Youth team fail to score as first trip to Old Coventrians ends in disappointment
HINCKLEY Under-16s made their first ever trip to Old Coventrian’s RFC on Sunday morning.
Straight from the kick off Hinckley were on the back foot having to absorb considerable pressure from the home side in atrocious conditions.
Hinckley were playing up the slope with the rain soddening an already mud bath of a pitch.
Hinckley’s task was not helped by the early loss of influential centre Reynolds to injury but they stuck to their task admirably restricting the quality opposition to just a single score in the first half despite not once getting into the home side’s half.
The one score came following a poor clearance kick which was returned with interest for a score in the corner.
Strong tackles by Lockett, Puffett & Coltman, good box kick clearances from scrumhalf Ellershaw and big carries from Wass & Jones all helping to keep out the home side.
The start of the second half saw the conditions deteriorate even further and it was only a matter of time before the con- test became browns v browns as the shirt colours became unrecognisable.
At least Hinckley had the slope to their advantage but play very much mirrored that of the first half. Hinckley were however now spending time in the oppositions half.
Old Coventrians were able to extend their lead as a knock-on at halfway was missed by the official allowing the home sides backs to score in the corner.
Hinckley were however showing a much improved attitude compared to their previous game at Syston.
They shipped a further try following a turnover at a ruck but were still able to put the home defence under huge pressure in their own 22.
Bruce charging a clearance kick down and Johnson winning a scrum against the head.
Unfortunately they were unable to convert into a score their play deserved.
A great game to watch from under an umbrella, played in good spirit by both sides.
If Hinckley can maintain this mentality for the rest of the season results will be sure to go their way.