County cup win for Under 14 side
HINCKLEY U14s topped an excellent season by taking the Leicestershire County Cup title in a tough match against Loughborough RFC.
This Hinckley side has grown from strength to strength, year on year and their passion for rugby union is second to none. Their camaraderie and sportsmanship behaviour, both on and off the pitch, have allowed them to grow into a well developed, able squad who are looking forward to defending the title next season as U15s.
From the start Hinckley showed their strength for the breakdowns. Loughborough were offside and the penalty kicked into touch at the 22m but Hinckley lost the ball which was swiftly collected by Loughborough, a scrum followed and another lost ball, but Hinckley retrieving in the air and strong build-up from halfway saw every Hinckley player take the ball forward eventually reaching Hicks who brought it in for a try.
The forwards then played a big part in a second try touched down by Sansome to stretch the lead to 10-0.
Hinckley could not relax and five minutes before half time Loughborough were award- ed a penalty which resulted in a converted try.
In the second half a misplaced pass allowed Loughborough in for a second try which put them ahead 12-10.
Both Teams now taking advantage of their individual strengths, and Hinckley became animated as Loughborough took control of another lost ball but then gave away a penalty with Hicks running in the try and Gardner adding the conversion.
A Hinckley forward was then yellow-carded for offside too many times and it was advantage Loughborough who collected a loose ball. Hinckley’s shield went up as a penalty was awarded on their five metre line, Loughborough utilising to go 19-17 up with the conversion.
Trailing by a try, Hinckley were forced to defend as Loughborough went straight back on the attack but the Hinckley backs relieved the pressure and, with the game ticking into the final two minutes, the forwards piled on the pressure. Sansome thought he had got over but they eventually powered over with Deacon getting the all important score to secure a 22-19 success.