Mixed Results against Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray

Hinckley Tigers faced Melton first which was a tight defensive match, Hinckley forcing Melton to spill the ball forward in the tackle only to lose possession again due to handling errors, this was the story of the game with possession changing hands regularly with no team getting near the try line. Melton managed a single breakaway try and the game ended 5-0 to Melton.

Hinckley Lions played their first game against Market Harborough A. They got off to a slow start and quickly conceded three tries. A deserved first half try from Drakeford brought the score to 15-5 at half-time. Hinckley found their mojo in the second half and played a much better game with good defensive play and strong tackling, particularly from Duggins, Morrissey, Guesty and Mensforth-Grove. Great second-half tries from Barnes and Mensforth-Grove spurred on the team but Harborough retaliated hard finally beating Hinckley 25-15

Hinckley Tigers then played Market Harborough B. They quickly took control of the game with strong tackling from all the team which kept Harborough pinned well inside there own half. Strong running and good movement of the ball led to 3 first half tries from Goodwin, Buckler and a fantastic first ever try for L.Whittingham. Half time score 15-0. The boys came out in the second half even stronger and more determined. They ran hard, straight and offloaded in the tackle better than ever before, which resulted in Burton’s hat trick and two more from Whittingham to complete his hat trick. Final score Hinckley Tigers winning 40-0.

Hinckley Lions started their second game against Melton Mowbray with all cylinders firing. Excellent team play with strong tackling and accurate passing ensured that Hinckley stayed in control of the game throughout the first half. A brace of tries from Barnes and great breakaway tries from Mensforth-Grove and Guest secured a healthy lead of 20-5 going into the second half. With half of Melton’s team substituted they started the second half with fresh legs and immediately hit back. Hinckley played hard but the might of the fresh Melton players started to take control. Despite some fantastic defensive play, particularly from Duggins, Guest, Mensforth-Grove and Barnes and an excellent try from Drakeford, Hinckley conceded 6 second half tries eventually losing 35-25.

Hinckley Tigers last game of the morning was against Market Harborough A. Excellent whole team tackling and straight powerful running, resulting in a Goodwin hat trick, plus a super try in the corner by Buckler. Half time 20-15 to Hinckley. The second half was much the same with both sides running and tackling well, Harborough just getting the upper hand scoring 3 tries to 1, Burton breaking through the defensive line to cross the white wash (or cones). Harborough looked like going home with the spoils until last play when Goodwin powered through the defence to score the equalizer.

Hinckley Lions weren’t able to play their third game against Market Harborough B, due to time restrictions, but we would have thrashed them, so there!