Staghounds County Cup Final Winners 2015

It always had the potential to be the game of the year especially with the past few seasons rivalry. As predicted the 80 minutes did not dissapoint. The physicality of the game from the off also remained intense throughout with the battle of the breakdown being the stand out factor in the first half.

Both sides were intent in attacking the breakdown with everything they had and Syston looked like they were securing & winning more ball early on putting the Staghounds under consistent pressure getting quick ball to their backline. That being said there have been a number of factors of the Staghounds game this season that has stood out on game day, one of which has been their tenacious organised defence. This got tested to the limit in the first half from Syston as they threw everything they had at the Staghounds but with little avail with the first half ending with Syston only scoring 8 and Hinckley 3 from a penalty converted by Rich Harris. Hinckley also had the disadvantage of having to play 10 minutes with 14 players after scrum half Dylan Weddle went to the bin. Josh Breen was brought on to cover for Rob Bryant who was injured in the tackle, Rob later to return after recovery to have a fantastic first game for the Staghounds.

Looking at the faces of the Hinckley & Syston players the first 40 minutes had took it`s toll on both sides physically & mentally. Despite this only one replacement was made at half time from Hinckley with James Kitch getting a well earned rest from Hooker while James Squires came on to prop and Liam Warren moved to 2. It was pretty obvious that Syston had expended an immense amount of energy at the breakdown and now it was time for Hinckley to get some phases of play going and starting to assert some much needed pressure back on Syston. The Staghounds had struggled in the lineout first half and needed some good lineout ball to set up the attacking game Hinckley are renowned for. This worked much better early on allowing Hinckley to really start dominating with their driving maul giving Hinckley`s backs the much needed ball they struggled for in the first half. It was not long before John Roux`s footwork helped him score Hinckley`s first try, converted by Rich Harris.

What came then was an onslaught from the Staghounds of driving mauls, hard running and backs play that really started to apply pressure to a stunned Syston after so much dominance first half. Issac Norton & Huw Marsden came on 10 minutes into the second half for Barrie Jones (captain) & Ricky Moran both of which had played their hearts out for 50 minutes, Thomas Sanderson took on the roll of captain. With Dylan Weddle now creating more opportunities this gave Syston a whole new problem to deal with as Issac & Huw were making big ground into Syston`s defence. New found vigour was found by all the team but especially Jack Percival who was putting in some devastating strong runs into Syston territory. Jack Percival got awarded later on with a hard fought try assisted by all the team and Rich Harris kicking 3 more penalties. Syston did manage a breakaway try from their winger that was well taken and the penalty to follow. Credit to Syston as they pushed Hinckley right to the end nearly scoring only to be held up in a choke tackle on Hinckley`s line winning Hinckley the game.

Awesome performance from the Staghounds to come back and turn a strong Syston performance first half into a winning second half Hinckley performance by 21-16. Man of the match could have gone to anyone but Jack Percival earned the honours with Issac Norton a very close second for his performance in the second half. Well done to all the players, coaches & helpers in the team as this was a team effort and everyone was needed on & off that pitch on the day!

Team: Liam Warren, James Kitch, Ewan Bartlett, Ben Marshall, Barrie Jones (C), Ricky Moran, Thomas Sanderson, Jack Percival, Dylan Weddle, John Roux, Dan Woods, Rich Harris, Rob Bryant, Tomasi Mocelutu, Julian Parrin, James Squires, Huw Marsden, Craig Bresland, Josh Breen & Issac Norton

Coaches: Andy Moore, Dave Massarella & Rich Massarella

Helpers: Jocky & Tracey Moran