National U18 Cup Round 1
Old Colfeians 22 – 36 Hitchin
Running the gantlet of the Blackwell Tunnel was the first challenge as the Hitchin U18 squad pitched up in the uncharted territory of south west London to take on Old Colfeians.
After being spoilt on a series of 4G pitches so far this season, it was back to a generously proportioned grass surface, which with the sun and gentle breeze, it augured well for a fast moving game.
And so it proved, after an early sequence of phases for the home side resulted in them being pushed back into their 22, possession was kicked to the men in maroon, and a series of sweeping phases resulted in a close range dart over an undefended try line for Alex B-N, to extend has recent run of try scoring and outlandish celebrations and to put the first 5 points on the board. The advantage was soon doubled, as close quarter offloading and deft execution of a range of back moves had the OC’s defence in tatters and a quick release from the ruck by Sam B, allowed Connor to float a long pass to Will, who had time to pick his spot over the try line. Hitchin were playing some sublime rugby at this point, the opposition having little answer for the speed and variety of the visitor’s attacks, and rarely able to penetrate a well drilled defence. Hitchin went close when another sequence of close support put Ben through, but he couldn’t quite release the final pass to Brent and the opportunity was lost.
OCs finally got on the board after another relieving clearance was untidily dealt with by Hitchin and Connor was left isolated in front of the on-rushing OC chasers. The penalty was slotted from close range.
As the break approached the sides became more evenly matched, but Hitchin were still making greater ground with their possession and after further forays left the home defence disorganised, a deft grubber from Conner allowed Will to chase through for his second score, converted for a half-time score of 17-3.
Despite a number of personnel changes at the start of the second half, it appeared normal service was resumed as the home defence found itself stretched once again, leaving Ethan L to run into space and score wide out to the right.
When the OC scrum half was yellow carded for handling in the ruck, the game looked to be all but secure, however, Jack T was then sin-binned for a similar offence and the home side started to find a cohesion and power to their game that had been lacking to this point. Suddenly the visitors looked ragged and narrow. The home side through there forward power allied with an increasing Hitchin penalty count, mainly due to offside infringements, hauled themselves back into the game with two forward crashes over the line and a well worked reflection of the Hitchin grubber kick try to level the scores with 10 minutes remaining.
With the game poised, both sets of supporters racked with nerves, it was time to return to the composure and control that had given Hitchin the original lead. A few key changes were made and the steady progress and building of phases of possession lead to a second wide out try for Ethan L, doting down just before the cover defence could force him out. The extras were added, and soon after as OC pressed for the score to level the tie with time running out, Ciaran pounced on a handling error and dispelled the away crowd’s final anxiety with a clear run to the line in the final seconds, this was also converted to complete a 36-22 victory and progress to Round 2 on November 18th at local rivals Hertford.
Tries: Alex B-N, Will (2), Ethan L (2), Ciaran
Conv: Ethan L, Jai (2)
Scores