UCS Old Boys unable to tame high-flying Hitchin
Action from UCS Old Boys against Hitchin in Herts/Middlesex One (pic: Hitchin RFC) - Credit: Archant
Herts/Middlesex One: UCS Old Boys 7 Hitchin 33
UCS Old Boys suffered a 33-7 defeat at home to high-flying Hitchin in Herts/Middlesex One
The game begun with UCS applying significant pressure to Hitchin defensive line. Strong link-up play, cordinated by Corne Jansen Van Vuren, resulted in Marty Tootell being released down the right wing.
Despite beating a one-on-one, an unfortunate knock-on over the line saw Hitchin being let off the hook.
This set the tone for the first half, with strong running from George Sewell and Sam Richardson making decisive inroads, while Liam Clarke also rumbled over half the pitch in a strong run.
UCS also defended strongly, with one defensive press culminating in Ben Brooks jumping on a stray Hitchin offload.
Brooks outpaced several Hitchin players over 60m to dot down over the line, with van Vuren converting to make it 7-0 to the hosts.
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However, Hitchin responded late in the first half with a surge taking them to UCS try line.
Despite strong defensive tackles, Hitchin managed to cross the line with the last play of the half to make it 7-7 at halftime.
A slow start to the second half from UCS, and a few tactical substitutions from Hitchin, resulted in a quick try for the visitors.
This was followed by three tries on the back of strong scrum pressure and strong tactical kicking which pinned UCS back.
Despite Hitchin benefiting from possession, UCS continued to defend strongly with big hits across the park coming from the centre partnership of Chris Bean and Tom Arnold.
UCS then begun to ship the ball outside of the first man and apply pressure against Hitchin for the remainder of the second half.
Despite demonstrating significant grit and determination, the score held at 33-7 until the final whistle.
