U14 County Cup Quarter Final

Hinckley 27 Ashby 7

Coming a full month after their previous game, a period which included two cancellations and water-logged pitches, there was a level of apprehension in the Hinckley squad before kick-off in the U14s County Cup quarter final against Ashby. Training in the period had focussed on set pieces, calls and communication - and trying players in different positions in the backs to try and gain width in play.

The team's concerns were swept away after only 2 minutes with a powerful run into the corner by the winger - nicely placing the ball under the posts for a conversion by the inside centre. The players were on the front foot, the team were well organised and vocal - putting into practice their training moves. There was some intensive forward play to follow with a series of scrums and crash balls followed by a powerful drive over the line and a try by a second row at 14 minutes.

Focus seemed to wane in the second phase of the first half, communication reduced, and errors were made - resulting in Ashby gaining a well fought try and conversion at 18 minutes. Hinckley made a wing and a second row substitution to regain focus and add fresh legs, but also to comply with the RFU guidelines this season that all selected players must play a minimum of 50% of match time. The remaining play of the half was split between forwards and backs of both sides - with some hard tackles made, accurate kicks into touch for line-outs and players were starting to slip and slide on the pitch which was getting muddy in places.

Several substitutions were made at half time (prop, second row, fullback) to the Hinckley line-up. The second half continued to be a very physical game with well contested scrums by both sides - showing a well balanced mix of power and skill. However, Hinckley's fitness and moves built on their confidence gained from the first half, and at 4 minutes in much ground was toughly gained from a breakdown, followed by a try by one of the props. At 11 minutes in a call was made and the ball went down the line to the outside centre who powered over the line at speed - well supported at each shoulder by his fellow backs. Hinckleys pace was demonstrated well again as another winger went in for their final try at 15 minutes. The remainder of the half was evenly fought with a mix of scrums, line outs and phases of play. Final score 27:7. Here's looking forward to the semi finals.