On Sunday the 15th, Hitchin’s Academy side, made up of u18’s and u17’s, faced a well-structured and powerful Fullerians side away from home. The match was fast paced and Hitchin displayed relentless tenacity and hunger for the ball – they wanted to win.
In the opening exchanges, the game was one sided with a series of consecutive penalties from Hitchin leading to a surging try for “Fullers”. Fullerian’s scrum dominated early on and unforced errors by Hitchin put them under pressure and unable to retain possession. Fullerians were the first to score, but missed the conversion. The majority of the first twenty minutes was played in the Hitchin half and it wasn’t until a storming break away run from centre Simon Taylor that galvanised the visitors. Taylor surged into the Fullerians “twenty two” and Hitchin found a rumbling set of mauls and quick tap penalties which lead to their first try in the shape of prop and Captain, Ellis Lockyer. Another score quickly followed after fast flowing rugby forced Fullerians to concede a number of penalties. Hooker Peter Stanbury kicked both conversions from out wide and the half time score saw Hitchin lead 5-14.
Half time brought with it time to re-gather and prepare for the second forty which promised to be as fast paced as the first. Hitchin had received the kick-off well and using the slope of the pitch, in Hitchin’s favour, pinned Fullerians back in their own half. Hitchin kept attacking but the Fullerians defence were able to turn the ball over and win back key possession at crucial moments. Hitchin were able to turn around the problems in the scrum and showed good discipline, conceding fewer penalties this half. Hitchin continued to attack and Fullerians conceded a crucial penalty within kicking range. Stanbury kicked the penalty and stretched Hitchin’s lead to twelve points. Fullerians weren’t going to give up and attacked from the re-start with their winger scoring in the corner. The conversion from the touchline was the final kick of the game.
Man of the match was Callum Dow, only his third game back for the club after his return from Australia.
Hitchin were victorious and secured their place in the LV Cup Semi-Final.
Team Ellis Lockyer, Peter Stanbury, Harry u18s Murphy, Daniel Grainger, Brandon Whates, Calum Dow, Daniel Holland, Joshua Stallard, Daniel Wiggins, Harry Cartwright, Jake Brooker, Simon Taylor, Favour Maduka, Ruiri Shanahan, Bailey Burton
Subs Daniel Barnes, Harry Murtagh-Edmundson, James Taylor, Ashley White, Hem Johal, Jim Panter
Scores T: Ellis Lockyer (1), Ruiri Shanahan (1)
C: Peter Stanbury (2)
P: Peter Stanbury (1)