Yesterday's match lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling contest after a long journey to a bustling Norwich club. The girls arrived focused and determined, and despite an early hiccup with a replacement match ball, they quickly settled into their rhythm.

The breakthrough came from Leya B, who demonstrated excellent footwork, pace, and determination to score a brilliant try. Poppy stepped up to convert the try with a solid kick, and her consistency with the boot was a highlight throughout the match. Soon after, Lucy B’s pace and skill added another try to the scoreboard, giving Hitchin an early advantage.
However, Norwich responded with resilience. They mounted sustained pressure and, after working the ball upfield, managed to break through Hitchin's defence for their first score. They continued to apply pressure, keeping the play in Hitchin’s half and narrowing the gap to just two points as halftime approached.

But Hitchin wasn’t done. With the try line in sight, a series of pushes from wing to wing eventually saw Nell H power through the middle, breaking through Norwich's defence to score. Norwich’s response came just before halftime, as they worked the ball wide to score, bringing the score to 17-21 in Hitchin's favour at the break. Despite Norwich’s persistence, Hitchin maintained a slight lead thanks to two successful conversions.

The second half saw Hitchin come out at pace, immediately putting Norwich on the back foot. Within the first minute, Nell H crossed the line for her second try of the match from a set move. The intensity didn’t let up as the match continued, with play interrupted three times in quick succession, though fortunately no serious injuries occurred.

Norwich pressed hard but was repeatedly denied by Hitchin’s defence, with multiple grounding attempts thwarted. Hitchin remained composed, and after some solid recycling of the ball, Hannah C powered over the line to score following a break by Niamh W and Nell H. Hitchin’s momentum continued to grow, and a subsequent try from India M on the far wing pushed the score to 17-38.

Norwich, to their credit, never gave up and made some dangerous runs through Hitchins Line. However, try-saving tackles from Lucy B and Amelia J kept them at bay, allowing Hitchin to regroup. Norwich did manage a final try with minutes remaining, but with time running out, Hitchin’s powerful defence ensured they would maintain a comfortable lead.

Full Time - Norwich 22- Hitchin 38

Player of the Match Awards:
Norwich selected Lucy B as their Player of the Match.
The Hitchin Coaches awarded Leya B the "Back of the Match" accolade, while Nell H was named "Forward of the Match."
Both teams then enjoyed a well-deserved meal in the clubhouse before the long journey home.

Thanks to Norwich for being wonderful hosts, and we wish them all the best for the remainder of the season. With this victory, Hitchin advances to the Quarter-Finals of the National Cup, where they are expected to face Cheltenham North RFC away on the 2nd March (Subject to RFU confirmation).

Please take time to watch the match video and we hope you can join us in supporting the team at their upcoming matches. Next week, we travel to Datchworth for our Herts League fixture.