Hinckley’s first fixture in preparation for their return to National 2 ended in a 26 – 10 defeat to National 2 South side Clifton on Saturday, with some very positive signs shown, although execution at times was certainly lacking.

After a challenging journey down, which lead to the kick off having to be delayed, first team debuts where given to fly half Callum Rowe, a product of the club’s colts system, centre Glenn Murray, full back Scott Hamilton and also centre Andy Lally coming off the bench. David Peck also started his first game on his return from South Leicester. Mark Deaville captained the side for the first time in the absence of Alex Salt.

The first half was a very even affair, with both sides creating opportunities. Clifton scored first with a chip ahead well finished, with Hinckley replying from a pushover from number 8 Huw Marsden. The game had to go uncontested after 27 minutes, with Clifton losing two front row players to injury. Although disappointing in some ways due to Hinckley’s dominance, the coaching team saw it as a positive, as it moved the focus to other areas.

The majority of the second half was a pretty poor affair, with a lot of errors leading to a number of uncontested scrums which did deflate the games at times, although the referee allowed the game to flow well giving very limited penalties. As the players tired, 3 tries were scored in the later stages – two of them went to the home side, the second coming with Hinckley trying to ambitious from underneath their own posts. However arguably Hinckley scored the try of the game, with a set piece move going through all the backs hands allowing vice-captain Mitch Lamb to score.

A lot of work is still to be done, although that should be the case with the focus being on the first league game, but against a well established National 2 side, Hinckley showed themselves to be extremely competitive and will be looking forward to pre-season with some excitement. This, along with an excellent opposed session against National 1 Loughborough Students on Thursday have very worthwhile for the squad.

Next week, Hinckley will travel to Syston, before hosting Cinderford in the final pre-season fixture.
Hinckley: Hamilton, Driver, Lamb (1T), Murray, Dacey; Rowe, Weddle; Massarella, Coltman. Peck. Marshall, Deaville ©, M Walker, Fearn, H Marsden. Bench: Branson, Culpin, Lally.