Tabard Ladies 0 Hitchin Ladies 17

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After a couple of weeks developing on from the last match, Hitchin arrived confident and ready for their second League match at local rivals Tabard. Some more of the new recruits for this season were available and the team looked strong and ready.

From the kick off Hitchin showed their superiority chasing down the kick and forcing a turn-over error in Tabard’s 22. From the scrum and resultant phase play the forwards showed the patience in the contact area we have been working on and ground forward drawing in the Tabard defences with a positive and well controlled rolling maul before unleashing the backs for a sweeping move through all hands, one quick loop move and Mihi was over in the corner for the first try. The coaching team smiled quietly and had visions of a big win. Tabard came back strongly but good defensive organisation kept Hitchin on the front foot. Unfortunately the possession could be turned into points as readily as expected because of a series of handling errors. The pressure and domination was such that things had to click eventually and Mihi ran in again for a further unconverted try as half time approached. The score line did not reflect the overall superiority but 10-0 was a solid platform.

A couple of changes at half time brought more attacking power onto the pitch but there were still too many handling errors to capitalise. Defence was solid, close play was controlled but attack after attack fizzled out as passes were dropped or mistimed. Tabard were actually camped in the Hitchin 22 for some time but several good clearance kicks from new recruit Hannah standing in for Annie at fly half helped to ease the pressure that errors caused. Despite not quite firing on all cylinders at times, strong running from new forward Jules and seasoned squad members Claire, Amanda and Sarah gradually drove Tabard back. The game was disrupted by a series of opposition injuries and the need for uncontested scrums and it was hard to maintain momentum. Finally the team got back into calm, controlled play mode and gave Mihi the opportunity to run in her hat-trick try converted by Steph. Hitchin ended up winning comfortably but not by the margin their overall skill and possession deserved.

Best Forward – Steph for barn-storming play in all phases

Best back – Claire B for positive contributions in attack and defence all game at wing and centre

Overall player of the week – Jo for a great debut performance in which she tackled everyone, ran her legs off and led the charge to smash Tabard into submission all match.

Honourable mentions for Jules another new recruit who made some storming runs, Phoebe who played her very first game ever and managed to catch, pass and tackle when needed and Hannah who filled in well at fly half covering for an ill Annie.

Tim,

I need to work some detail on the 5th December collecting team needed for the Saracens –v- sale game so no request for volunteers quite yet.

Tim Bonnett

01462 421829

07860 538823