Champions

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Sunday 30th March 2008

Hitchin u17's 38 v Stevenage u17's 5

Hitchin went into this game knowing that they had to score 4 try’s and win by at least 20 points to secure the league title. Everyone was nervous none more so than Brian (head coach) and Amos (aggression tactician).
As the Hitchin team started to arrive for the game it was instantly clear to the coaching set -up that the lad’s were up for the game, there was a look in the eye that meant business.

Hitchin ran through their pre match routine and were looking sharp. Saracens Academy player Gary Baker (last years captain) gave the lads a uplifting talk before the match and made it clear that the lads were not only playing for themselves but for everyone who had come to watch. A great crowd filled the touch lines and there was extreme tension in the air.

From the kick off Daniel claimed the ball and drove forward, the Hitchin pack drove forward and within 2 minutes Will J had scored.

The next try came from Joe, great go forward work from the pack saw some great work from Duane / George and Tank to feed Joe who smashed over for the try.

Lineout’s were strong as were the scrums, Josh, Joe and Callum were superb against a very large Stevenage pack.

The pack were working well and within 15 minutes had put Will J over for his second try, Will Anderson and Reggie (Tom Weller) combining well in the centre to make space.

After Hitchin had scored the third try they were all aware that another was needed, but with only 15 minutes on the clock Hitchin took their foot off the gas. Stevenage had a big pack that competed well at the breakdown. Hitchin spent the next 10 minutes in their own half.

Christie made the next try. He made a big tackle and ripped the ball from the Stevenage player as he fell to the ground. Christie then fed the ball to Steve who fed Will Anderson who in turn gave Reggie the ball. Reggie had two on the outside but saw the gap and cut back to score a great try.

Job Done !!!!

Both wings Ben and Luke were defending well and working had to chase kicks. Duane was hitting everything that moved (literally) and Robbie was hitting every ruck and maul, proving that he has an amazing engine.

Josh made the game safe with a superb try, one of the most powerful players I have seen received the ball 5 metres from the line and there was no stopping him.

George showed great strength in his run’s often having to pick at number 8 he was superb in his attack.
Stevenage came back into the game with a good try from Duggie the winger who throughout the game looked dangerous. Poor tackling from Hitchin let him scoot down the right wing to score.

Tom Mercer was on in the second half and supplied quick ball to Steve, final try came from Daniel who had been safe under all the kick off’s and lineout’s. Daniel reached out for the line with the ball in one hand and scored.

A big thank you to the U16’s who provided great players on the bench, and it was fantastic to see Reece back on the pitch after a long injury.

Lets also mention Dave, and Elliot who were unable to make the game, without them the league would not have been won. There was no man of the match, everyone was superb.

It was great to see the lads in the club house drinking with the Stevenage players, singing and joking. From me I will say a big thank you to all the parents who have supported the boys and driven them to training and games when all you wanted to do was read the Sunday papers and have a rest.

It was worth it…….

Hitchin U17’s League Champions 2008 (no one can take that away)

Next up .... France here we come!!!