Hitchin A vs Bishop Stortford A

Final Score 25 – 0
A very high quality game of rugby today, against excellent opposition. We asked the players to correct the mistakes made at Harpenden, and they certainly did that. The tackling in particular was excellent and both wingers (George and Nathan) started particularly strongly and attacked the edge well and made yards. The two man tackles we’ve been running in training were obvious to see and very effective indeed. Big hits from Jake, Seb and Charlie, with the latter two making sure that Hitchin kept a cleansheet. Importantly they weren’t the only ones doing the tackling and there was a noticeable improvement across the backline.
In the forwards, the rucking remained strong against opposition who didn’t mind throwing bodies in. There were plenty of steals, and no backwards steps in the scrum either. All very positive and what we’ve come to expect from the pack.
In attack, there is a noticeable improvement. Seb directed the backline well and mixed ball carrying up well between the forwards and the backs. That’s also leading to more attacking play between the outside centre and winger. That put both wingers into strong attacking positions having exploited the overlap, and led to Charlie’s 3 tries. Finding the gap creates opportunities, and it was good to see those finished off well. On the centres, we messed around with a bit today, with Eddie, Orin, Seb, Thomas all rotating in to position. The all showed excellent handling and decision making, and were communicating well as a group.
Some little unnoticed things – Jacob’s hooking goes from strength to strength. George’s comments at ½ time to the group were insightful and show a growing understanding of the game. The introduction of many changes in the backline (Caden/Jobhan/Dexter) and different positions didn’t phase anyone. Orin had played a full game already and didn’t look tired at all, in fact he got better and better, and Ewan did a cracking job of carrying in the backline.
For player of the match, it goes to the one player I’ve been waiting to have his “Finlay” moment, and to realise that everyone can tackle. That was Nathan, who was 3rd in the tackle count today, made sensible decisions around the pitch and gained yards every time he had the ball. Today was a big statement by him, and it was really encouraging to see. Looking forward to our League match against them soon!