Tring 4th XV 0 - 86 Hackney 2nd XV
A testing week for selection, as Hackney had many tight 5 players unavailable, leading to some adaption required by the teams to enable all three squads to field full teams. The positive attitude shown by the Gargoyles in playing out of their preferred positions was rewarded by a handsome victory. Guy returned to the flank where he used to play when dinosaurs roamed the planet and offered to be front row cover! Sam took up the vacant second row slot and Pete Walsham showed off in the front row.
The muddy and windy conditions lead to a simple game plan of playing the match in the opposition half through tactical kicking and strong running. This was orchestrated superbly by Matt’s kicking and very positive “go forward” running from all. In total Hackney spent no longer than 5 minutes in their own half for the entire match, most of this whilst receiving a restart kick. The handling and vision of 1 to 17 was outstanding, space was sought or manufactured to great effect. Hackney’s Achilles Heel of the lineout was avoided largely, as the ball was kept in play as much as possible. However, for the first time in Gargoyle’s history a quick lineout was executed swiftly, accurately and effectively leading to a well taken try. Hackney’s scrum was under pressure for the opening quarter although Dave Huxley handled the retreating ball excellently. As the game progressed and Hackney’s superior fitness began to show the scrum became an even contest, eventually leading on to domination with three balls taken against the head.
Luke gave the team a half time target of a clean sheet by the end of the match. This proved to be inspiring as more points were scored in the second half than the first and what little defence that was required was aggressive and effective. Intensity did not falter from a Hackney perspective, although the match was curtailed at 75 minutes (at Tring’s request).
The performance of the squad was one of “total rugby”. Blair was Mister link and offload throughout the game. Coxy was solid under the high ball coupled with strong counter attack running. Jonny offered more kicking options in the second half against the wind. Damien tackled like a demon and made metres with every carry. Glenn and Pete grafted hard in the front row but lost nothing in the loose. Sam secured almost every restart catch and was given good support from the back row. As a collective the backs supported each other well with an apparent never ending option left or right. Luke’s captaincy was spot on for the day.
MOTM : Matt Hanton; kicking out of hand or place made the game a front foot affair (86% is not to be sniffed at), along with great distribution and good rucking when required.