Hinckley had high hopes of overturning league leaders South Leicester in the latest N3M game and always competitive local derby. On a bright and very blustery day South kicked off with the breeze and the low setting sun. Sadly hopes were dashed as South blitzed into a 20-3 lead in only twelve minutes, effectively winning the game. Unfortunately for the visitors South played with an intensity and pace that no other side in this league can match at this present time.
Hinckley put out, probably, their strongest available side for the visit to Welford Road, but started nervously and paid the price. A drop goal, penalty and two conversions from Ricky Aley, tries from Lee Robinson and Connor Smith gave Hinckley a mountain to climb. Mark Lord did score a penalty after a high tackle to open the visitors account while Aley cancelled that out with one of his own.
Rich Harris added Hinckley’s second penalty after a Stu Bale yellow card and Lord having to leave the field with a head injury.

The interval was reached with the score 23-6 to South.

Now playing with the elements Hinckley took the game to the hosts in order to score. They were, however, undone by a South breakout from defence as Gareth Kerr scored in the corner with Aley adding the extras. 30-6 down with even more of a mountain to climb.
The visitors showed their character as they began to control the scrummage as South tired. Joe Glover snipped after the Hinckley pack pushed South back for a well taken try. Harris had his conversion blown wide of the posts. Further gains in tight situations resulted in Hinckley pushing their South counterparts back to concede a penalty try routinely converted by Harris as the gap narrowed to 30-18 in the last quarter.
Hinckley were still pressing, but were let down by handling mistakes, especially in contact and poor decision making - traits that were evident for Hinckley throughout the game.
South closed out the game extending their lead at the top of the league to sixteen points which probably means promotion to level four.
In consolation, Hinckley prevented the champions elect from gaining a try scoring bonus point and actually won the second half by 12 points to 7.

Back to Leicester Road next week with the visit of Bournville ko 2.15pm.

The club welcomes any new players who are looking to play Rugby. If you are interested, please contact John Tilley on 07832375718 or email - chairman@hinckleyrugby.co.uk.