Hornets too good for visiting Stourbridge
HINCKLEY maintained their unbeaten home record with a two try to one victory against a limited Stourbridge side in what could only be described as a dour encounter on a dank, dark midwinter afternoon at Leicester Road.
Hornets were not at their best but were too good for Stourbridge. In attack, Hornets lacked precision letting slip numerous chances to score but their defence was of the highest order, strangling the life out of Stour. The Stour pack perhaps had the of best the set-pieces and Hinckley’s familiar line-out problems returned, but Stour simply lacked the firepower to threaten a well drilled Hinckley defence.
The match could hardly be described as a spectacle but it was an effective demonstration of disciplined rugby.
Director of Rugby George Chuter commented afterwards: “I was pleased with the victory against a side who are better than their League position might suggest. Our defence was outstanding, particularly in the second half. It would have been nice to have scored a few more tries but I’d settle for 4 points any day of the week.”
With all the top three sides losing, the win puts Hinckley right back in the promotion race. Hornets sit in fifth place, six points behind second placed Chester but three of the top six have still to visit Leicester Road. Hornets after the half hour. From a Hinckley may not be favourites but a second scrum on the Stour 10m line, the ball place finish and a promotion play-off was worked into the Stour 22m and a is by no means out of the question. clever chip over the oncoming defence
The first quarter of the game was less by Wilson was collected by Aaron Philthan memorable and it was not until lip who fell over the line to score, the 23rd minute that Hinckley regisdespite the attention of several Stour tered the first score of the game when defenders. This time though, Wilson Callum Dacey was able to launch a couldn’t make the conversion. counter attack following an aimless At 12-0, Hornets looked to be comkick out of defence by Stour. The ball fortably in charge of the game but it was carried deep into the Stour 22, was Stour who registered the next recycled and Ryan Hough was eventuscore. From a ruck on the Hinckley ally able to go over in the corner to give 10m the ball was fed to Stour Centre the home side the lead. Joe Wilson Joe Heatley who appeared surprised to added the extras. receive the pass. A classic piece of jugHinckley went further ahead just gling was followed by a searing break to take the ball to the Hinckley 22m and a switch pass inside gave centre partner Hal Riley an easy run to the line. It was perhaps the one blemish on Hinckley’s defensive performance and a disappointing end to half. Chris Scott kicked the conversion to make it 12-7 and the referee blew for halftime.
The second period saw was played exclusively in the Stour half. Wilson missed out on a penalty opportunity awarded for a Stour scrum infringement shortly after the restart but made amends after 66 minutes converting a penalty from the 22m after Stour fullback Mark Harrison was carded for a reckless tackle on Joe Glover who had collected his own chip through.
Hornets were unlucky not to score with time up on the clock when Stour, chasing a bonus point try, were intercepted inside their own 22m only for the referee to blow too early for a Stour forward pass, denying Hinckley a certain try.
Next week, Hornets visit local rivals South Leicester who are currently struggling in the relegation zone. Past history would however suggest that League position has little relevance in what is always a fierce local derby. Hinckley Times Sport: Call 01455 891965 or email hinckleytimes@ reachplc.com £1.30p