HEDGEHOGS HERTS/MIDDLESEX 1 CHAMPIONS
1XV walk-over vs Staines RFC
11th placed Staines, unfortunately, were unable to field a team - the second consecutive home league fixture with this outcome. The players were disappointed they could not put on a show for the sold out Vice President's lunch, featuring a host of ex-Club Captains.
The award of a five-point home walkover confirmed Hitchin as champions of Herts/Middlesex 1 2018/19. The league winners plaque was presented to Club Captain Tom Tidey by Herts RFU Community Rugby Chair and club Vice President Tim Bonnett. The first league title for the club since 2005 has been hard earned both on and off the field and adds to the success of Hitchin Ladies RFC who also secured their league title last weekend.
Hitchin now look to finish their campaign with a win at Actonians next Saturday, followed by the Herts Presidents Trophy final with St Albans at Harpenden RFC on Sunday 28th April.
Fullerians RFC 12 - 38 Hitchin 2XV
T: Will Sale x2, Rory Blackburn x2, Tony Williams, Greg Ranson; C: Will Evans x4
The 2XV continued their good form with a convincing win at Fullerians. Fullers fielded a side with a blend of youth and experience, and Hitchin had to be alert throughout to the clever kicking game of their 10, two hard running centres and a mobile pack. A 5-metre scrum after 10 minutes was pushed over the line, Tony Williams tapping down from number 8. Prop Will Sale bagged his first try with a powerful run, and from the kickoff, the ball was spread wide for centre Rory Blackburn to score a superb individual effort. Hitchin conceded with the last play before the half and started the second poorly, but crucially did not concede. The Hitchin tries came through two flowing team move finished by Rory Blackburn and winger Greg Ranson, and an opportunist try from Will Sale after a loose defensive lineout from Fullers. Our hosts had the final say with a terrific score from their 13. The 2xv are now guaranteed 3rd place in Herts/Middlesex Merit table 3, and take centre stage at the club next week with a home fixture against Luton 2xv, before their plate semi-final, hosting Finchley 2xv on 13th April.
Datchworth Sports Club 0 - 98 Hitchin 3XV
The 3xv took to the field at Datchworth with a lineup of club stalwarts in the front 5, with central figures from the highly successful under 18s team filling most other positions.
While Datchworth had a similar selection, the match quickly became a one-sided affair as youthful flair and pace won the encounter. 16 tries were scored in total, debutant winger Ethan Lavialle with an astonishing personal tally of 7 tries. Special mention must also go to 18-year-old full-back Ciaran Sale, who managed 9 conversions without the aid of a kicking tee! Brothers Alex and Dom Baber-Norris played their first senior fixture together, as did father and son duo Paul and Brent Morris. This was the last league fixture for the 3XV, who will finish mid-table in Herts/Middlesex Merit Table 5 NE
Next Saturday
The 2XV host Luton 2xv, whilst the 1XV travel to Actonians in the final senior league fixtures in a hugely successful season for the entire club.