HRFC secure another season in top league
HINCKLEY got past the ‘magical’ 60 point barrier on Saturday and earned a bonus point win which has now officially secured a place in National 2 North for next season, a great achievement with four games still to go.
Running onto the field for the last game of March, Hinckley saw a few chang- es. Alex Branson returned to the back row, while Callum Rowe was awarded a start at fly-half after some strong 2nd XV performances. Outside him at 12 was Joe Wilson, on debut after joining from Nuneaton a few weeks ago. On the bench, Connor Eastgate made his first appearance since the end of 2016,
Hinckley Times Sport: Call 01455 891965 or email hinckleytimes@ trinitymirror.com £1 following a combination of injury and Scotland U20 duty.
Hinckley’s start was electric playing into the wind and they were on the board after three minutes before Luctonians even touched the ball, with Scott Hamilton going over from close range after some excellent build up play from the whole team.
Hinckley’s play in the first half against the wind was very positive, although there was some disappointment this pressure wasn’t turned into points. Luctonians capitalised on this, kicking two long range penalties to go 6 - 5 up.
However, just a couple of minutes before half time, a key moment came when Hinckley took the lead into the break with a pushover try from Alex Salt, converted by Wilson, giving Hinckley a six point advantage and the second half wind.
Hinckley immediately capitalised with a try from Ewan Bartlett after just two minutes, converted by Wilson to take the score to 19 - 6.
This was then followed by the visitors best period of the game building some good pressure on the home side, and with Matthew Fearn in the bin and prop Ewan Bartlett stepping in at eight with Alex Salt and Branson both off injured, they got back in the game with 20 to play, scoring a converted try.
The home side quickly managed to restore a lead, with Ben Marshall finishing from close range to secure the bonus point, again converted by Wilson.
With 10 minutes to play the debutant added a wind assisted penalty to take the deficit to three scores.
A positive performance and enjoyable game to watch, next week Hinckley have their final game outside of Leicestershire this season, away to Sheffield Tigers