And so at last the biggest rugby day in most of these U14s fledgling careers arrived; a particularly early start at the club (everyone either on time or early) in readiness for a bus trip to Melton sorted out by the normally exuberant Coach Clews who was unusually quiet and reserved although this was possibly due to the absence of the bus until the very last minute (mild panic!) or even the night before (?!). Some very apprehensive lads settled down at the back of the bus with the chatter coming from the parents and siblings (how can two colts make so much noise) near the front.
First half of the bus trip over, kids changed and raring to go, it proved difficult to keep them from revving themselves up too much, and too early, but the mood in the camp was positive and the players were as focused as we had ever seen.
After some early exchanges the game quickly settled with Lutterworth, and particularly the back row, to the fore, chasing down tackles and pressurising Hinckley into errors. Three unanswered scores in the first half by Harry Smith (2) and Jake Wright ( I think - apologies I spent most of the game peering through my hands!) and a conversation by Ollie sent us in 17-0 to the good and appearing to be in control. The message was clearly more of the same at half time but Hinckley had other ideas and their fightback started with a change in their game plan by keeping the ball much closer to the breakdown resulting in an unconverted try. The game continued to ebb and flow with a further two tries to Lutterworth (a long range effort from the back of a scrum from Harry and a nicely worked team effort for George Garnett) interspersed with a couple of Hinckley scores and when they went over again near the end there was definitely some nailbiting all along the Lutterworth sideline. However, the lads held out despite looking out on their feet for the win 27-20.
It is unfair to single out individual players for praise from this game as it truly was a squad effort which is what we have been telling the lads all season. Every one played their part and a huge amount of respect goes to Hinckley for their second half performance and the scenes at the end when players and coaches mingled shows a healthy degree of respect between the clubs at this level.
Clearly the return bus trip was a much more lighthearted affair - Coach Clews at last found his voice to lead some rousing renditions of old and new tunes and the lads learnt a few of the dark arts of surviving bus trips (we will leave it there!). Thanks to Gina at the club for staying on so we could have a few more beers and it was great to still see some of the juniors up there who welcomed us back. It is all appreciated as is the time and effort the parents made (and hopefully will continue to make) with this group.
A fantastic experience for all.
Thanks,
Nick