It is easy to be apprehensive playing against a “one team”club, when we field a mix of As and Bs. It turned out to be an even, well fought contest though.

We really didn’t know what to expect, but our mixed squad faired very well and did Hitchin proud.

Unlike previous weeks, we looked well matched physically.

Tring kicked off and right from the start, we looked strong.

The experienced referee was stricter than we are used to, but the team handled him well, with very little backchat or questioning. Well done boys.

It took us a while to wake up and to settle down, but in the first 10 minutes Berty scored 2 tries, pretty much under the posts. George took both conversions and slotted one of the two.

12-0 to Hitchin.

Our boys worked solidly together, some new combinations were effective and the team gelled well.

Jacob was the stand out forward. He battled, he tackled, he jackalled and he carried well too. He led by example, which is what the coaches ask of the boys.

Tring scored next, a short range carry over the line. Our tackling was poor in that instance, but Tring were keen to fight back too.

Our third try was an equally strong carry by Jacob, pushing us back into a comfortable lead. He barged his was over the line from short distance, but boshed through at least 3 or 4 of their players.

Tring scored next. An unexpected interception by their fly half that gained them huge territory, resulting in a score.

Next try for hitchin was a Number 8 pick and go from a scrum by Berty.

Tring’s next try was from a line out, they mauled the ball down the hill and we struggled to defend it. 10 out of 10 for their attacking maul, 6 out of 10 for our defence of it.

Our final try was a team effort with Arthur Crossley touching down. Well done Arthur, he played well and ran strongly all match.

Other players of note were Finlay tackling really well, (as usual), Seb A playing well at Fly Half, Jax at full back and Fraser in the centres.

As always, there are a few learning points to think about:
1. ball presentation at the breakdown
2. ⁠the whole team committing to their tackles and
3. ⁠defending the maul from the opposition lineouts.

Team discipline was good today. A good team spirit, respect for the referee and a well natured battle with the opposition.

Opposition Player of the Match – Jacob
Coaches Player of the Match - Jacob