Hinckley Under 13s overpower visiting Oakham side
Hinckley RFC U13s vs Oakham RFC U13s
A frosty winter’s morning saw Hinckley RFC under 13s welcome Oakham to perfect rugby conditions at a sunny and bright Leicester Road. Having previously met Oakham away in the first game of the season, where they were narrowly beaten in the last 5 minutes by the home side, Hinckley had a point to prove.
The first few minutes saw little between the sides before Hinckley worked some great ball in hand play, putting increasing amounts of pressure on the physically imposing Oakham pack. An Oakham break was finally shut down by a great tackle by the Hinckley full back which gave possession to Hinckley who turned it into the first try through some great sidestepping by the centre. First try to Hinckley 5-0.
The restart saw Hinckley continue to dominate the play and soon the ball was played out to the opposite wing for try number two. Oakham worked hard to get back possession and showed some great moments of play but as the whistle sounded for the end of the first period they were trailing 10-0.
The second period started with some substitutions for Hinckley. With Oakham having brought a depleted match day squad it was clear that the home team with their 20 strong match day had an advantage. Hinckley soon won the ball from a ruck and shipped it out and ran in an unchallenged try to make it 15-0. As the Hinckley forwards continued to dominate over the opposition, another application of pressure at the ruck gave Hinckley possession and able to score try number four, shortly followed by try number five for Hinckley making it 25-0.
Oakham showed their mettle from the restart and undaunted by the scoreboard, pushed forwards into the Hinckley 22 only to lose possession and allow Hinckley to run free for another try 30-0 in the process picking up further injuries to their already under pressure squad.
As the final period commenced, two Hinckley players volunteered to support the opposition and bolster their numbers, swapping later with two further volunteers who took up duties for the opposition and showing great sportsmanship in the process.
The bolstered Oakham numbers did little to change the direction of the match as Hinckley continued to ensure that the match was played ball in hand and playing into the obvious fitness advantage that the Hinckley squad possessed. The final period saw a further 6 Hinckley trys scored including a notable try for one of the newer Hinckley wings. Only in the last 10 minutes did the visitors put their heads down. Both teams should be commended for a great show of sportsmanship and resilience on the day with some great teamwork on display from both sides.
The final score of Hinckley U13s 60 Oakham RFC 0.
Lichfield RFC U16s V Hinckley RFC U16s
Hinckley U16s put in another superb, dogged performance away from home to beat a strong Lichfield side 10-22. What made this victory even sweeter was the fact that the black and ambers arrived with another severely depleted squad, just 17 players available (11 of which were forwards) due to county duty or injuries. It was also redemption for last year’s close defeat.
Hinckley started the stronger side, launching a series of early attacks through strong runs by winger Buckler, McManus, Fountaine and Underwood. Lichfield’s defence held firm and they managed to clear their lines, but a terrific catch and break by L. Whittingham put Hinckley on the front foot again. Powerful carries by A. Whittingham, and Burton took the black and ambers within 5m of Lichfield’s line. The ball was brilliantly recycled and popped to Mensforth-Grove who ran a fantastic line to crash over for Hinckley’s first try, much to the delight of the rowdy away supporters basking in the winter sunshine, the visitors with an early 0-5 lead.
Hinckley continued their attacking intent as the game recommenced, breaks by Giles, Barnes, Wainde and Underwood taking them deep into Lichfield territory. Hinckley maintained possession as Barnes gathered a loose ball in midfield, charging forward before putting Fountaine in space down the left wing, but he was tackled 5m short of the line. Hutton showed superb support play to take the offload and plough through for Hinckley’s second score, increasing their lead to 0-10.
Hinckley turned over the ball and went back on the rampage through strong carries by L. Whittingham, Mensforth-Grove, Wainde,
Goodwin, Hutton, Fountaine, Miller, Smith and Underwood, taking Hinckley into Lichfield’s 22. The black and ambers were awarded a scrum 5m out from which number eight Barnes picked up and drove forward. Hinckley maintained possession, allowing Burton to pick up and burrow over for a brilliant third try. Stand-in kicker Miller’s superbly struck conversion sailed over to give Hinckley a deserved 0-17 lead after just 20 minutes.
The home side enjoyed an attacking spell as the game re-commenced landing a penalty to get on the scoreboard.
Lichfield remained defiant and were seemingly determined to score as the first half drew to a close, forcing Hinckley deep into their own 22 through a wave of attacks. Hinckley’s defence held firm, McManus putting in a huge try-saving tackle, but the black and ambers were suddenly down to a bare 15 as another player limped off with an injury. Lichfield took advantage and eventually crossed the white-wash from a scrum 5m out, taking the score-line to 10-17 and setting up a tense second period.
Lichfield kicked off the second half with their tails up.
The game was now a fantastic, physical contest, both teams knowing the next score would be vital.
After a series of attacks, Lichfield were let-off with a penalty and Hinckley found themselves down to 14 players following a sin-binning. Was this the turning point, their loyal fans muttered nervously? Yes, it certainly was, as this awesome pack of young men re-grouped and put everything they had into the final five minutes, taking the game back to Lichfield with a ferocious attack, A. Whittingham and Underwood leading the charge. The ball was recycled and taken forward by Smith with a superb, jinking break into Lichfield’s 22, with L. Whittingham in support to take the final pass and dive over on the corner for a fantastic try, increasing Hinckley’s lead to 10-22.
Hinckley, now back in control, should have scored a fifth try, or at least been awarded a penalty try in the last play of the game. Bullish runs by Goodwin, L. Whittingham and Toon created space for Fountaine to break down the left wing; he sent a superbly weighted chip over Lichfield’s full-back and looked certain to score, until he was tackled off the ball.
It didn’t matter, the game was won, although Hinckley came close again through a catch and drive from the resulting penalty line-out, but the ball was spilled and the referee decided it was time to go back to bed. Final score Lichfield 10-22 Hinckley.