Hampstead 4.3 Hitchin 5

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Whilst the score may look unusual, the use of the Hampstead coach as referee and extra player meant that it was only fair that all of their scores were only worth 0.1 of a point..... Not that I would criticise a referee of course!

Let us focus on the positive. The team played well together and kept trying from beginning to end. The Hampstead team recognised the improvement in the team and felt that they had been put to a firm test of rugby, which was absolutely right. The tackling, rucking and mauling were of the highest order with everyone giving 100% to put their bodies on the line to prevent Hampstead progress. Sadly people in maroon jerseys were felt to be the offenders in any 50-50 situation whereas the maroon and yellows were guilt less. Very frustrating! The highlights of the match were:
The Hitchin pack holding a much heavier opposition in the set scrum.
Some really excellent phased play with forwards keeping it tight before releasing the backs who had some excellent flowing moves that should have led to more scores than they did.
Rachel (all 7 stone wringing wet of her) sprinting to intercept a breakaway and tackling with the force to knock the ball out of the player's hands to prevent a score.
Lily driving into every ruck and maul like a thing possessed to win turnover, retain ball and give the opposition a really hard time.
Pesty helping us finish the game on a high by combining well with the forwards and Sarah to run in a super try in the corner as the last play of the match (he didn't dare disallow that one).
Steph and little Kerry coming back and playing full matches after lengthy injuries and both putting in storming performances.
Beating the Hampstead ladies at the drinking game in the best Hitchin tradition - even if the "clubhouse" was a yuppie Hampstead gastropub (great food though!)
And of course, some amusing moments..... blonde Kerry nearly over her hangover when she got kicked in the head and put back to stage 1 of recovery, an interesting confession about driving naked down the M6 and a report from Luton that certain types of club are full of very short women. It is always fun travelling with the ladies....