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2nd Team 46 v 7 St Albans RFC 2nd xv - Home League on 5 Oct 2013

Published on Sunday, 6 October 2013

After a tough few weeks of results, two narrow loses to Welwyn and Hampstead and a bit of a bigger loss to Hertford last week, the Mighty 2’s finally got their first win of the season, and what a win it was! Up against fellow league strugglers St Albans, the 2’s brought physicality, intensity and structure to their game which contributed to a big win.

Hitchin were on the front foot from the start really, keeping Saints pinned back in their own half. Hitchin went through some phases (yes you did hear that right) and built pressure but some poor discipline kept offering Saints a get out of hail free card. But finally the first score came, some great runs from the forwards leaving scrum half Adam Howard to skip between two forwards and gas over the line. Another score followed this as Adam Naylor busted over the line, and then it was debutante Ruiri who completed the first half scoring, getting on the end of a strong Dale Baines break to score his first senior try just2 days after his 17th birthday. However Saints had got a try in the process so it was 19-7 at half time. Hitchin has also lost winger Jason Kingsley and forward George Elleston, leaving them with only the 15 men on the pitch to complete the game.

The message was clear from Hitchin at half time, more of the same, be ruthless and keep dominating up front. The second half was all about Hitchin. Strong defence caused turnovers, better discipline kept the pressure on the slightly older opposition and the support both in defence and attack meant Hitchin really took the game to Saints. Tries followed from the rampant Joe Benucci, twice, as well as Max Stallard who claimed his first try ever! Adam Howard got on the end of another Alex Wainwright break to take his tally to 2 for the day while Matt Hawtin also got his name on the score sheet. Ruiri did get another but it was disallowed as the referee wasn’t quite close enough to the action to be able to award it.

So Hitchin opened their account with a 46-7 victory. Some special mentions as always for some of the guys. Steve Freeman played his first game for 2 years and put in an impressive display, Michael Pegg switched to the unfamiliar hooker position and worked hard all game. Max Stallards first ever try will be talked about for years to come (only by Max of course) and big shout to Ed and Frischy who formed a powerful second row pairing. The backrow really dominated their opposition, Kingy, Alex Wainwright and Joe Benucci being unstoppable at times. Adam Naylor played well at 10 and then as the fullback who refused to run and another huge display from Dale Baines, who keeps trying to get a rest week but ends up playing the full game. Karl Brooks was impressive as ever, this week in centres and the two young wingers, Ruiri and Pappy were both dangerous with ball in hand as well as doing their bit in defence. And finally Matt Hawtin, the old head in the squad, was solid at the back as he always is.

So mentions for everyone as it really was a team performance. Next week the boys head to UCS Old Boys in London and you feel if the core of the team can stay the same for the upcoming games, winning might just become a habit.



Team Stephen Freeman, George Elleston, Michael Pegg, Max Stallard, Edward Bellamy, Graham King, Alex Wainwright, Pieter Frisch, Adam Howard, Adam Naylor, Ashley Papworth, Karl Brooks, Ruiri Shanahan, Jason Kingsley, Matthew Hawtin

Subs Dale Baines, Joe Benucci

Scores T: Adam Howard (2), Joe Benucci (2), Max Stallard (1), Matthew Hawtin (1), Ruiri Shanahan (1), Adam Naylor (1) C: Dale Baines (3)

Player(s) of Match 1. Alex Wainwright, 2. Adam Howard, 3. Stephen FreemanHerts Mddx Merit Table The league: Herts Mddx Merit Table

 

 

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Hitchin Rugby Limited, King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1XL England, Charity No. 1159772
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