After a disappointing start to the season last week at Hornets, when Hinckley conceded a converted try in the last couple of minutes to hand Hornets the win, Hinckley got their campaign underway this week with what would seem a comfortable bonus point victory at Leicester Road on Saturday. For those present, however, it wasn’t quite as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. Hinckley led from the sixth minute but were never able to shake off a persistent Loughborough side and it was only with the last passage of play that Hinckley pulled away with a converted try that denied the visitors a second bonus point.

It was very much a game of contrasting styles. The Hinckley pack, despite fielding no less than three debutants, were absolutely dominant from the off, giving the Students only crumbs of possession to work with, particularly in the first half. New boy and man of the match Archie Appleby was imperious in the line-out, the front row gave their opposite numbers a torrid time in the scrum, and the back-row were simply too strong for the Students. All six Hinckley tries came from the forwards with hooker Tom Haywood grabbing a hat-trick and Dale Bowyer scoring twice.

With the little possession they did secure, however, Students always looked dangerous with ball in hand. Centre Joe Pannese in particular proved a real handful all afternoon, and, collectively, Students put together some delightful rugby and were always in the game.
In contrast, the Hinckley back division, so fluent in the latter part of last season, simply did not get going. It would be unfair to say that individually they were poor but, as a unit, they lacked precision.

Defence coach Ben Avent was generally happy with the win while recognising there were things to work on. ‘Overall, I was pleased with the aggression and work rate we showed in defence for the majority of the game. The boys put in a real shift, and we were solid for long spells. However, as the game wore on, we started to tire, and the students, being a very fit side, capitalised on that. It was great to get the first win of the season on the board, and the boys continue to show excellent attitude and commitment in training. We know, though, that we need to be more clinical in the red zone and make sure we’re converting those chances into more points.’

Hinckley took the lead after just six minutes when Tom Haywood broke off the back of a maul to score from short-range. Vowles converted and Matt Browne added to the tally dotting down after the Hinckley eight had pushed the Loughborough scrum over their own line from 10m out.
It was all Hinckley at this point but Students did pull one back through loose-head Eric Castillo who went over from a quick tap and go penalty 5m from the Hinckley line. Ben Taylor converted.

Haywood grabbed his second on the cusp of half-time with another catch and drive effort from short-range and Vowles’ conversion took it to 19-7 at the break.

Haywood’s third came six minutes into the second half to earn the bonus point and what seemed like a commanding 24-7 lead. But Students hit back with two tries of their own first from scrum half Rhys Hulse and then centre Archie Kean, both converted by Taylor, to bring them within three points with seventeen minutes to go. Students were in the ascendant.

Hinckley pulled away again with another catch and drive effort, Bowyer this time being the beneficiary with Vowles adding the extras, but Students took advantage of some Hinckley profligacy just inside their own half only a minute later to grab a bonus point try. With ten to go, only a single score divided the teams.

Hinckley though were able to maintain their composure in a nervy final few minutes and another short-range catch and drive effort from the forwards with the final play saw Bowyer touch down for his second and Vowles’ conversion put the icing on the cake.

Nick Robinson