Hitchin 4th XV 0 - 48 Hackney 3rd XV
The off pitch preparations- the week long crackle of communication across the air waves- are just as much an indication of what this club is about as the way we play on match day. And this was a week replete with all that is Hackney: its sensibilities, ethics, ethos in a pas de deux with ambition, future and character.
A state of heady flux shown materially in the departure of that wild, witty, mercurial gallic giant of a personality, a man of Gog-like stature- irreplaceable, gone; and the arrival of a genteel, judicious prop- his clean hands and urbane demeanour giving no indication of his skill at the dark coal face of pack rugby. Farewell Olivier, Welcome Jamie.
The gentle machinations of a rugby club aside, the mighty Gogs were formed and ready for an encounter with the unpredictable Hitchin. On the field the Gogs, quite often in second gear, controlled the casual, if at times capable opposition. They dominated in set pieces and defended well across the park.
The Gogs eagerly await their next challenge as the glorious cavalcade that is Hackney RFC moves on.
MOTM: Another great game by Owain, but this Saturday belonged to a forward: Well done Jamie Olsen
Special Mention: Very good game on his debut, Scott Nelson and a good performance by Darren Griffin returning to fly half.