Hitchin 2XV 24-12 Fullerians 2XV
Hitchin 2XV hosted Fullerians for the second time in three weeks, this time in their first home fixture in Counties 3 Hertfordshire.
Fullerians had the better of the opening exchanges, but missed an early penalty kick at goal. A pick and go by Flanker Ryan Arbon broke the line, and Scrum Half Ryan Godfrey was brought down metres from the line. A fumbled pass prevented the Hedgehogs from scoring the opening try.
Another Fullers penalty kick at goal was missed after 20 minutes. Hitchin started to dominate territory, and a break from Centre Marcus Goss was only slowed by the Full Back. Two phases later, Prop Jonny Robertson was adjudged to have cleared out a ruck illegally, and was issued a yellow card. Still 0-0.
Captain Greg Ranson stepped up to kick a penalty from 30 metres out and made no mistake. It was a scrappy end to the half, but Arbon put the ball into touch for a 3-0 halftime lead.
Fullerians again started the half the stronger side, and only got turned over on the 5 metre line, allowing Hitchin to exit. Winger Will Dormer, still only 17, had an excellent game on the right edge, and secured a turnover on a threatening Fullers counter-attack.
After a series of scrum penalties in favour of a dominant Hitchin scrum, Fullers lost a man to the sinbin. The numbers told shortly thereafter, replacement Dan Barnes crossing the line for the opening try of the match, converted by Ranson.
Hitchin's second came soon after, and it was a stunner. Strong carries from Prop James Mulcahy-Dance and Second Row Sam Underwood generated momentum, and the backs worked the ball to Winger Paul Ledwith, who beat three defenders before offloading to Goss, who fended off the last defender to score under the posts.
With 15 minutes to play, Hitchin secured their third try. After a near miss resulted in a goal line dropout, Dormer received and made 20 metres to set a ruck inside the 22. Fly Half Nathan Hillier found Number 8 Luke Chapman, who put Flanker Lewis Montague into a gap to finish from 15 metres. Ranson converted for a 24-0 lead.
Hitchin has been in near total control, but Fullerians were desperate to open their account, and did so when a missed tackle allowed the Left Winger in touch down in the corner.
Fullers scored again with a wonderful full field effort, and converted to bring them within two scores, with 5 minutes to play.
Hitchin pressed for a bonus point try that ultimately proved elusive. Final score Hitchin 2XV 24-12 Fullerians 2XV.
The Hedgehogs take fourth place in Counties 3 Herts, with 9 points from a possible 10. Next week we make the short trip to Letchworth for a friendly fixture, kicking off at 2pm.
Team Iain Charnley, Zach Scott, Jonny Robertson, Chris Mills, Samuel Underwood, Luke Warren, Lewis Montague, Luke Chapman, Ryan Godfrey, Nathan Hillier, Joshua Bradford, Greg Ranson, Marcus Goss, Paul Ledwith, Thomas Asquith-Fox
Subs James Akrill, James Mulcahy-Dance, Ryan Arbon, Luke Harbottle-Day, Daniel Barnes
Scores T: Lewis Montague (1), Daniel Barnes (1), Marcus Goss (1)
C: Greg Ranson (3)
P: Greg Ranson (1)
The league: Merit 3