debut, fitting in well to the team.

Tigers 4-6 Old Albanians

The Tigers started well in the second game and Iago made a strong break down the line, but was just edged into touch. Good running from Rees and Ben S led to the Tigers taking the lead through a Ben S try. The OAs came back strongly, and despite good tagging from the Tigers evened up the score 1-1. A turnover try from deep in OAs territory gave them the lead. Not to be outdone the Tigers came back and a great run from Jonathan tied the scores again. The OAs put the Tigers under a lot of pressure, but a breakaway by the Tigers led to a great team try finished off by Joseph. After the break the Tigers attacked with lots of running from Ben L, but a turnover allowed the OAs to score an early try. The Tigers then suffered another turnover try. Then despite good tagging from Daniel,Ben S and Elliot S they scored again. They soon added another, but the Tigers showed they were not down and out with a scintillating try finished off by Joseph. The OAs finished the better with two more tries, and the Tigers were thwarted at the end when a great run by Ben S was stopped just before the line. A really strong team performance - well done.


Tigers 3-7 Old Albanians

Two quick tries by the OAs saw the Tigers on the back foot. The Tigers soon regained their concentration and some fast play ended with Iago scoring. There was then good tagging by both sides, but the OA gained the advantage to score. The Tigers came back and some good work between Iago and Joseph, finished by the later, ended the first half 3-2. Rees ran well from the restart but the Tigers were soon under pressure again. Some strong defensive tagging by Daniel, Ben L and Joe W kept the OAs at bay for a while, but eventually the try came. The Tigers fought back hard and were rewarded with a great team try that Jonathan finished off in the corner - Eric and the rest of the coaches turned up at this point after the Lions matches were finished and cheered this excellent team try - well done...GO TIGERS!! The OAs added another before the end, but the Tigers never gave up and showed a lot of spirit and team effort in this defeat.


Tigers: Jonathan (3 tries); Joseph (3); Ben S (1); Iago (1); Ben L; Daniel; Elliot S; Joe W; Rees


Coach's Comments

A cold February morning was perhaps not the best time to visit one of the strongest clubs in Hertfordshire ("sorry you have how many players in 5 squads????" was Eric's shocked response on arrival.)

However, the Lions and Tigers from the U8s did Hitchin Hedgehogs proud with committed performances throughout.

Yes, the Old Albanians were strong in depth and well drilled as teams, but man for man we were their equals.

Our individual running forward and into space was excellent. Our positional play (our CHANNELS) were mainly well defended and our support play, and quick passing in the tackle was impressive.

Unfortunately we let ourselves down a little by a few missed tags and running into touch (on 9 occasions Lions!!!) which could, and I am sure, would on another day led to at least one more win.

The touchlines were painted, rather than 'coned' and we'll need to prepare for this difference ready for the Hertfordshire Festival, but all in all I was delighted with the way both teams kept their heads up and the performances throughout the morning improved.

I said to Tim Jeffries, our Chairman, last Sunday that we would lull OAs into a 'false sense of security' ahead of the Herts festival. I think they will have left on Sunday thinking they won't have to worry if they meet us at Tring - HOW WRONG THEY WILL BE (mark my words!!)

Unfortunately, we were unable to award our Player of the Week trophy as last week's winner Jordan wasn't well enough to join us. We wish you a speedy recovery Jordan and look forward to having you back against Datchworth next Sunday.

See you all Sunday

Eric