Aiken Verschuur escapes Stevenage clutches
Given the driving rain overnight and a heavy pitch it was unlikely a flowing game of festival rugby would ensue in the local derby between these 2 evenly matched teams. What we did get however was an entertaining and well fought game, much of it around the ruck and maul but with glimpses of good back play from both sides when the opportunity arose.
Stevenage kicked off down the slope and immediately put heavy pressure on the Hitchin defence deep in the visitors 22 resulting in an early try for Stevenage from number 8 who rumbled over for an unconverted try in the corner after 5 mins. The restart allowed Hitchin their first foray into Stevenage territory resulting in 5 metre scrum, the ball went astray and opportunity was lost. Stevenage gathered well went back down the other end and their 13 went over the second and unconverted try to take a lead of 10.
The restart once again gave Hitchin the chance to gain some momentum, a knock on from Hitchin relieved the pressure on the home sides try line, momentarily, but a further drive put Hitchin prop Stuart West over , converted by jack Peachey to reduce the deficit to 10-07.
Much of the game was played in an attrittional manner by the both sets forwards taking the ball in close to gain hard yards, Hitchin wing forward Parris broke that pattern with a fine break only to be brought down 15 metres out, the ref spotted a Stevenage infringement. Jack Peachey stepped up to slot perfect kick 5 metres from the touchline to level the cores 10 all.
Following a good clearance kick from Hitchin winger Ritchie Sinclair, the visitors let themselves down by not following up and slipping a couple of tackles which let the hosts in for another unconverted try.
15-10 at the break to Stevenage.
Stevenage started the second half strongly but could not break down the Hitchin defence, replacement scrum half Elliot Gibson led a break out which started the try of the match; ball moved to supporting back row Parris, who timed a perfect pass to Aiken Verschuur outstripping the defence to run in from 50 meters. Jack Peachey missed possibly his easiest kick off the game. Game level at 15 all.
Further good work from Hitchin forwards saw prop Sean McGinnity crash over for a 3rd Hitchin try, Peachey as usual kept calm to add the conversion, 22 -15 to Hitchin. Stevenage beefed up their driving game putting relentless pressure close to Hitchin’s line, despite outstanding defence it was a matter of time before something gave and it did when Stevenage charged down a kick from a scrum to close the gap to 22-20.
The final 10 minutes of the game to seemed to stretch further for both sets of spectators, Hitchin remained calm and struck back with good approach play resulting in penalty award which Peachey converted. No matter how hard Stevenage tried they were unable to breach Hitchin’s solid defence and at the final whistle Hitchin took the derby 25 to 20
Credit to both teams for great commitment and high work rate.
Quote of the day;
Rhys broke his nose and asked if anyone was qualified to straighten it, Westy offered “are you qualified?”…” no, but I drive an ambulance!”
Team Sean McGinnity, Thomas Tidey, Stuart West, Ryan Arbon, Nick Panton, Kane Parris, James Bolter, Anthony Williams, Rhys Gregory, Jack Peachey, Richard Sinclair, Carwyn Morgan, Ruiri Shanahan, Aiken Verschuur, Oliver Fountain
Subs Lewis McCracken, Philip Hobbs, Elliott Gibson
Scores T: Sean McGinnity (1), Stuart West (1), Aiken Verschuur (1)
C: Jack Peachey (2)
P: Jack Peachey (2)
Player(s) of Match 1. James Bolter
The league: London North West 3