COUNTY CUP CHAMPIONS

Quarter Final V Syston
Hinckley first game of the day was against a big & strong Syston team. Both teams defended well with numerous crunching tackles by both sides, Hinckley had the majority of the possession but could not penetrate the Syston defence to score. The second half was similar to the first with Hinckley now playing down hill and again with the majority of possession. Hinckley (Salisbury) finally penetrated the Syston defence, popped the ball to Whittingham who dived over for the only try of the game. Hinckley 1 Syston 0

Semi Final V Leicester Forest
With Leicester Forest Knocking out old foes Market Harborough in their quarter final game, Hinckley entered into the Semis with new found respect for their opposition. This game was also tight with both sides tackling like their lives depended on it. Again Hinckley had the majority of the possession and were camped on Leicester forest’s try line for most of the game. Hinckley were unable to break through and the game ended in a draw 0-0. As no extra time is permitted by the RFU and the first try scored rule could not be applied the game was decided by a toss of a coin. Coach Barnes went with the faithful “Tails never Fails” and Hinckley progressed to the County Cup Final.

Final V Ashby
Another close and extremely physical game, with both teams tackling and running the ball from end to end. A well worked move by the Hinckley boys saw Moore ship the ball out wide to Hurley-Smith for the all important first Try. Ashby responded during the last play of the half with an interception try. Half time 1-1.
The second half Hinckley were playing up hill and were hitting Ashby’s solid defence continuously, Mensfoth-Grove finally broke through to put Hinckley back into the lead.
A nail biting last couple of minutes remained, with possession changing hands from penalties, awarded due to both teams having to many players in the ruck. Hinckley won a final penalty and with the ref calling last play, Goodwin ran the ball into touch to finish a very close and competitive final. Hinckley 2 Ashby 1.

Massive congratulations to the whole Hinckley squad who have worked hard in training and finally had the heart and belief to turn the training drills into match winning plays.