Winning start to life in Hinckley’s new league
NATIONAL 2 NORTH
THREE tries in the first half an hour secured a victory for Hinckley RFC away to Harrogate on their return to National 2.
A quarter of the match day 20 were making their league debut, with Connor Mitchell in at blindside and Wasps Academy players Connor Eastgate and Jacob Umaga and former New Zealand Scott Hamilton making up a new look 10, 12 and 13 combination.
The conditions in Yorkshire for Hinckley’s first match at this level for six years were hostile. There was driving rain that lasted for the entire match and Hinckley had to start going into a slight wind.
Despite this, the combination between Glover and Eastgate kept things ticking along, before the latter hit the post from a penalty.
The visitors then worked their way up the field through a series of penalties, before being awarded a penalty try from a scrum. Eastgate scored the extra points.
Debutante Umaga then scored his first try after Eastgate charged down a kick, allowing the centre to grubber the ball on, before controlling it well to cross. Eastgate converted again.
Hinckley got their third try on the half-hour mark, with Matthew Fearn scoring from close range. Eastgate got his third, making the score 21-0. This would be, however, the last time Hinckley scored.
The second half was dominated by Harrogate in terms of territory and possession, with Hinckley now moving to the wrong side of the penalty count. Harrogate would score, however, it was controversial as there was some dispute over whether or not the ball went into touch.
The game ended 21-7, a great result on their return to the division.
This Saturday, Hinckley are at home for the first time this campaign against Sale FC at Leicester Road. As with all home games this season the kick off is at 3pm.