‘Character the key to Hinckley’s triumph’

Hinckley .............. 29pts Tynedale .............. 26pts

HINCKLEY snatched victory just three minutes from time when Joseph Wilson kicked the decisive points as they entertained Tynedale at Leicester Road.

Wilson had earlier dotted down either side of the half-time whistle with Samuel Driver and Mitchell Lamb also crossing to grab the bonus point for the hosts.

Hinckley director of rugby George Chuter was full of praise for the spirit and resolve that his side showed throughout the afternoon.

“I thought that the entire team showed great character for the full 80 minutes,” he said.

“After losing away at Sheffield last week it was important to get back to winning ways in front of a home crowd and bounce back.”

Tynedale came away with two points thanks to Oliver Walker, William Miller, Joe Mills and Nick Cairns and the kicking of Ashley Smith.

Coach Scott Lawson took time to pay tribute to the effort showed by his team in Leicestershire.

“It was a huge effort with both sides contesting a very physical battle,” said Lawson, who was recently recalled to the Scotland squad as a player after a three-year absence.

“It was a great game of rugby with plenty of tries and attacking play and it was just a late penalty that proved decisive.”

It was the visitors that started the better and they opened the scoring on 13 minutes through Walker who finished a sweeping move that began in the Tynedale 22.

Wilson got his first try of the afternoon minutes later but the Northumberland side increased their lead to 12 points with Miller getting the better of the Hinckley defence and Smith knocked over his second conversion.

The hosts again bounced back, Samuel Driver burst from the Hinckley 22 to shorten the deficit before Hinckley found themselves in front for the first time when Lamb crossed.

The second half got off to a frantic start with the remaining three tries all coming within the next 12 minutes.

A series of pop-and-go’s eventually left Mill with the chance to score, Smith again converting.

Wilson scored and then converted his own try as the Hinckley full-back enjoyed a successful afternoon.

Tynedale levelled the scores in the 52nd minute after a neat passage of play opened up the chance for Cairns.

Drama followed in the latter stages as Wilson missed his first chance to see his side go back ahead, hitting the upright from the tee.

However, the Hinckley man redeemed himself and his 77th minute strike guaranteed the win for his side.

The victory ensures Hinckley remain in the mix at the top of the table and Chuter knows how big this victory could prove.

The former hooker added: “Tynedale are a good side and are right up there themselves and this was a good platform for the rest of the season.”