Bishop’s Stortford Under 13’s A v Hitchin​ ​Match Report

The Blues, buoyed by their 26 points to 14 victory away to Teddington in their opening game of the Saracen’s Herts and Middlesex Junior League 2, started confidently, dominating the early exchanges. Powerful forward play by the front row trio of Adam Mehmet, Adam Millard and Louis Henchie forced Hitchin to kick hopefully for touch. Full back Freddy Barnet gobbled up the kick, moving the ball smartly to number 8 Harry Belton. With an overlap developing Captain Joe Radley shifted the ball out quickly to an on rushing Oliver Stevenson who crashed over for the opening score.

Bishop’s Stortford then had to encounter a long period of Hitchin pressure. Typically strong tackling from Will Heyward, Josh Walker and Max Potts kept the opposition out. However, strong forward play from Hitchin eventually led to a converted try.

The Blues were not behind for long due to a solo effort by centre Ioan Parry. His carving run from left to right opened a space down the outside which he duly used to restore Bishop’s Stortford’s lead to 10-7 at half time.

Stortford started the second half well. Strong runs from Max Venville and Samuel Richardson ensured that Hitchin were on the back foot. Stortford brought on substitutes Rhys Williams, James Allen, Matthew Precious and Louis Winfield to add impetus to their attack and were rewarded when Parry once again surged through the middle after a clever pass from Jake Gleed. Scott Mitchell duly converted to extend Stortford’s lead to 17 – 7.

In damp conditions the greasy ball was hard to handle with both sides making handling errors. A knock on violation enabled Hitchin to gain the advantage they needed 10 metres out to pile over for another converted try. With 7 minutes to go Hitchin took the lead for the first time. With Stortford unable to clear their lines Hitchin’s forwards again latched onto a loose ball to score.

Stortford nearly claimed the points with the final play of the game. As the ball bounced behind the Hitchin line the Blues thought they had touched the ball down. Delight turned to disappointment as the referee judged that a defensive hand had got there first.