Hitchin U17 5 v Harpenden U17 39
This was our first league match of the season against a big, powerful side that had beaten us soundly last year so it was always going to be a tough match. The boys started in fine fettle, recycling several times and winning a penalty chance before Harpenden had managed to get their hands on the ball. Unfortunately the kick went wide and, with some possession, Harpenden showed why they favourites for the title, launching wave after wave at the Hitchin line.We held firm for almost 15 minutes before they finally created space out wide to open the scoring. They kept the pressure on & most of the play was in our half, but the defence was committed and we turned round with a 15 point deficit.
The second half saw more resolute defence and remained scoreless for 15 minutes before Hitchin pounced on a dropped ball, kicked forward, then won the foot race for Dominic to score on his debut for the club. Unfortunately we were unable to add to the score & within five minutes, Harpenden had regained their 15 point advantage. The last 10 minutes saw us start to flag as Harpenden made full use of their 7 replacements and they added a gloss to the score with 3 more tries.
Despite the score, this was a fine performance against very strong opposition: a real team effort from the 16 available players. There was some excellent rugby played, big hits & controlled aggression, though obviously room for improvement.
Team Sam Clark, William Hurry, Peter Hardy, Erik Spiro-Larrea, Tom Brennan, Adrian Haye, Ashley Willard, Jack Burgess, Mitchell Ryan, Harry Chater, Matthew Kerr, Henry Walsh, Dominic Moore, Robinson Anthonyvincent, Nathan Defraine
Subs Matthew Christey-Reid
Scores T: Dominic Moore (1)
The league: Herts / Middlesex U18 Div.5