Hackney 2nd XV 6 - 14 Hemel Hempsted 2nd XV
Hemel Hempstead brought all of their resolve to the game, utilising their strength in the set piece to great advantage. Hackney’s eight had no answer to the visitors superior technique and timing despite re-jigging playing positions in an attempt to gain parity. However, it must be said that they battled on for the full 80 minutes securing their own ball as best as possible. Hemel struck early, at 7 minutes, whilst the Gargoyles were adjusting to the oppositions power. It was not until the 20th minute that Hackney created any testing play in the Hemel half, having defended boldly until that time. Further attacks and pressure saw the visitors give away 2 penalties in quick succession, both converted into points by Matt. The first half ended on a positive note for Hackney, going in only 1 point in deficit.
Half time saw Hackney examine the areas of play that they could change versus the areas that they could not. Tactical substitutions were planned to accommodate these thoughts. Playing “thinking” rugby was the key to unlock Hemel’s defence.
Hemel began the half in a similar vein to the first 40 minutes, playing tight, gaining ground and going wide when the right was earned. Yet the opposition backs did not match their packs dominance, with plenty of errors. This was the area for Hackney to exploit. Quick phase ball was required to release the Hackney back line, but on too many occasions the ball was run back into Hemel’s pack. There were also a couple of moments in the game that, had they gone in the Gargoyles favour, would have changed the complexion of the game. The knocked on high ball, the ineffective counter kick, the missed penalty kick chance, any one of these going Hackney’s way may have been the game changer. Effectively the home side spent the great majority of the half in defensive mode, holding on valiantly in spite of a rising penalty count against them. The inevitable winning try came at 72 minutes, giving no time for Hackney to answer.
This was undeniably the hardest opposition Hackney have faced this season, they must learn from this game, play a little smarter, to their strengths not the oppositions.
MOTM: Pete Walsham. Went to loosehead at 15 minutes in a commendable attempt to bolster the scrum, yet still tried to play the 7 role which was now occupied by the number 8.