Date of release: Wed 30th April 2008

“U12’s win County Bowl , as Under 13’s take Runner-Up position at Syston 7’s”

Hinckley’s Under 12’s, sponsored by Nextgen Rigging were never going to get an easy ride at the County Festival being drawn in their opening match against old rivals Lutterworth and they spent most of the opening half defending against a determined Lutterworth onslaught, however they weathered it through with a little luck when the home side knocked on after being put clean through. It seemed that the lads would get a draw and possibly even snatch a win, but a contentious try settled the match in favour of Lutterworth, after the lads had played one of their best games to date, Lutterworth went on to win the tournament, not really troubled even in the final – to lose by one try was a good indication of the effort the Hinckley lads put into this game! Final Score Lutterworth 5 – 0 Hinckley.
The second game saw Hinckley take on Vipers, who were a very mobile side perhaps a little light in the forwards, great for Hinckley’s dominant pack, two great tries from M Davis and B Harkness saw the lads through. Final Score Vipers 0 – 10 Hinckley.
Syston were the next opposition and this was a very tight game, being settled when Hinckley’s backs intercepted, and ran in uncontested, Syston remained a constant threat until the full time whistle but were unable to get back on even terms. Final Score Syston 0 – 5 Hinckley.
The pool results meant that finishing second in their table that the lads went into the Bowl competition, their next game was against Melton Mowbray.
Melton were rocked back when Hinckley scored from the opening move and never really looked like being in competition afterwards, the lads were now well and truly fired up and Melton got on the wrong end of a very fine display of rugby, tries came from both backs and forwards, and in a free flowing game, another 4 tries were run in against a solitary Melton response. Final Score Melton 5 – 25 Hinckley.

In the Bowl Final, Hinckley’s lads met Coalville, a team with several talented runners, who had also beaten last year’s winners Oakham in the other Semi final, so this was never going to be an easy game.
Hinckley though eased the pressure on themselves when the forwards drove over, the try coming from T Bexon, this should have settled the nerves and set Hinckley looking for the second and hopefully decisive try, not only did it not come but Coalville’s elusive runners managed to break the defensive line to level the scores, the tide appeared to be turning...
What followed was one of the best defensive displays that the under 12’s have achieved so far, wave after wave of Coalville attack was snuffed out, and Hinckley took the opportunity to drive their forwards over for a second try, this spurred Coalville to even more effort, but now they were showing signs of the pressure and just looking a little tired.
After Hinckley conceded a penalty for a high tackle, Coalville took a tap penalty whilst the referee was speaking to the offender, the referee rightly blew the whistle and brought play back, at which point something was said, and the decision was reversed - penalty Hinckley! The lads could hardly believe their luck! This could have been the turning point of the game but there was still work to do and in a tense last few minutes of “competitive” rugby Hinckley’s lads stepped up to the mark, playing hard, aggressively and within the laws of the game, ultimately their superior discipline was the key to a hard earned victory at the end of a long campaigning season. Final Score Coalville 5 – 10 Hinckley.

We were all left reflecting, but for the group selection, that last game could have been for the cup, and what price a Hinckley vs Lutterworth final ? – Still there’s always next season!

Hinckley Under13’s, sponsored by JC Remedials and Stoney Stanton Fish and Chip Shop, opened their Syston 7’s campaign against Syston, who scored the first points of the game and then extended their lead, to go ahead 12 - 0 at half-time. Hinckley came out fighting in the second half and scored their first point from Smalley who also converted. Then from good work from the whole team sent Hinckley ahead with another converted try from Mechin and conversion by Smalley. Final score HRFC 14 - Syston 12.
Hinckley dominated their next game against Jimmies from the start and at half time were well in the lead with tries from Harrison , Norton and Mechin. The second half saw form continue but Jimmies came back with a converted try to let Hinckley know they still had a game to play. Hinckley continued to score points with tries from Hartness (3) and conversions from Mechin and Smalley
Final score HRFC 34 - Jimmies 7
Another great Hinckley performance against Leicester Lions, from the whole Hinckley team saw them go ahead early on the game with tries from Woods ,Mechin and Harkness with conversions from Smalley, Mechin and Norton. The second half saw furter great tries from Mcleish , Hartness and Mechin with conversions from Mechin and Smalley. Final score HRFC 38 - Lions 0.
As the team won their pool games they went forward into the semi-final against Oadby Wyggs. Hinckley continued to build on their success and continued to get better every game. Smalley put Hinckley ahead in the first minutes with a great try (no con). Great tackling from Mcleish turned the ball over which let Smalley through for another converted try for HRFC. Hinckley again dominated the play but Oadby came back to score just before half time. Score at half time HRFC 19 - Oadby 7. The second half saw Oadby score again but Hinckley came back with tries from Mcleish , Hartness and Smalley. Final score HRFC 36 - Oadby Wyggs 12.
With Hinckley now in the final against Lutterworth, and all to play for, Hinckley went ahead in early minutes with a try from Mechin, but Lutterworth came back hard with 2 quick, converted tries. HRFC dominated the play for the rest of the game but couldn't get the points on the board. Just before the break Lutterworth scored again to make the score at half time Hinckley 17 - Lutterworth 26. The second half stated well for Hinckley with some great rugby from both sides. Hinckley then scored 2 converted tries to go ahead for the first time in the game, with tries from Whitehurst and Smalley and conversions from Smalley. In the dying seconds of the game Lutterworth were awarded a penalty within 5 metres of the Hinckley try line, Hinckley defended well but a wide ball out to their wing saw them through to score but no conversion. This was the last play of the game. A final score Hinckley 29 - Lutterworth RFC 31, saw Hinckley claim the runners-up position.

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