Hornets completed their pre-season programme on Saturday with a 31-22 defeat away to National One side Moseley. Given though that Hinckley were 19-0 down within the first 15 minutes, the match could perhaps be judged a success for the Leicester Road men. The first quarter meltdown was very much as a result of a proliferation of unforced errors on the part of the Hinckley men which could possibly be excused by the lack of familiarity amongst teammates many of whom were playing alongside each other for the first time.

That was reflected in the comments of new Head Coach Alex White in his post-match comments. ‘To be 19-0 down after 20 minutes probably reflected where we were as a group pre-game. We lacked energy and any desire to show pride in our defence. It wasn't acceptable, so we need to look at how we can prevent that happening again.’

‘But credit where credit is due, from mid-way through the half we worked really hard to get a foothold in the game and then become the better team for an hour. Our set piece functioned well and the breakdown was a big improvement from last week, which allowed us to build some pressure. Both teams deserve credit for how the game was played in the grim and wet conditions.’

‘We look forward to getting out there at home next week against Luctonians in an exciting opening league game.’

Tries from Sam McNulty, playing against his former club, from Adam Riley who finished a superb break from halfway by Will Callan, new signing Alex Catcheside, and try scoring machine Will Callan who got on the end of a trademark Ben Pointon break from halfway made up the try scoring for Hinckley. On-loan fly-half Matt Smith converted one of the tries.
In previous weeks, Hornets had recorded first a creditable draw with local rivals Leicester Lions with a squad that was largely made up of last year’s Second XV and U23’s players, followed by a hard-fought 42-42 draw with National 2 North outfit Wharfedale.

The results represent a largely successful start to White’s tenure as Head Coach but the campaign came at a cost of a number with a number of injuries most notably to Captain Rory Vowles, and first team regulars Tom Addison. Matt Guilfoyle, Nick Tarr, and Evan Carey. Luctonians, who finished in second, one place above Hinckley, last year will provide the toughest of opening games. Hinckley did secure a double against the Herefordshire men last season, including a 36-0 thrashing at Leicester Road but that is only likely to further incentivise the visitors.

Newcomer White was appointed over the summer recess to replace Emyr Lewis who led the First XV to their highest ever position in the national Leagues last season finishing in third position following an unbeaten run of twelve games to end the season. White joins the Club from Syston RFC who he led into the National Leagues for the first time with an unbeaten season in the Midlands Premier. In addition, he is the 1st XV Backs and Attack Coach with Loughborough University, a position he has held since 2022.

In his playing days, White was a high-performing centre with Worcester Warriors, Cardiff Met, Stourbridge, Pertemps Bees and Sutton Coldfield. After calling time on his playing career, White moved to Nottingham when he met his now wife and started his coaching career at Syston and Nottingham Trent.

Commenting on his appointment at Hinckley, White said, ‘The opportunity came up last year to discuss a role at Hinckley and it quickly turned in to a no-brainer. The club is very ambitious and having the ambition from the playing group matched by the club was refreshing. Add that to the commercial model that Hinckley has it felt like a really exciting time to join the club.’

‘Hinckley have the potential off and on pitch to be a National 1 club. It’s no secret that is our ultimate aim. But we’re not putting too much pressure on ourselves by putting a hard time frame on achieving that. We have a great coaching group working hard with some very high potential players.’

White, who has responsibility for overseeing all men’s senior rugby at the Club, will be working alongside long-time Club Captain and Hinckley legend Alex Salt who was also recently appointed as Head of Rugby Performance. Salt’s role is Club-wide with responsibility for the development of the playing side of the game across all levels.

Nick Robinson