It was remarkable how cohesive Hinckley performed from the word ‘go’ bearing in mind the personnel and positional changes made late in the week. The adverse weather conditions of a strong wind and squally showers allied to a slope on the pitch would have a pronounced outcome as to who would win the game. Playing with the the slope, but against the wind it was hard to determine who would have an advantage at kick off time.
No Coltman, Morris, Avent or Greasley for Hinckley as the effects of last weeks showdown versus Old Hales was keenly felt. The visitors strength in depth was again evident as Matt Fearn, Sam Massarella, Sam Driver and Ed Dunn stepped up to the starting line up - the latter playing in the unaccustomed role of open side flanker. Phil McQueen, Tom Hilyer and debutant Matt Walker making up the bench.

Hinckley kicked off down the slope and immediately had ONs defending desperately on their own line. A yellow card for home flanker Ted Bunn compounded their problems, but after a series of penalties and scrummages ONs cleared their lines and the threat was over. Hinckley, however, charged forward at every opportunity whether it be in close driving contact or probing box kicks from Joe Glover and on 20 minutes the aforementioned Glover scored Hinckley’s first try. The opportunity occurred via Mitch Lamb whose powerful run was held up over the home sides line and Glover pounced. Mark Lord kicking into the eye of the storm was short with the conversion. The trick was repeated soon after as Glover scooted around the front of a line out as the Hinckley forwards took control to add the visitors second try. Unfortunately the conversion went the same way of the first, but Hinckley were out to a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.
Callum Dacey added the visitors third try wide on the right after quick hands from Lamb and Mitch Culpin. Lord aimed for the corner flag and bisected the posts with the help of the swirling wind to add the extras with a fine kick. One of the local supporters lost £20 posting a bet with his friend stating that nobody would be able to add a place kick against the elements such was the strength of the wind.

The interval was reached with Hinckley 17-0 to the good and with the advantage of the wind behind them for the second half, but going up the slope.

Immediately from the kick off receive a high kick from Glover caused problems for the home defence who let the ball bounce - Lamb was on it in a flash to run in for Hinckley’s bonus point gaining fourth try. Lord converted to move the visitors out to a 24-0 lead.
Hinckley’s forwards were completely on top in every facet of the game with Mark Deaville and Ed Dunn ruling the line out, while the rampaging Fearn, Steve Harvey and Huw Marsden carried well and made the hard yards. From continued pressure up front the ball was recycled and moved to Lord who rode the tackle to put Dacey in for his second try, this time wide on the left. Lord converted with another fine kick and Hinckley lead 31-0 and were in complete control. Tom Hilyer and Matt Walker replaced Culpin and Tom Sanderson respectively for the latter stages of the game.
ONs could have quite easily thrown in the towel at that stage, but for the last twenty minutes took the game to the visitors prompted by scrum half Lewis Barker and his forward colleagues. Considerable pressure was exerted on the Hinckley line, but as in so many games this season the leagues meanest defence held firm and the danger passed.
From a long wind assisted clearance kick Hinckley laid siege to the home sides line and Dacey added the visitors sixth and his third try diving into the corner. Lord’s conversion was just short and the referee blew the final whistle as the darkness drew in.
Outstanding contributions from all the squad and NO yellow cards!
The final score a comprehensive, but unforeseen 36-0 victory celebrated in style alongside a significant birthday for director of rugby Paul Walsh.

Next week Peterborough Lions visit Leicester Road for another tough assignment ko 2.15pm.