Phil Dickson-Earle Chair of M&Y | miniandyouth@hitchinrugby.com | M: 0754526755

A great night out at the annual M&Y Adult Panto – Oh yes it was!!!

Walcome back! I hope you have all had time to recover from the excesses of the holiday

celebrations and are ready for 2013. We have now kicked off what is essentially the

second half of our season and on Sunday it was right back to business as usual.

For the Minis there was a visit from Harpenden and some much needed training for most

of the Youth sides.

There were just two youth fixtures this week but, dispite a two week break, it turned out

to be a cracking re-start for us. The U15A got things on the way with an away trip to Hertford for their

first match of 2013 and following an extremely hard fought game emerged the victors.

The Academy side also had an away fixture, on this occasion an encounter with Barnet in pretty

terrible conditions, but they too managed to pull off a hard fought win. See the match reports later in

the newsletter for more information on all the games played.

Wonderfully entertaining night out at the annual M&Y Adult Panto

The "sell-out" 2013 M&Y Adult Panto last Friday night was indeed another “raucous, rip-roaring,

success”. With an audience comprised exclusively of HRFC members and their guests, we were treated

to a version of the classic ‘Puss in Boots’ with some great characters. It was an evening that delivered

bag loads of humour, a fish'n'chip supper and a couple of drinks in great company. The event was

organised, once again, by our own Membership Secretary, Michael Emmerson, who I would like to

thank, on behalf of everyone that was there, for a thoroughly enjoyable outing.

NEWSLETTER – Wednesday 9th January

The Annual M&Y Adult Panto at the the towns Market Theatre

We are in the 25th Season of the Mini & Youth Section

Date Activity Cost Where

Friday 22nd March Eighties Quiz Night (Start revising!)

tba Clubhouse

Friday 3rd May M&Y Academy awards dinner (see team managers for tickets) tba Clubhouse

Sunday 5th May M&Y Founders day

(see team managers and coaches for details) -

Friday 17th May M&Y U13-U15 awards dinner (see team managers for tickets) tba Clubhouse

Friday 10th May M&Y End of Season Ball tba Marquee

Clubhouse

Saracens U11s and U12s will be able to enter the Landrover Cup competition in April. For every adult ticket sold for a Saracens game M&Y funds will get £5 commission. If you wish to buy tickets for games you can order in ticketmaster through Saracens website and quote club ref: Hitchin RFC for us get cash back sent.

Sunday 16th February Coach trip to Sarries v Exeter Chiefs first game at Allianz Park

Sunday 24th March Coach trip to Sarries v Harlequins, (Youth and Seniors)

Justine - Vice Chair – Minis News

I would be grateful if I could have some old photos of Mini and Youth players, parties, parents etc. going as far back as your images will allow.

Please email them to me.

Thursday Night is Bar Night!

Throughout the season the Clubhouse Bar is open on Thursday evenings between 8:00pm and 10:00pm, pop in for a drink and a chat.

Club Shop

Open each Sunday for all your kit and equipment needs. Club ties £9.00 Club badges £11.00 Club woollen hats £6.00 Club mugs £3.00 Senior Kit Bags £ 19.00 Junior kit bags £15.00 Gilbert LV= playing shirt £27.5 (£23.00 small sizes)

HRFC dress shirt £27.50

A range of Gilbert clothing

HRFC 50 YEAR’S HISTORY only £2.00

Open every Sunday from 9.45 am to 1pm

Smelly Boots Stall - grab yourself a bargain -

Open every home match day (Sunday morning) in the clubhouse. See Andrea and pick up a pair of second hand boots or a training top. We are always in need of contributions so please keep them coming. All the money raised goes into M&Y funds, thank you.

Aluminium Can Collection

The U14s are still collecting Aluminium cans to help fund their tour to South Africa in eighteen months’ time. Please keep collecting your aluminium drinks cans, no steel cans (i.e. food or tin cans). Put all your cans at the end of the passageway near the kit store on a Sunday and we will take them away after training. We have collected over a ton and a half already! Many thanks for your continued help,

Safeguarding Course - Wednesday 16th January 2013

A reminder that there is a safeguarding course at the club on Wednesday 16th January 2013 starting @ 7pm. Any mini/youth committee member, coach, team manager or team officer who has not attended such a course previously should attend if available. There are 20 places available. Please notify Tim Bonnett on trbonnett@btinternet.com or timbonnett@rfu.com if you want to be included on the course. I will sort out course application forms on the night and the course fee will be paid by the club.

Contact Tim Bonnett

CRB

If any of you are not CRB checked as yet, can you bring a passport or photocard driving licence and I will sort this out. If you have any queries or questions, give me a ring.

Tim Bonnett Herts CB Safeguarding Manager 07860 538823

Team Photographs A wall has been prepared for a M&Y photo gallery and most of you have already sent Justine your squad photographs. If your group have not sent one, then please can you do so as soon as possible. Coaches you are also required to be in the picture so please wear your new shiny coaching kit.

We need more referees!

The club has an obligation to Herts County RFU to provide referees for home fixtures. We need more Entry Level qualified referees to make sure we are equipped for the future.

If you're interested in getting involved and would like to learn the basic qualifications of being a referre, there is an RFU ENTRY LEVEL REFEREES AWARD two-day course taking place at the University of Hertfordshire (Hatfield)

on February 19 & 20 between 9.30am-4pm. The course costs £50, but the club will refund the fee upon completion of the course and your undertaking to referee some friendly matches for the younger age-groups. To find out more about the course content click here or contact the Club referee co-ordinator Stephen Ward.

Shop online and raise money for Hitchin Rugby Club

How it works

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when their supporters shop online.

You can shop with over 2,000 well known stores and each will donate up to 15% of what you spend with them!

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Once you've registered when you shop with one of the retailers, the system makes a note of your purchase, collects

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Sign up then click on ‘Find a cause’ and select ‘Hitchin Rugby Club Mini and Youth Section’

A total of £899.16 has been raised so far

Mini Rugby

UNDER 8 - EAGLES

Fixtures: Hitchin vs Harpenden - 9th January 2013

Team: Declan, Elliot, Gregor, Joe T, Leo, Oliver B, Theo, Tom T

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4

Result: Eagles 5–8 Harpenden A Eagles 11-9 Harpenden B Eagles 11–10 Harpenden A Eagles 6-6 Harpenden B

Tries: Declan 2, Gregor, Theo 2 Declan 4, Joe 3, Leo 1, Oliver 1, Tom 2

Elliot, Declan, Joe 4, Oliver, Theo 2, Tom 2

Declan, Gregor 4, Leo

EAGLES

MATCH 1: Eagles v Harpenden A

In true Hitchin style the Eagles got off to a slow start and despite some excellent tagging, were 4-0

down towards the end of the first half. Theo was the first Eagle to really come to life with a full length

run after a turnover which resulted in the Eagles first try. The second half was much more even, with

every player tagging well. There was some good support play and the Eagles ran in four tries to end a

bit closer to the winning Harpenden team.

MATCH 2: Eagles v Harpenden B

The Eagles were, again, a little slow off the mark. However, they soon got stuck in with some great

tagging and couple of terrific runs by Joe added to the tally of 4 tries to even the first half score.

Hitchin really took control of the second half, spending most of the time on the attack. They were

rewarded with a tally of 7 tries in reply to Harpenden’s 5. A deserved Eagles win.

MATCH 3: Eagles v Harpenden A

This was a high-scoring match with some great play on show from both teams. Harpenden again

started strongly but were soon reined in by a great run from Theo who took the initiative after a

turnover ball and sprinted the length of the pitch to score. With some prolific tagging by Declan,

Harpenden were kept at bay and the first half ended in a draw. The Eagles began the half with yet

another pitch length sprint and try from Theo (watch out Usain Bolt!!). Joe & Elliot both decided to

follow suit and some consistent tagging meant that the Eagles pipped the match.

MATCH 4: Eagles v Harpenden B

It seems the Eagles had obviously had their fair share of Shredded Wheat this morning as there was

yet more great running on show in the final match of the morning. In the first half, Hitchin took the

initiative with a pitch length run and try from Leo. However, some great back-up and tagging from all

the boys and two more tries were not enough to keep Harpenden from finishing the half in the lead.

The Eagles soon caught up in the second half with tries from Gregor & Declan including an excellent

turnover ball and run in from Gregor. Some persistent tagging lead to a last minute turnover for

Hitchin and had it not been for the final whistle blowing at that moment the Eagles would have scored

their third victory of the morning.

UNDER 8 - FALCONS

Fixtures: Hitchin vs Harpenden - 6th January 2013

Team: Charlie D, Isaac R, Luca J, Lucy, Noah T, Rose S, Sam V, Teddy

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4

Result: Falcons 9–10 Harpenden B Falcons 5–10 Harpenden A Falcons 5–10 Harpenden B Falcons 3–8 Harpenden A

Tries: Charlie, Isaac 2, Luca 2, Sam 2, Teddy 2

Charlie 3, Luca, Teddy Charlie, Luca 3, Teddy Charlie, Isaac 2

FALCONS

MATCH 1: Falcons v Harpenden B

The Falcons started off brilliantly showing no ill effects from the Christmas break (energised by extra

chocolate?) and held the lead against Harpenden B until the very end going down 10 - 9. There was

great support play from Rose, Lucy and Noah with no-one dropping the ball in the whole game - well

done.

MATCH 2: Falcons v Harpenden A

The second game was a tough challenge against Harpenden A but the Falcons were not overawed only

going down 10 -5 with Teddy get an early try for an unexpected lead. Isaac pulled off a couple of

great diving tags but the Harpenden support play was excellent and it was difficult to stop them

scoring. Charlie showed great determination to get three tries while Sam and Luca combined well for

Luca's try.

MATCH 3: Falcons v Harpenden B

In the third game perhaps tiredness began to tell as the Falcons defence wavered and they went down

10-5 again. Luca had a storming game getting 3 tries and 4 tags. Charlie and Teddy got the other

tries with Teddy pulling off some determined tags. It was great to see Lucy running straight which

helped the team going forward.

MATCH 4: Falcons v Harpenden A

In the return match with Harpenden A the Falcons put up a good fight before going down 8 - 3. Isaac

(2) and Charlie (1) got the tries with Teddy showing great swerves and stepping to set-up one of

Isaac's tries. Noah and Rose stuck at it to the end and managed to restrict the scoring.

Overall it was a great display of passing and catching and support play - most of all everyone enjoyed

themselves.

UNDER 9

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Oakley (Captain), Kieran, Joe, Scott F, Scott R, Oli L, Tomas, Edward, Luke

Match 1 Match 2

Result: Hitchin 10 - 3 Harpenden B Hitchin 5 - 3 Harpenden A

Tries: Scott R, Oli, Joe (2), Oakley, Tomas (4),

Scott

Oakley 1 Kieran 2 & Oli 2

HAWKS

Match 1: Hitchin vs Harpenden B

Hitchin U9Hawks team got the New Year's rugby season off to a perfect start with a resounding ten

tries to three victory over Harpenden B team. With this many tries scored the whole team contributed

both defensively and in attack. Some of the tries scored were down to individual skill while others

were simply putting the finishing touches to real team efforts. Those who crossed the try line were:

Scott R, Ollie, Joe (2), Oakley, Tomas (4) and Scott F. With a real effort from the coaching in

maintaining the pressure in defensive, the players did well in ensuring the opposition were frequently

on the back foot even when in possession. Kieran, Tomas and Scott stood out for their relentless

tackling and were ably supported by many of their team mates. The difference between a good team

and a great team is the ability to keep playing at the top of their game and Hitchin were guilty of

going to sleep in the second quarter to allow Harpenden three soft tries. Stern words from the

coaches and support from the sideline provided the much needed motivation and the players raised

their game to finish the match in fine style.

Match 2: Hitchin vs Harpenden A

This was looking like it was going to be a really tough game for Hitchin but right from the off Hitchin

were up for the battle. It was pretty much tit for tat during the first half with Hitchin managing to

edge ahead with some dogged determination which stayed with the boys throughout the rest of the

game. Some superb tacking time and time again allowed Hitchin to keep Harpenden at bay with a

couple of really close shaves defending our own line whereby Scott F and Kieran managed to hold the

ball up and Harpenden were unable to secure a score from such close range. Harpenden however did

not give up and pressed us hard throughout the second half and this pressure resulted in some poor

passing decisions which required Christophe’s intervention. The boys dug deep and tackled their

hearts out and they all worked hard for each other although bunching at times through a lack of

confidence to secure the tackle it bodes well for the future. A very different game compared to their

first but nevertheless just as rewarding.

UNDER 9

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Callum (Captain), Ollie S, Fred, Fraser, Ben, Nathan, Louis, Jacob M, Tom H

Match 1 Match 2

Result: Hitchin 0 - 11 Harpenden A Hitchin 5 - 12 Harpenden B

Tries: - Tom (4), Louis 1

EAGLES

Match 1: Hitchin vs Harpenden A

A very difficult match against a very strong and fast Harpenden team.

Callum gave his all, as usual, and there were some good runs by Louis and Tom but no one managed

to break the Harpenden defence.

We lost a lot of opportunities by being penalised too many times for the same mistake: we know we

should run with two hands on the ball (to avoid fending off) and stay on side.

Match 2: Hitchin vs Harpenden B

First half was close but as Eagles tired Harpenden got stronger and ran away with it in the second

half. Tom scored 4 of the 5 tries and Louis 1

Tom also tackled well, with a try saving tackle on the line and Fraser also played well.

Some good runs by Louis and Jacob too.

Matching an opposition takes a lot of constant work throughout a match. Players need to work hard

every single minute of the match; the easiest way to do that is to put pressure on the opposition

attack by defending up. Remember: ready- ready – ready- GO (when the ball is passed) and run

quickly towards the ball carrier to tackle him, if you do that constantly it’s half the battle won.

UNDER 10 - TEAM STEVE

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Freddie, Ben P., Ollie, Callum, Louis, Will, Jack, Ben B., Harry, Tom, Oscar, Matthew, Sam C

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: Hitchin 4 - 0 Harpenden Hitchin 2 - 1 Harpenden B Hitchin 0 – 4 Harpenden

Tries: Ben P, will, Freddie, Ben B

Game 1: Hitchin v Harpenden A good start for Hitchin who were wide awake and ready to go with Will scoring his try in the first few seconds of the game. Harpenden struggled to keep possession of the ball and after a series of stumbles and ruck overs Ben P cleared the ground for his great try. At the beginning of the second half Ben B broke saw an opportunity to pick

the ball out and run clear making his own action! Brilliant try! With seconds to go Freddie belted up the outside for his try just as the whistle blew. Louis took a few knocks in this game but it takes more than that to get him

down. Really great match. Game 2: Hitchin v Harpenden How proud the parents were to watch this game! With a textbook tackle from Oscar to make way for a big long run by Harry to score his try, this was a spectacular start to what was a splendid match. Sam Corner mad a fantastic effort for the try after breaking into open ground but was beaten at the line. Jack made some bold

attacks on Harpenden's defences, like a hungry bear and credit must go to Oscar for his performance in a new forward position as Harpenden were under attack. Forward is definitely Oscars direction. Callum was a good strong force in the ruck and Ollie provided much pressure by taking possession and moving the ball forward. In the second half Tom worked hard to rip the ball back and Matthew made some good clean clear passes to help set up a few near misses. Ben P scored in the last play of the match. Hitchin made the very most of this match. They enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their team spirit and playing skills and it was a pleasure to watch them

all at their best.

Game 3: Hitchin v Harpenden Harpenden took an early lead, but despite strong rucking from Louis and determined running from Ben B. we reached half time 0-2 down. The 2nd half began with Matthew getting in his share of tackles. Both Ben P. and Freddie worked hard to win the ball back but we had no luck. A smart move involving Ben R. Oscar and Will was the closest we came to a try, but despite plenty of hard work Harpenden ran out 0-4 winners. Well done to all.

UNDER 10 - TEAM MARTIN

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Christopher, Cailin, Luke, Finn, William, Sam T, Alex, Joe, Leo, Ben A, Alfie.

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: Hitchin 2 - 2 Harpenden Hitchin 0 - 3 Harpenden Hitchin 3 - 4 Harpenden

Tries: Cailin, William Tom (4), Louis Sam T, Ben A

Game 1: Hitchin 2 Harpenden 2 A very evenly matched game with lots of runs for the line and near misses. Great rucking from Leo.

Game 2: Hitchin 0 Harpenden 3 Lots of fast paced pushing and rucking against a very bi strong side. Excellent efforts by everyone.

Game 3: Hitchin 3 Harpenden 4 Fabulous running by Sam and Ben. Excellent play by all.

UNDER 12A

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Alex B, Jack, Hadley, Stevie, Dylan, Andrew, Connor, Rory, Sam B, Ciaran, Ethan B, Ethan L,

Sam K, Harry H & Nathan

Result: Hitchin 30-10 Harpenden

Tries: Ciaran (2), Sam B (2), Ethan L & Connor

After a two week break the U12’s continued their good season with two comprehensive wins over Harpenden on

Sunday, which was a great result against a strong club in our age group. Last season we went to Harpenden and played our best rugby of the season with four big wins and it was the same again on Sunday as both teams played some great flowing running rugby, to brighten up the damp overcast morning. It must be the Harpenden black shirts that bring out the best in our boys, as if we are playing our very own “All Blacks”, oh to play like this every week.

HITCHIN A v HARPENDEN A WON

Great to start the new year with a home match, Harpenden looking like a good challenge on a perfect KGV morning. Harpenden ko, Andrew collects & is tackled halfway and our forwards pile in to secure possession, Connor quick ball to Ciaran who zips in and out of three Harpenden players to secure a memorable early score 5-0 (no conversions today). Line outs interesting with Harpenden “Harry” looking twice as tall as everyone else, it didn’t take long to work out who the line-out target might be. Harpenden stung, and battle hard, possession to and fro though neither try-line threatened. Hitchin forwards then get the upper hand, ball recycled Connor to Ciaran to

SamB who evades tackler to power through for good try and 10-0. Harpenden period of pressure and Hitchin defend try-line fiercely to keep them out. Big kick by SamK to get back in their half, Harpenden line-out 5m out, goes straight over the top and Connor quick to react, flies through to accept this gift and score for 15-0. More Hitchin pressure, forwards again keeping the ball alive, Ciaran makes a jinking run from short range to make the

half time score 20-0 to the home side. Hitchin keep up the momentum in the second half, good line-out win and ball spread to SamB who weaves an

unstoppable low trajectory past 3 players to score for 25-0. Harpenden attack and get close to our line, SamB tackle and Alex rips ball to set up counter attack, ball passed across the back line to EthanL who showed power and pace to beat the defence in the right corner for 30-0. Harpenden attack well, and determined Hitchin keeps them from our line, but the sustained possession led to a good short range burrowing score from Harpenden forward. This seemed to give them a lift, and they were able to close the game with another well worked try to take the final score to an entertaining 30-10 Hitchin win.

UNDER 12B

Fixture: Hitchin v Harpenden - Sunday 6th January 2013

Team: Alex E, Jack, Harry G, Felix, Nathan, Andrew, Harry K, Alfie, Aaron, Sam H, Max, Brent,

Tom, Jamie, Laurence, Kyle & Harry H

Result: Hitchin 25 - 5 Harpenden

Tries: Andrew, Brent (2), Kyle & Felix

HITCHIN B v HARPENDEN B WON

For the B’s it did not take long to shake the Christmas pudding form their legs following the 3 week break. The lads looked surprisingly up for it as they went hammer and tongs at each other in the warm up. Harpenden had a few “A” team players and so Jack, Harry H, Stevie and Max dropped in to add a little bit of

support however it was a now familiar look team who fronted up. Hitch elected to kick off and Sam H put up a good drop out to give the forwards a target. Jack was first up

followed by Stevie, Andrew, Alex, Felix and Alfie. Hitch won the initial confrontation despite attention of a very physical set of Harpenden forwards. The initial scrum was won and Freddie came off the blind (a training ground play) to immediately make an impact. The cover tackle was made but the forwards were quick to recycle the ball. Aaron and Sam moved the ball quickly to Tom who weaved his way through the traffic. He spotted cover closing in fast and flipped the pass out to Andrew who was running a good support line to score in the corner 5-0. The following passage of play was intense with both teams probing to look for the elusive break. Harpenden tried a

direct approach through their large forwards however we matched up to them well. Harpenden then tried out wide however all the back line defended brilliantly and more aggressively than usual. Harpenden then elected to kick behind the defence but Max and Laurence when he was on marshalled the space behind the backs well.

Hitch had their fair share of attacking ball as well with the forwards working hard to give the backs some clean

ball in which they could exploit the space out wide. The 9, 10 axis did exactly what was asked of them and the mid field made some decent gain line breaks. The wingers saw a good deal of the ball with Harry H and Freddie Jamie and Kyle. Brent gave the Harpenden mid field plenty to think about as he ran straight and hard sucking in defenders to create the overlap. It was a measure of his effectiveness as he scored 2 tries in the second half. Harpenden pounded our line and Hitch conceded series of penalties however a monumental effort in defence

ensured that the line was not breached. Hitch turned round one score up. Jack, Stevie, Andrew and Harry H took their leave at halftime and Nathan Harry G and Harry came on in their place. Harpenden changed a couple of their players and kick off. The following 10 minutes of play was probably the best team performance the B’s have ever put in. The forwards were dominant and the backs moved the ball quickly and with good effect scoring 3 fantastic tries ,2 from Brent and one from Kyle. The first came after Brent received the ball in midfield, put his head down, got his legs going and ran through three tackles before bursting away to score 10-0, then after a good run from Aaron the forwards won quick ruck ball on the left, Sam H dropped into scrum half and whipped

the ball away to Tom who stepped his defender burst clear and then after a great covering tackle off loaded the ball behind the tacklers back to Brent bursting onto the ball and into the corner 15-0. From the kick off Nathan

caught the ball and drove up field, Alex E took the ball on and made more yards, quick ball was recycled and Aaron fed Sam H who had spotted a gap down the blindside, he then sold two beautiful dummies and darted through the gap, as defenders swarmed around him he managed to loop out a superb miss pass to Kyle flying down the wing, Kyle took the ball at full pace and dived into the corner to score the try of the day!!! 20-0. Harpenden came back but again the defence was immense twice we defended on our line and twice Hitch turned

defence into attack with a solid scrum and a good clearance from Sam. However it was not just the clearance it was the chase and the follow up tackles which led to a try by Tom. The line was breached which was a result of a bit of confusion on our try line 20-5. Jamie made an impact on the wing with his elusive running, making gain line break after gain line break. Hitch finished on the ascendency with a well deserved try for the forwards which was scored by Felix as he ripped the ball off two defenders and then drove for the line 25-5. The game finished 25-5 to Hitchin B a very , very well deserved victory.

The forwards: Jack, Stevie, Alfie, Felix, Harry G , Andrew ,Harry, Nathan, Alex. On their game today played with aggression and never took a step backwards. Harry and Nathan came on and played very well. Aaron moved the ball quickly and was always up in the oppositions faces with his defence. Sam had another good game in both attack and defence. Good to see Tom back in the centre. Max and Laurence to were solid at the back. Harry H

defended well during a difficult spell. Jamie ran hard and took some knocks for the team and Kyle showed is finishing potential with a fine score. However player of the week was awarded to Brent. Brent ran some good lines and 9 times out of 10 broke the gain line. He caused problems for the opposition all day and came away

with 2 very good tries.

Youth Rugby

GIRLS RUGBY

Contact: Adrian Pomfret - Hitchin Girls Rugby

E: adrian.pomfret@virgin.net - M: 07906863550

UNDER 15A

Fixture: Hitchin v Hertford - Sunday 6th January 2013 Friendly

Team: Aaron, Ashley, Benji, Dan B, Dan C, Dan H, Dion, Jack F, Jack W, Joe, Max, Ollie M, Ollie P, Saiful, Sam J, Tom B, Will B

Result: Hertford A 26 - 24 Hitchin A

Tries: Dan B (1), Olli M (1), Dan H (2) Con: Max (2)

We find ourselves at Hertford RFC on this first Sunday of 2013 – our first game of the year. It’s a mild, damp foggy morning and we’re fielding a mixed A/B team against Hertford who have one or two county players on their

team. Our lads, having had 2 weeks off over Xmas, are struggling to come to terms with getting up so early…

Hertford kick-off and a fumbled catch gives them a knock-on scrum in our half. They secure the ball from the scrum and their fast forwards break through a confused Hitchin defence to plant their first try near our posts in the opening minute of the game! An easy conversion gives Hertford a 7-point lead. Hitchin restart with a deep kick into Hertford’s half. A fumbled catch secures us a knock-on scrum but a follow-on offside penalty allows

Hertford to clear the ball. Dan C chips the ball forward with Ashley chasing on the wing but Hertford’s defence

takes him into touch 5m shy of the try line. Hertford win the subsequent line-out and clear the ball. Olli M catches the ball and makes good ground up the centre but is taken down by Hertford’s defence. A penalty gives us a chance to advance and Dan H doesn’t disappoint making it over the try line but finding three Hertford hands holding-up his attempted try! We restart with a 5m scrum and this time Dan B finds a gap and scores our equaliser. Max converts successfully bringing the scores to 7 each. Hertford restart kicking deep into our half. The ball works its way back but a penalty gives Hertford a chance to make ground with a deep kick to touch. Fortunately Will anticipates and knocks it back into play leaving a knock down scrum in our half. Hertford win the

scrum and chip the ball forward but Ashley outpaces their forwards and kicks the ball out of play. Hitchin restart with a drop-out kick - bringing play back to centre. Hertford concede a penalty allowing Dan C to kick high and deep and we make good ground. Olli M gets high-tackled in front of the posts giving us a penalty and we opt for a penalty kick. Max unfortunately kicks low leaving the first half scores at 7-7.

Hitchin kick-off the second-half with a deep kick and rapidly advance. Hertford work the ball down their line but it’s forced into touch. The subsequent line out gives us a chance to make progress towards a try. Under pressure,

Hertford attempt to kick the ball clear but Olli M charges it down and scores our second try. Max narrowly misses

the conversion leaving the score at 7-12. Hertford restart with a deep kick and their fast winger weaves past a sleepy Hitchin defence to score in the centre of our posts. A simple conversion puts Hertford into the lead at 14-12. Hitchin restart with a rapid kick deep into Hertford’s half but Hertford have soon kicked it back and advance equally rapidly. A lethargic Hitchin defence is taken off-guard again as Hertford’s forwards weave through to score another try, followed with a conversion giving a nine point lead at 21-12. Hitchin restart – a low ground-skimming kick this time followed by a rapid advance. Continuous Hitchin pressure keeps the ball in Hertford’s half

securing us a knock-on scrum just 5m shy of the try line. Dan H, playing number 8, steals the ball from the back of the scrum and powers over to score our third try near the posts. Max’s conversion hits the post and bounces back leaving us at 21-17. Hertford restart and we’re off again. Dan C chips forward and this time Saiful weaves through Hertford’s front line but is taken down by their defence. Benji gets an injury and is carried off. Dan C chips forward again with Aaron chasing on the wing but is forced into touch just short of the try line. Hertford’s lineout throw is not straight giving us a scrum at 5m. Once again, Dan H steals the ball and powers across the try line to plant try number 4. Max converts successfully putting us back in the lead at 21-24 with only 5mins of play

left. Hertford are now back with a vengeance and rapidly restart. Dan C captures the ball and chips forward but

Hertford’s fall-back runs it back. Hertford’s forwards are soon weaving their way through our confused defence to score their final try. A missed conversion leaves the final score at Hertford 26 – Hitchin 24.

A closely-fought game of rugby – with great sportsmanship on both sides! Man-of-the-match awarded to Dan H who turned the game around at a crucial moment!

U15A v Hertford

ACADEMY

Fixture: Barnet v Hitchin - Sunday 6th January 2013 COLTS COUNTY SHIELD

Team:

Result: Barnet 13 – 24 Hitchin

Tries: Con:

Despite a few "no-shows" and late cry-offs, a hard fought win at Barnet.

Not one of the games we will talk about for years to come but job done. Pass the ball, it’s a simple

game!. 13-5 down with about 7 minutes to go and an afternoon where we had struggled to get to second

phase let alone the 5 or 6 we work towards. In the end, Hitchin’s superior fitness, a try after second half pressure and then.... BELIEF. Tom and

Jack became very conspicuous giving us go-forward ball and at last some points followed. Well done in terrible muddy conditions and everyone did their bit in playing us out of trouble, one

other thing to remember, it’s a team game!. Man of the match was Harry. Followed closely by Ciaran.

Lads - we gave you drill tops to warm up in. Why are 50% of you keeping them for Sunday best or

have you framed them onto your bedroom walls??

Paul Turner - Qualified Level 4 Rugby Coach

Wednesdays 16th and 23rd January

Wednesdays 13th and 20th February

Sessions will be from 7.30pm to 9pm.

The club has been lucky enough to have visits from Paul before when he was at Bedford (and the club

hosted an Academy for the County). He is a top quality coach, no doubt about it, and we will all

benefit. His whole philosophy is to get the ball moving and involve all 15 players in fast, flowing rugby

- much the same as the mantra Jim uses! I'm really looking forward to learning from Paul and I hope

you enjoy the sessions.

Paul Turner is a qualified Level 4 Coach and former Welsh international player. Paul has been coaching

at the top level since 1990 and is one of the most experienced coaches within the Aviva Premiership

having coached at clubs such as Saracens, Gloucester, Harlequins and spending 5 years as Director of

Rugby in his home region for the Gwent Dragons in Wales. He is currently the Attack and Skills Coach

at Premiership side London Wasps.

Paul is highly regarded for his visionary playing ability and for his innovative approach to coaching.

During his career as a player he had the innate ability to create space for others, especially under

pressure and the skill of being able to use both feet to kick out of hand and at goal. Paul still holds

club point scoring records at clubs in Wales.

In his playing career it was widely recognised within the principality that Paul should have got more

than the three caps he achieved for his country but the emergence of Jonathan Davies at that time

proved the decisive factor in this limitation.

Paul sees far too many of the youngsters coming in to the game at junior and academy levels that

seem to lack the key skills to progress to the highest level as quickly as clubs would want. These days

aspiring forwards as well as backline players must possess the core skills required before entering into

the contact arena that is so apparent in Rugby Football.

Youth Fixtures: John Walsh - 07740 87256

Duty officer on Sunday: Phil Dickson-Earle - 07545 267550

Club First Aider: Emma Cooke - 07581 386632

Changing Rooms: U16's and U17's to use the football changing rooms and showers when the footballers have left.

Hitchin 13's and 15's use the 1st Team changing room and visitors share the L shape.

REMINDER for ALL Youth sides; Pitch Tape must be placed alongside the pitch for all matches and

all parties must remain outside of the pitch area.

Duty Team: This is the side responsible for ensuring that all equipment has been packed away and that

the field barrier, kit stores and changing rooms are all locked up.

Fixtures - Sunday 13th January 2013

Group Location Type Opponent Kick Off Pitch

Minis Home Training - 10:00 See

pitch plan

U13G’s Home Training - 10:00 See

pitch plan

U13's Home League Match

Finchley 11:00 Pitch 3

U14's Away League Match

Harpenden 11:00 -

U15A’s Home League

Match Roystan 10:30 Pitch 2

U15B's Training (Hill running) - -

U16's Home League Match

Teddington 12:00 Pitch 2

U17's

- - - - See

pitch plan

U18’s - - - - See

pitch plan

Academy Duty Team Home

E/Mids Plate Match Chelmsford 13:00 Pitch 1

Ladies - - - - -

Phil Dickson-Earle Chair of M&Y | miniandyouth@hitchinrugby.com | M: 0754526755

Please note - this pitch plan may be subject to changes and a final copy will be posted on the clubhouse door on Sunday

Useful Information

Social Calendar Please support our fund-raising efforts by joining in with the many social events we have lined up for this season. Our social calendar dates for your diaries are detailed below. Become A Volunteer Players and coaches are vitally important, but successful rugby clubs are more than just teams on the pitch. Volunteers work hard behind the scenes to help make it all happen and there would be no club without them. This club is run entirely by volunteers and a limited or indeed no knowledge of rugby is any reason not to get involved. Please contact Michael Emmerson or myself, if you would like to help out at the club on Sunday mornings. Cars Parked On Sunday Please continue to show consideration to the resident of King George’s Close by not obstructing access to garages and by respecting their right of access. www.hitchinrugby.com Visit the website, www.hitchinrugby.com for everything you need to know about your teams, club contacts and other club activities. Referee Co-ordinator Steve Ward is our contact person for all things related to refereeing. wardstephen@yahoo.co.uk Clubhouse bookings All requests for clubhouse bookings must be made via the M&Y committee, contact Michael Emmerson or myself.

Smelly Boot Stall Andrea will be manning the second hand kit stall that will open every home match day. Please donate any unwanted kit or boots you have and also grab yourself a bargain. Floodlights Switching will not allow both the pitches to be illuminated at the same time (a condition of the planning approval). The training lights on the reverse of the first XV columns are still operated by an individual switch. Saracens Tickets To avoid an administrative nightmare please ensure that for all future tickets requisition for Saracens games, your order is placed through our Saracens co-ordinator, Justine Welbury (j.welbury@sky.com). Locking Up Procedure On Sundays The changing rooms are still occasionally being left unlocked. Please can Lead Coaches check that all post guards, tackle bags, balls, flags etc, have all been put away after use. Also, can the most senior age group or the last team to play also ensure that the Kit Store, Changing rooms and Field barrier are locked securely before leaving. The bar staff will provide you with the keys you require. First Aiders Accessing the Pitch It is vital that team first aiders wear a high-viz tabard and ensure they speak with the referee before the game. They need to discuss briefly their intentions regards accessing the pitch. Reporting Match Results The league co-ordinator role is still being covered by John Walsh, so please continue to send him your match results and he will submit them to the web site on the Monday/Tuesday following matches.

Food On A Sunday Whether you have a game or just training, when you are at home on a Sunday it is important that Team Managers make Sue, John Walsh or me aware of squad numbers so we can make sure there is adaquate provision to feed everyone (bacon rolls etc…).

Certificate of Courses Attended/Refund of Costs May I remind managers to collect copies of all coaching or other certificates attained for club records. Email scanned copies with receipts to Adrian Pomfret (coaching coordinator), who can then authorise the appropriate refunds. Clubhouse, Match Day & Training Check List It is important that coaches conducting midweek sessions ensure a copy of the Check list is completed before training commences on each occasion. A copy of the form can be obtained from the club website (Until a rack is put up please leave on the bar). Cancellation Of Games/Training, The safety of players is paramount, so when conditions dictate, it may be necessary to cancel fixtures. We try to provide as much warning as we can, although it is not always possible. Unless you are informed otherwise, please assume that training is still on. However, in knowing the players in your squads as you do, lead coaches may decide to shorten or indeed to cancel the session, this will be your call. Watch out for emails, continually check the website or feel free to call me on 01462713828 or 7545267550. Content for Newsletter Keep your photographs of players in action and other content material for inclusion in the newsletter coming please. But what else do your players do outside of rugby? I would like to receive information on all their notable activities and achievements. There is only so much I can say about my own boys

Some of your match reports are still arriving late! Please try to send it to me by the latest on Tuesday at 10:00, as I would like to send the newsletter out on Wednesdays. Texting Using Easy Club Manager Sending a text message using the Easy Club Manager incur costs, can I ask that announcements such as training or match cancellations be made using email or web announcements, as these methods incurs no charges. After Match Dress Code Please remind youth players that following their games, at home or away, they continue to represent the club back in the clubhouse and are required wear a white shirt, black trousers and the club tie. Membership Fees Reminder You can pay the members secretary by card or cheque in the clubhouse on Sunday morning (please note NO CASH payments will be accepted). Learn to be a Referee URGENT, we need more Refs! Take a referee qualification paid for by the club. Parents of younger players! You will develop confidence by starting off with tag rugby. Go on, have a go! CRB Checks All managers/coaches/coaching assistants/team first aiders must be CRB checked by us. To obtain the check, simply bring along your passport or drivers licence and see Tim Bonnett - Safeguarding officer who can be found in the clubhouse most Sunday mornings. It is a very quick procedure. Playing Up or Down an Age Group Although not encouraged, except in exceptional circumstances, from time to time it may be considered appropriate for a player to be played up or down an age group. In such an eventuality, if both lead coach and relevant Vice-Chair supports the application, then the lead coach must make a request to Tim Bonnett (Club Safeguarding Officer) to assess the individual. Following the assessment a final judgment for the application

will be made. Hitchin M&Y abide by RFU Regulation 15 - Age Grade Rugby.