The 2xv followed up their opening day victory over local rivals Weston with a journey to Finchley. With our hosts having lost their first round fixture at home to Ampthill, there were high hopes that Los Dos could retain their early league lead with a win on the road.
A very difficult week for availability for the club meant that we entered the match day with only 6 forwards in a squad of 15. The familiar Hitchin spirit meant that we had no shortage of volunteers for the two vacant back row positions.
This spirit was displayed on the pitch for the full 80 minutes. Finchley had clearly learnt their lessons from their opening loss and were full value for their win. Billy Vernon-Hamilton, out of position at Flanker, produced a man on the match display to back up a strong start to the season - Hartpury's recent successes have obviously rubbed off on him! Matt Hawtin ran in a 70 yard wonder try and Will Evans got on the scoreboard as usual to do justice to the strong performance from the visitors. Injuries to Simon Banner and Will Cadwallen meant that we had to borrow an opposition player for the 2nd half, and Finchley started to exploit the gaps out wide that inevitably appeared.
As the 1xv, including 3 members of last week's 2xv side, returned from their opening victory of the season, it was heartening to see a hardy group of 10 of the 2s (including debutants Will C and "Chinese" Alex Welch - welcome to the team chaps!) enjoying a drink in the clubhouse and recounting tales from the battlefield. This proves that there is a strong core to the team, capable of success in their merit table campaign, provided they are supported by a full squad of 18 each week. The club is working hard to ensure we have sufficient numbers for 3 full teams from next Saturday onwards. The 2s can then build on team and individual performances and start to put on pressure for a place in the 1xv squad.
Thanks to all involved - well done for sticking at it, and we will build from here. Ampthill 4xv visit Old Hale Way next Saturday. Viva Los Dos!
Ax
Team Adam Cantwell, James Ditchburn, William sale, Alex Welch, Joff Lord, Richard Chennells, Paul James Marvell, Billy Vernon-Hamilton, William Evans, Tim Rainey, Octavio Vinoly, Matthew Hawtin, Jack Powell, Tom Smith
Scores T: William Evans (1), Matthew Hawtin (1)
C: William Evans (1)
Player(s) of Match 1. Matthew Hawtin, 2. William Evans, 3. Billy Vernon-Hamilton
The league: Herts Mddx Merit Table