Tabard Colts 0 v Hitchin Colts 50
On a bright Sunday morning, everybody set off towards Radlett so the Hitchin colts albeit comprising of 5 U19s, all the U18s available and 4 U17s were up against an unbeaten Tabard team. This was the first league match of the season. Hitchin provided a number of supporters (mums and dads), which also included a number of the first team players which was great to see.
Tabard started the match and quickly followed the ball into Hitchin’s 22 which resulted in a knock on. Scrum down a Tabard ball. Although won, Tabard were pinged by the ref immediately afterwards for holding onto the ball, Hitchin kicked to touch. After a series of scrums and knock-on’s, the number 8 (Stefan) collected the ball from a scrum, side stepped two tabard players and powered his way over the tri line for Hitchin’s first try. 5-0 Hitchin continued moving forward trying to create chances although Tabard fought back. The two teams looked even as the majority play was in the mid field but Hitchin secured an opportunity in front of Tabards posts, where after securing the ball Stefan again picked up, ran round two centres’ and scored his second try. 10-00. Hitchin again drove forward after the kick off and one of the U17 props nearly scored a try only to be held up.
In the second half and with a switch of players the team upped their tempo, Hitchin kicked off an immediately Tabard drove forward to win a penalty inside Hitchin’s 22. Being only 10-0 down instead of going for the 3 points they opted to run with the ball. Ironically Tabard run with the ball but by passing the ball down the line, eventually the ball was put into touch and Hitchin won the line out. After the next phase of play, Doogie somehow caught the ball just pass the half way line and then managed to out run the backs 44 yards to score a try between the posts which was converted by Callum. 17-0 Within 1 minute of tabard starting, Matt scored another try after a brilliant phase of play that was converted. 24-0. Hitchin backs were running riot as each time the play progressed, Hitchin would win the scrum and by feed the ball to the back’s which would unleash Matt, Afo, Euan and Harry who were able to combine fast hands with switching the ball from side to side. Unfortunately the ball was knocked on after this intoxicating phase of play but Hitchin were again able to turn the scrum around secure the ball and move forward, after a couple of ruck’s Stefan (who by the way was the captain) sped forward to score his third try. 31-0. The next phase of play drew in the tabard backs and by looping the ball over their heads Afo made a break forward, scooped up the ball and scored. 38-0. Next up was a second row Tom J who after Euan ran in a brilliant try between the posts handed the ball the Tom who touched down (watch the video!) 45-0. The game was coming to a close although the team were still fighting for the ball, securing it and allowing Harry, who had a great match to run the ball over the line for a well deserved try. 50-0
Over the last 12 years of watching games played by Hitchin I have never seen so many scrums, hence credit to the forwards for wining so many. I sure the front row necks were hurting today!.
Much can be said about this up and coming team, as with a combination of players feeding off each other’s strengths, allows U19s, U18s and U17s to successfully play together against an unbeaten team, it just shows how good the coaching is at Hitchin.
Congratulations............ you should be proud of what you have achieved.
Man of the match went to an inspiring captain Stefan, well done.
Scores