Date of release: Sun 13th April 2008

“Under 17’s retain County Cup, as Minis
bring home Derby Festival Cup and Plate”

The Under 7’s sponsored by Hinckley Round Table, took on Banbury in their first match on the Derby Festival, in a closely fought contest but ultimately going down to a single score difference in the final few seconds 35-30. It was an entertaining game with both sides demonstrating some good attacking and defensive rugby. The try scorers for Hinckley were Chenery(4) and Sharkey(2).
As the sun shone brightly for the second game so did the result as Hinckley ran out 20-15 winners against Percy Park. With a strong defensive second half display they secured the win after trys from Whitehurst(2) Sharkey and Upton.
In the third and what turned out to be the final game of the festival a controversial miscalculation of the final score by the referee resulted in Hinckley having a recorded score of 30-25 against. The reality was that Hinckley had six try scorers in Sharkey(2), Chenery(2), Whitehurst and a memorable first try for Johnson. A draw would have secured passage through to the next phase of the competition, but it wasn’t to be, maybe next year…

Hinckley Under 9’s sponsored by Bronx UK and Kobs-4-U, had a superb day out at the Derby festival, with the Under 9's coming away as joint winners of the Cup. A gritty performance was on display from the whole squad, who were determined and resolute in defence. With all players rotated through the games, the players passed the ball and tackled well and most importantly had a thoroughly enjoyable day out, with even new player Brogden putting in some great runs and scores!

In the first match, Brogden made his mark with 3 tries and young Bower added another as Hinckley overpowered Kettering 20-15
Derby Stags were up next, but again Brogden (2) and Sharkey saw them off. Hinckley 15 - Derby Stags 0.
The last pool match was a close affair with a draw Hinckley 5 - Newcastle Staffs 5, with Brogden again scoring.
Hinckley again met their match in Percy Park with a 5-5 result, and yes Brogden scored again.
Despite best efforts the youngsters just couldn’t break the deadlock in the final and add to Bower’s single score, so it ended with Hinckley 5 - Newark 5, and both teams sharing the trophy.

Hinckley Under 10’s sponsored by AMG, Thermoskin and 600 Services sent their Hornets team to Derby Festival whilst the Bees had a training session at home.
Hinckley Hornets started slowly and lost their first game 30-0 to Kettering. Castle was Man of the Match and White was Tackler of the Match. They picked their game up for the second match against Derby and were unlucky to lose 10-0 with a seemingly good try from White being disallowed. Downes was Man of the Match and Hipwell was Tackler of the Match. They went down 30-0 to Banbury who were the eventual winners of the cup before going into the plate competition. Ward was Man of the Match and Wilkin was Tackler of the Match.
The whole team raised their game against Newark in the semi-finals for a superb and well deserved 5-0 victory with the try coming from White who was again Man of the Match and Padbury was Tackler of the Match. The final was a closely fought affair with Hinckley taking the lead through a White try, but Derby fought back with a late try to end with a 5-5 scoreline and a share of the plate. Lauder was Man of the Match and Egginton was Tackler of the Match. White was named Player of the Tournament for and outstanding display, but every player deserves credit for turning round their performances with a great effort in the plate competition.

Hinckley Under 13’s RFC Sponsored by JC Remedials and Stoney Stanton Fish & Chip Shop faced Oakham this weekend. Hinckley started well with good defence on their line and they held up an early attempt to score by Oakham. Oakham continued to work hard from a 5m scrum and a well worked piece of play saw the first points go to Oakham. Good work and communication by Hinckley saw a great pick up by Norton who passed to Cooper and onto Smalley who gave a great dummy to go through and score and convert by Mechin. Hinckley were going forward as a team and hitting Oakham hard in the line. Hinckley worked well in the lineout to win good quick ball, but then lost the ball as it was overturned. A great interception by Mechin from a poor kick enabled him to run through the field to score for Hinckley and then convert for maximum points. Half time Hinckley 14 - Oakham 5
Oakham started the second half well and caught Hinckley ‘knapping’ and ran through the field to score but were unable to convert. From the restart within minutes Oakham had another try and converted and took the lead. Hinckley fought back and from the scrum a good ball released McMurran who went over the line for another unconverted try for Hinckley. Oakham were beaten at this stage but Hinckley continued to press, and with great work from the backs to recycle the ball to Mechin, he went over the line again to score and convert in the last seconds of the game. A great game and win for Hinckley. Final score Hinckley 26 Oakham 17

Hinckley Under 14’s sponsored by Williams Recycling and Promet Steel, hosted the County Plate Champions Oakham this weekend. Hinckley made hard work of the first half, but managed to get it together in the second half to play some flowing rugby, which overpowered Oakham. Scores by Hinckley’s Simpson (2), Redhead, Lally (3), Hudson, Cull, with Lally slotting 3 conversions resulted in a Hinckley 46- Oakham 0 score line. Man of the Match went to Harris, who continues to improve his game, in each match.
A separate development match against Daventry, saw the Development lads put on a spirited display of rugby, with some very good core skills on display but they were just unable to secure that elusive score, as Daventry held on for a 0-5 win. Hinckley Man of the Match was awarded to Harris-Ensor for his commitment and team leadership on the field.

Hinckley Under 16’s sponsored by J & H Construction Ltd, continued their late season form to add Oakham to their 'never beaten before scalps' with a sterling performance started by Crooks who went over with a power try under the posts with Oglesby to convert. This was repeated twice more before halftime to complete a consecutive hat trick for Crooks and two more conversions for Oglesby. In the second half Hinckley continued to dominate for long periods and more scores came from Rowan and Oglesby to seal a comfortable win with Oakham getting a late cancellation try. Hinckley 31 - Oakham 5.

Hinckley Under 17’s sponsored by the Weavers Arms, and Mander Cruickshank Solicitors, retained the County Cup with a hard fought victory over Syston, the current U17s Midland League champions, 15-14.
Hinckley overcame a spirited start by Syston with a solid defensive display and eventually retained some possession for the forwards to begin punching holes in the Syston defence, but Syston took advantage of a penalty, which they duly converted to take a 3-0 lead. This fired up the Hinckley forwards who replied almost instantly with a good spell of possession, which resulted in Hugh Marsden crossing the line from a spectacular ruck and maul. Syston kicked another penalty to lead 6-5 at the turn.
Hinckley were on the back foot at the start of the second half with Syston crossing in the corner following a well worked move in the backs. Hinckley responded with good running and possession play and eventually a well worked move allowed fly half Ryan Oakes to power over to bring the score back to 11-10. Immediately from the restart Hinckley conceded a penalty and Syston converted to stretch their lead. It was now do or die for Hinckley as the game entered the final minutes, the forwards persevered and finally they provided the platform for the backs to cut through Syston and Jonny Hyde scored the all important try that gave Hinckley a deserved victory.
This team moves onto Colts next year and more Honours undoubtedly await this talented team.

For further information on any aspect of Hinckley RFC Mini and Juniors please contact the Chairman, Stuart Elder on 07721 407008.

Contact: Nigel Abraham
Press Officer
Telephone 07920 830515