Date of release: Sun 27th April 2008

“U14’s win Invitational Plate while Mini’s/Juniors continue Runner-Up awards, Under-11’s take Shield at County Festival, and U18’s Girls build for future at Northampton Saints coaching tournament”

Hinckley Under 7’s, sponsored by Hinckley Round Table, had a disappointing day at the Lichfield Festival. Playing well below their best and missing some key players Hinckley were defeated in their pool games resulting in their exit from the competition.
Despite a reasonably promising start to the day’s proceedings in which Hinckley were only narrowly defeated 25-20 against Kidderminster following two tries from Hall-Crowfoot and one each from Morrissey and Ellershaw. Hinckley was however unfortunate not to get a draw in the fixture, after they had a try disallowed at the final whistle.
Hinckley were then beaten by Burton RFC in the second game, losing 30 points to 5 with Hinckley’s only effort coming from Morrissey.
The third match against Newcastle-Under-Lyme finished 20 points to 5 with Morrissey yet again Hinckley’s only try scorer.
The final match against Lichfield RFC was a tighter affair in which the Hinckley defence improved, conceding only two tries. However, they did fail to touchdown themselves with the match ending in a 10-0 deficit.
Despite this result, the Under 7’s have showed some real promise throughout the year and have great potential to build upon after the summer break.

Hinckley Under 10’s sponsored by AMG, Thermoskin and 600 Services sent their Bees and Hornets team to Lutterworth for the County Festival. Bees shared the plate with Aylestone St James and Hornets went down to Oakham in the Trophy final.
Hinckley Bees quickly took charge of their first match against Market Harborough and scored 2 great tries from Bevan and Baker to win 10-0. Baker was Man of the Match and Bevan was Tackler of the Match. Bees then went down 10-0 to a well-organised Oadby Wyggs team. Rowe was Man of the Match and Ames was Tackler of the Match. Bees then faced South Leicester who quickly scored a soft try. Bees fought back with a try from Baker, but in the final play of the game South Leicester scored to take it 10-5. Tuffin was Man of the Match and Hughes was Tackler of the Match. In the plate final they dominated against Aylestone St James, but just couldn’t get the vital score. The match ended as a 0-0 draw. Tuffin was Man of the Match and Hughes was Tackler of the Match. Player of the Tournament for his all round effort was awarded to Tuffin.
Hinckley Hornets started slowly again and lost their first game 25-0 to Market Bosworth. Downes was Man of the Match and Croasdale was Tackler of the Match. They picked their game up for the second match against Vipers and were desperately unlucky to lose a late try for a 0-5 reversal. White was Man of the Match and Mason was Tackler of the Match. Hinckley played well in the 3rd game and took the lead with a try from Ward, but ended up losing 15-5 to Loughborough. Ward was Man of the Match and Egginton was Tackler of the Match. In the Trophy final Hornets lost 10-0 to Oakham. Hipwell was Man of the Match and Cammiss was Tackler of the Match. Croasdale was named Player of the Tournament.

Hinckley Under 11’s, sponsored by TMS Volvo and J&H Construction, made a stuttering start to their county campaign, conceding two tries in the first half of their first pool match against a well organised and determined Loughborough. The team lifted themselves for the second half but Loughborough shut up shop very effectively and Hinckley couldn’t reduce the deficit. Hinckley 0 Loughborough 10.
Hinckley then faced a really stiff challenge from Market Harborough. In a hard fought match, Hinckley were happy to get to half time with no score. In the second half a strong Hinckley attack forced a Harborough clearance attempt which was charged down by Williams with a quick thinking Spencer pouncing on the loose ball to take it over the line for an historic victory over the team that went on to be crowned county champions, Hinckley 5 Market Harborough 0.
Hinckley faced Leicester Lions in their final pool match and it was a trial of strength. Ruskin went over off the back of a scrum to give Hinckley a first half lead. Lions came back strongly but were unable to break Hinckley’s resolve. Hinckley 5 Leicester Lions 0.
With three teams level at the top on points, tries scored saw Hinckley through to the Shield semi-final against Leicester Vipers. Hinckley backs got the opportunity to stretch their legs with good runs leading to first half tries being scored by Atkinson, Ruskin and Atkinson again. The second half was more even with Bowler scoring from a short charge off a penalty and Vipers getting one back in return. Hinckley 20 Leicester Vipers 5.
Hinckley now faced Coalville in the Shield final. Hinckley started strongly with an attack on the right wing with Sephton unlucky not to score although he made up for it by crossing the whitewash shortly afterwards to give Hinckley a half time lead. Hinckley stepped up a gear in the second half with Ruskin making a strong run down the left wing to score. Ruskin also created Hinckley’s next try with a fine clearance kick which bounced and rolled into Coalville’s goal area and as two Coalville players tried to shepherd the ball out, Nixon came through them like an express train to dive on the ball and add to Hinckley’s tally. Williams rounded off the scoring with a drive through Coalville’s centre. Final score Hinckley 20 Coalville 0 with Hinckley lifting the County Shield to round off a successful season.

Hinckley Under 14’s sponsored by Williams Recycling and Promet Steel, continued their theme of playing inclusive rugby given their large squad, and fielded mixed teams to both the Syston 7’s tournament and an U14’s Invitational Festival hosted at Nuneaton RFC. Whilst the Hinckley team made it through to the finals of the Syston 7’s, earning the Runners-Up Title, the remainder of the squad picked up the Invitational Festival Plate, at the Nuneaton hosted Festival.

Meanwhile, a few of Hinckley’s new Under18’s Vixens Girls team travelled to a Northampton Saints Girls coaching tournament for a great day out. Please contact Helen Parkin, Hinckley RFC U18’s Vixens Team Manager, on 07793 754384 for further details on Girls rugby at Hinckley RFC.

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