Two wins on the trot at the expense of familiar foes

NATIONAL 2 NORTH

YOUNG footballers from around the borough competed in the fourth annual football cup for primary schools hosted by the Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth.

Around 100 girls from nine schools and 150 boys from 13 schools, from across the borough and beyond, took part in the tournament, whose trophies were presented by the new head teacher of the Dixie Grammar Junior School and Nursery, Emma Billington.

The girls’ final saw a team from Richmond Primary School in Hinckley beat a team from Sketchley Hill Primary School in Burbage while the boys’ final saw Desford Primary School beat Richmond Primary School on penalties after a goal-less extra time.

More than 500 spectators AFTER a frustrating patch of the season Hinckley RFC now have back-to-back victories to build on as they bid to consolidate their place in the National 2 North league.

And the second win on the trot came in familiar surroundings as Hinckley travelled to the scene of their disappointing end to the 15/16 regular season on turned out to watch and cheer on the teams at the Dixie Grammar School playing fields on Barton Road.

Senior school pupils helped by serving hotdogs to all participants as well as refereeing, time-keeping and organising car parking.

Mrs Billington said: “It was a wonderful event and I would like to congratulate all the players and participants for their involvement and great sporting spirit and to thank all the schools, staff and the spectators who have helped make it so memorable.”

Among the other schools competing were Sheepy Magna CE Primary School , the Dixie Grammar Junior School, Congerstone Primary School, Twycross House School and St Peter’s CE Primary Academy from Market Bosworth. Saturday, to take on old friends Scunthorpe, a fixture which is always close and played in excellent spirits.

George Cox made a debut in the pack, while Alex Crocker and Conor Buillvant were to make debuts from the bench.

Playing away from the clubhouse in the first half, Hinckley started dominant with some excellent back play on show, and strong running lead to Glen Murray going over for his first league try for the club after just three minutes.

Hinckley continued to dominate field position and spent a good five minutes camped inside the Scunthorpe 22 soon after.

Strong Scunthorpe defending, both in phase play and set piece held the visitors out for a while, although eventually Jacob Umaga cut an excellent line to go through the defence to score his fourth try of the season.

The try was converted by Connor Eastgate.

Hinckley however then dropped their standards, with a penalty being given away from the kick off which was converted by Steve Johnson, before they gave Scunthorpe an opportunity to attack down the right hand side to score what would turn out to be their only try of the day.

Hinckley did have another opportunity on the stroke of half time but unfortunately, after some good link play from Murray and Mitch Lamb, Ewan Bartlett was held up.

The second half was a largely forgettable affair, with it being drawn three all with a penalty from Johnson matched by one from Jacob Umaga. Scunthorpe did as well have another kicking opportunity which was pushed wide.

In all however, a satisfying day for Hinckley winning games back to back for the first time this season.

Next week is the longest trip of the season, away to Tynedale.