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

Last Sunday was a very full

morning away for the most of the

Minis, with matches against

Huntingdon and Biggleswade.

The U8s took two teams who both

had some very tough matches.

The U9 Eagles began their day in

fine form “with a resounding five tries win over

Huntingdon”

It was a good day also for the U11’s who

continued to build on their earlier successes by

coming away, on this occasion, with 2 wins and a

draw.

Once again, it was an excellent week for the

U12B’s who travelled to Biggleswade and put in

some strong performances to come away with

three good wins.

There were great performances too from the

U15A & U15B sides that both racked up home

wins and currently both top their league tables.

There was less however to celebrate for the U17s

who acquitted themselves well against a very

tough OAs opponent, but were unable to take

charge.

For further information on all the games see the

match reports later in the newsletter

Our congratulations this week goes to Simon

Taylor from the U16’s, who has gained selection

to represent the East Midlands U16.

Mini's Halloween party

This year's Mini's

Halloween party

was an absolute

scream! The

Clubhouse was

packed full of

monsters and some

children too!

Everyone had a fabulous evening and special

thanks must go to the amazing Naomi Smith and

her wonderful helpers from the U6s, U7s and

U8s, who organised the cakes and decorations,

food and games. The evening was, as always

about fun but we also managed to raise a

whopping £570 for M&Y funds which goes a long

way towards tournaments and equipment. Thank

you all for coming and contributing. I have some

photos of the evening so please mail me for a

copy if you see yourself! Many thank to the Bar

Staff Ger and Rosie.

Family Membership fees Due

The large majority of membership fees have now been collected, but there are still some outstanding. Please can we have your payment as soon as possible. Family Membership remains at £50 and can be paid to Michael Emmerson in the clubhouse on a Sunday morning - No cash will be accepted -

NEWSLETTER – 24th October

U15s

Photographs by Justine Welbury Mini’s Halloween Party 2012

Thursday Night is Bar Night!

Hi everyone! Just letting you know that throughout the season the Clubhouse Bar is open on Thursday

evenings between 8:00pm and 10:00pm, to chat with our lovely Club Chairman and other club barflies

or watch the rugby highlights.

If any parents fancy a little livener and a chinwag, see you down there! Justine Welbury

Club Shop

The Club shop is open each Sunday for all your kit and equipment needs. New in stock

Knitted hats “Beanies” - Kooga large holdalls Kooga Junior holdalls - Club (blazer) badges

Leisure Wear LV= playing shirts £27.50

Dress shirts £27.50

Sainsbury’s Active Vouchers

Once again we are collecting Sainsbury’s vouchers and a box has been put behind the bar for any that you can bring along. From them we have obtained bags, cones and rugby balls.

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. Please donate any unwanted kit or boots you have.

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. Many thanks for your continued help, we have collected over a ton and a half already!

“…Oh no she isn't!”

“Oh yes she is!!”

It's an adult version of

Puss in Boots

Advance notice for our VIPs Stuck for ideas for that perfect Christmas present for your loved ones? Tickets for our annual trip to the Adult Panto might

just be the thing you need. But please remember, space in the theatre is limited, so we're giving you advance notice to give you time to reserve the places you want. Once they're gone, they're gone. So, reserve them now to avoid disappointment! - simply email MandYSecretary@hitchinrugby.com with the quantity you need. - we'll do the rest nearer the time.

Pay before 1 December 2011 and get the early-bird discount.

Justine Welbury - Vice Chair - Minis

Volunteer Register

Managers, I will be re sending the Volunteer Register with an update requiring you to add CRB information. Please complete and return as much as you can, within the next couple of days

Saracens competitions

Could Managers and Coaches please let me know if you intend to enter teams in the attached Saracens

competitions, as I need to send off entry forms now. These will include coach transport if required. Please do not fill in the form or send it to Saracens as I will do that and send monies off for you.

Saracens

The Under 12s are Guard of Honour at the Saracens v London Wasps game at Vicarage Road on 4th November and if you would like to go down there and cheer them you can go to https://www.eticketing.co.uk/saracens/default.aspx for tickets and the club will also receive cash back on every ticket sold. Just quote Hitchin RFC as your reference.

On 2nd December Sarries play Gloucester and I have booked a pre-match training session with Saracens

Coaches at Everyone Active in Watford. The price for one adult, one child package with tickets, transport and picnic lunch is £67. You can book with your Social Reps. or me as soon as possible please as numbers are limited.

Social Dates

Friday 30th November is Karaoke Night! Tickets are £5 each and I promise you will be amazed by

some of our secret “singing divas”. Get tickets early.

Unfortunately the Youth Gig night is to be postponed, but not cancelled!

New Year’s Eve. Not a fundraiser, just a social.

Just to plan ahead, please sign up to come and bring a plate of food to share. From 7:30pm there

will be soft ball in the pavilion, a movie room and games for the children and music and silly old

people dancing the new year in. Obviously the bar will be open!

Match Reports

I hope the match reporters have found the forms easy and convenient to use. We do need match

reports as they are not only encouragement for the players but also provide important information

to Coaches and Managers. If you think you can commit to getting involved in these please see your

Team Managers. You can ask older group reporters for advice too.

Smelly Boot Stall

The second hand kit stall always needs contributions so please keep them coming. All the money

goes into M&Y funds, thank you.

Luton Marathon

Last year our fantastic runners collected £1200 for M&Y funds and £250 for Clubhouse development. This year we have the U10s team of Joe’s Grandad, Jez Welbury and Dan Thompson running again. Please support them at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HitchinHedgehogsu9

We need more runners!! Please sign up to the challenge again this year as it was fantastic last year. www.lutonmatathon.org.uk

Oh Yes They CAN!

The U14s had another can sorting session on Sunday, sifting the steel cans (Boddingtons, Carling

Black Label, Tango, Pepsi) from the aluminium ones. We can only get money for the aluminium

ones.

Our latest haul weighed in at over a tonne (approx. 20 cubic metres).

We would like to thank all those who have donated their cans to us and ask that you please

continue to bring them along to the club each Sunday for us to collect.

The money from the latest batch (approx. £250) has gone toward our current £6000 total of fund

raising for our South Africa Tour in 2014.

Regards, Craig Henshaw - U14 Team Manager.

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

Date Activity Cost Where Saturday 17th November Luton Marathon relay race

Friday 30th November

7:30pm Eighties Karaoke Night £5 Clubhouse

Friday 14th December Youth Gig Night

(U15s-U18s only)

£5 Clubhouse

Sunday 16th December

10:30am onwards Minis supporters Christmas Craft Clubhouse

Friday 21st December

6:00-10pm Minis Christmas Party £5 Clubhouse

To be confirmed soon! New Year’s Eve

Pot luck Supper and games for kids

tba Clubhouse

Friday 4th January Fanny In Stilettos - Panto outing

(See Michael Emmerson)

tba

Friday 22nd March Eighties Quiz Night

(Start revising!)

tba Clubhouse

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

Clubhouse

Saracens

The Saracens have a very tough season ahead to say nothing of their many away games in the first

half, they are planning to move over to their new home ground Allianz Park in February.

Unfortunately we will not be able to do U7s and U8s Tag on the pitch this season but I am assured

they are trying to fit in all possibilities in the second half, so as soon as I hear anything I will let you

know.

We do have the Saracens Cup, (now Alan Day volkswagon Cup) for U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s throughout

the season and details will follow for those events.

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: HitchinRFC for us get cashback 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)

Sunday 4th November Coach trip to Sarries v Wasps, U12s Guard of Honour

Sunday 2nd December Coach trip to Saracens Coaching morning, Sarries v Gloucester, picnic lunch

Coach trips are to be confirmed, and coach transport is subject to numbers attending.

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

Hitchin RFC Mini’s Rugby Tour 2013

What’s Rugby Tour all about?

The social side of rugby is one of the key elements

that makes our sport so special. Going on Rugby

Tour provides a rare and exciting opportunity for

players, coaches and parents alike to get to know

each other that little bit better and build team

spirit. Camaraderie and banter is second to none

and tour memories and friendships last a lifetime.

Who can come along?

Any U7-U12 player plus their mum and/or dad

and/or siblings.

When is this seasons Rugby Tour?

The middle weekend of the Easter holidays:

Friday 5th April to Monday 8th April 2013.

Where are we going?

In 2013, the Mini’s section will be going on tour to

a PGL centre called Boreatton Park, 10 miles from

Shrewsbury in the rolling countryside of

Shropshire. To find out more about PGL and the

centre, why don’t you visit:

http://www.pgl.co.uk/PGLWeb/individuals/centres/

BoreattonPark

How to get there?

Coaches have been booked and will depart from

Hitchin RFC and take you to Boreatton Park.

However you can travel by car too.

What about the Rugby?

There will be matches against local sides on both

the mornings of Saturday 6th April and Sunday 7th

April. Saturday we play against Oswestry and

Sunday we visit Telford.

What else happens on Tour?

Other than the Rugby fixtures, the players will take

part in activities at the PGL centre; 2 activities on a

Saturday afternoon, 2 activities on a Sunday

afternoon and 2 activities on a Monday morning.

Activities that are currently available include:

Abseiling, Aeroball, Archery, Ball Sports, Camp

Craft, Canoeing, Challenge Course, Climbing,

Fencing, Giant Swing, High Ropes, Jacob's Ladder,

Initiative Exercises, Kayaking, Low Ropes,

Motorsports, Orienteering, Parachute Games, Raft

Building, Rifle Shooting, Sensory Trail, Swimming,

Vertical Challenge, Trapeze, Zip Wire.

In the evening, there are organised activities

for the children to take part in, such as Wacky

Races and Ambush, and there may be a Tour

Court too!

The Accommodation

The accommodation blocks have rooms that

hold up to 6 beds plus en suite facilities. Your Tour

Reps will ensure that your accommodation needs

are accommodated. All are carpeted but storage

space is limited. However we don’t expect to

spend too much time in the rooms other than when

we are sleeping! Included in the price is your linen

so there’s NO need for you to bring along your own

bedding!

Food

Food will be served in a self-service canteen.

Please ensure that you note any special dietary

requirements on your Booking Form so that PGL can cater for your needs.

Bars

There is a main bar on site which is for adults only.

However we have also secured a room which is just

for our group above the sports hall, for both adults

and children, and has a bar included!

Clothing

Cocktail dresses and black ties please leave behind!

Even though it will be mid spring, warm clothing is

highly recommended as this time of year anything

can happen! Last year was blazing hot but I’m not

sure that the balmy weather can happen 2 years

on the trot! Nearer the time, a kit list will be made

available.

Theme

One tour – one theme. This year we are going on

‘Safari in Shropshire’. Please enter into the spirit

of the tour and the general silliness by getting

togged up in the theme dress for the weekend. It’s

fun, honest!

Children’s Safety

The behaviour of your children remains your

responsibility at all times.

Cost

The total price for next season’s tour is £153 per

person. This includes accommodation, activities,

food & bed linen at PGL and transport. At this

price, cheaper than last year, the tour offers great

value for your money.

The following payments are required in order

for you to secure your place:

£50 deposit per person By Sunday 14th

October

£103 remaining balance per person By Sunday

13th January

It would be preferable to have all your monies in

full but I appreciate that this is not always possible.

Therefore, you can pay:

£50 deposit per person By Sunday 14th October

£50 stage payment per person By Sunday 2nd

December

£53 remaining balance per person By Sunday 13th

January

Please make cheques payable to Hitchin RFC and

include your child’s name & age group on the back.

How do I book my place?

If you are interested in coming on this season’s

Rugby Tour, then please complete the attached

Booking Form, write a cheque for the deposit and

give to your Rugby Tour Rep:

U7 Gilly Stancombe

U8 Naomi Smith

U9 Sally Lavialle

U10 Steve Miller

U11 Andy Smith

U12 Alison Bellinger / Paul Morris

Booking more than one child – what do I do?

If you are ‘lucky’ enough to be bringing more than

one playing child on tour, please book all your

siblings onto the oldest child’s age group.

A Final Note…

Lastly, having read all of this I really hope you

decide to come on tour. It is a fantastic

opportunity for your child(ren) to develop as a

rugby player, bond with their age group and take

part in activities that they don’t normally have

access to. For the adults it’s a great opportunity to

get to know each other off the rugby pitch. It’s

great value for money and I promise that this tour

will be one not to be missed!

Helen Dudley

U12 – 07980 674882

2013 Hitchin Mini’s Rugby Tour Booking Form

Please fill in all sections in CAPITAL LETTERS

Personal Details:

First Name Surname Age

Group or

Adult

Male or

Female

Chest Size

(inches)

Travel by

Coach (Y/N)

Any special dietary requirements

Any conditions that require medical

treatment / medication

Costs:

Number of Tourists = @ £153 Total=

I understand and agree that this is a tour booking and that monies are non-refundable

Signed

Print Name

Email

Contact Number

To secure your place, please include £50 per person deposit with this form

Coaching Kit The kit for M&Y coaches is now available for collection from the club shop. The kit comprises of the

following;

a. One Gilbert Storm Jacket (black/grey)

b. One Gilbert Performance T-shirt (black/white)

To receive the kit coaches must have a current CRB registered on the club management system.

Roping Off Pitches Managers/Coaches of Youth Sides, for League matches AND even for friendlies the Pitch Tape should be placed out alongside the pitch. Please ensure that all parties remain outside

of the pitch side area.

Mid-Week Training A message for age groups doing mid-week training. We feel that the substantial rise in the cost of electricity makes having all six of the 2nd pitch floodlights on for the evening, for

relatively few lads, is not feasible. We also ask that repetitive drills are not carried out in the near 22m area in order to minimise the wear & tear on the grass.

Preferably, can coaches please use the training areas between the pitches and the old lights, or the floods on the back of the First XV pitch – this is the left hand key switch.

Mini & Youth Section Volunteers - CRB checks It is essential that all adults who have regular supervisory contact with children

(under 18s) other than their own children have a CRB check even if they already have one from another activity like work or Scouts. If you are currently volunteering and have not been CRB checked, please see Tim Bonnett at

the club or contact him on trbonnett@btinternet.com and he will sort it out. It is done on-line and takes you a very short time. Tim needs the following:

Passport and/or photo card driving licence, proof of address (utility bill), contact phone number. Thanks for your help with this, it is essential for the club and for you as a valued volunteer

that this check is in place.

Tim Bonnett - Herts CB Safeguarding Manager 07860 538823

Mini Rugby

UNDER U8 - Eagles

Fixture: Eagles v Biggleswade - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team: George S, Elliot, Theo, Gregor, Cameron, Joe T, Ben W, Ewan

Match 1 Match 2

Result: Eagles 9–7 Biggleswade B Eagles 8–7 Biggleswade B

Tries: Elliot 1, Joe 4, Theo 1, Gregor 2, Ewan 1 Gregor 4, Joe T 2, Cameron 1, Ewan 1

This was a very full morning of rugby with matches against Huntingdon as well as Biggleswade. Hitchin took two teams who were both given some very tough matches. The

tagging was much better this week, however it appeared that both teams were struggling a little with not having the coaches on the pitch. The players need to make sure that they

listen to the coaches both before and during the matches.

EAGLES

MATCH 1: Eagles v Biggleswade B

The first game saw the Eagles off to a flying start with the team right on top of their game. Nearly the whole team ran in with a try. Good tagging led to some turnover ball which gave

the eagles a 6:3 halftime lead. Practically an entirely new team showed up for Biggleswade in the second half which put us

on the back foot. Biggy were much more direct and ran in a couple of easy tries. We kept in contention with some good tagging from Ben/Joe T and subs George + Cameron keeping the eagles in the 2nd half and so run out match winners.

MATCH 2: Eagles v Biggleswade B

The second match of the day involved the Eagles playing 'Biggy B'. A really good match. Top try scorer was Gregor with 3 tries in the first half and 1 in the second, Joe T scored 2 tries,

and Cameron and Ewan a try each. There was good tagging throughout the match; Ewan tagged three players (and I would say he was the 'tagger' of the match), Elliot, Joe T,

George and Gregor had 2 tags each, and Theo had a tag. It has to be said that just before Biggleswade scored their 7th try, Elliot performed a wonderful tag.

The final score was 8 - 7 to Hitchin. Well done Eagles!!!!!!!!!!

UNDER 9 Eagles

Fixture: Hitchin v Biggleswade & Huntingdon - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team: Joe, Callum, Douglas, Oli L, Edward, Scott R, Luke, Kieran, Scott F, Oakley

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: Hitchin 5-1 Huntington Eagles 4–1 Biggleswade B Eagles 6–2 Biggleswade A

Tries: Scott F, Joe, Edward, Oli,

Luke

Kieran, Oli (2), Scott R Scott R (2), Scott F,

Kieran (2) & Luke

EAGLES

Match 1: Eagles v Huntingdon

The Eagles started the morning as they wished to continue with a resounding five tries to one victory

over Huntingdon. While Scott F, Joe, Edward, Oli and Luke crossed the line to score, it must always

be pointed out that great team work leads to tries and on many occasions there was encouraging

interplay between all players. A wonderful example of this was a combination between Kieran, Oli

and Scott which led to Edward's try. Joe and Scott F enjoyed some fine solo runs while Oli cleverly

tackled an opposition player into touch to be rewarded by a turn-over in play. Scott's size is

intimidating and he uses this to good effect in both attack and defence. Once again Kieran's tackling

caught the eye. Well done to all boys on a fine game of rugby.

Match 2: Eagles v Biggleswade B

This match could well be described as a game of two halves!

In the first half Hitchin tackled ferociously and denied Biggleswade any territory, but did not seem to

have much in the way of possession. Individuals were putting in strong performances, but all too

often looked to score a try for themselves and not look at other options! The one moment of magic

was a long pass from Joe out to Kieran, who had sensibly stayed in his channel, a fine catch on the

run and a neat try in the corner resulted.

This seemed to act as the catalyst, for in the second half Hitchin played as a TEAM unit. There were a

number of slick passing moves and two eye catching tries from Oli, both as a result of the boys

releasing the ball BEFORE they were tackled. They were switching the play at speed and pulling their

opponents all over the place.

Luke put in a great shift for the team, he may not have scored, but he never let his opponent get

past him and tackled with courage and good technique. It would be difficult to single any one out

because all the boys worked hard for each other.

Hitchin never looked like conceding a try, but one slight lapse of concentration led to Biggleswade’s

solitary effort.

There was still time for Scott Rudge to slalom his way through the Biggleswade defence with a try

that showed great awareness. I was pleased to notice however that as he crossed the line he was

being supported by a number of team mates who were ready for the pass, or to retrieve the ball

should Scott have been tackled, but that didn’t look likely, the way he moved he could have made

milk curdle!!

Match 3: Eagles v Biggleswade A

This game was an absolute joy to watch with some strong and consistent tackling from Joe and

Callum and everyone in the team having the confidence in their team mates to start passing the ball

before being tackled which gave Hitchin the edge every time. Scott R picked up a beautifully

delivered across pitch pass from Joe who had picked up the ball from a Biggleswade handling error to

score our first. Superb passing throughout the game, regularly utilising 3 or 4 players each before

being tackled and the ball being delivered to hand. Fabulous game to watch. Keep it up guys.

UNDER 9 Hawks

Fixture: Hitchin v Biggleswade & Huntingdon - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team: Ollie S, Tom H, Jack, Lewis, Louis, Tyrese, Fraser, Jacob F, Scott F, Oakley

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: Hitchin 3-4 Biggleswade B Hawks 3–3 Huntingdon Hitchin 3-9 Biggleswade A

Tries: Oakley (3) Lewis, Tom & Scott F Ollie S (3)

HAWKS

Match 1: Hitchin v Biggleswade B

A very close match with a last minute try from Biggleswade putting them one try ahead. Oakley

provided some great runs to score good tries. A good effort in tackling by the all team was observed.

The new players got stuck in and Fraser put in some good tackles with a good technique.

Match 2: Hawks v Huntingdon

Some lovely angled runs from Louis. Hitchin held the lead until half way through the second half

when Huntingdon got a couple of quick escapes from half-hearted tackles and scored twice on the

trot. Hitchin always had players in support giving a couple of options but ran out of time to secure a

win but confidence is growing as all players were happy to throw the ball about a bit more. It was

great to see Lewis scoring a try on his first match of the season.

Match 3: Hitchin v Biggleswade A

There was a good team effort in the first half with tackles being made, especially by Oakley who got

some big tackles in and Tom H.

Tom H was in the mix with good positioning and passing. Jack H put in some determined runs and

brought play beyond the game line.

All three of Hitchin's tries were scored by Ollie Stringer with some brilliant surging runs. Tyrese got

stuck in, a confident start in his first match.

The first try was set up very well with a good run and well timed pass from Jacob F. The second try

was set up from an equally good pass from Oakley. The final try was a great run from within his half

from Ollie Stringer. Jacob F ran well and did some strong tackles.

The final score of 9-3 to Biggleswade did not reflect the hard work and some good play from Hitchin.

Well done boys.

UNDER 10 (PARRY & PRIOR)

Fixture: Hitchin v Biggleswade & Huntingdon - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team:

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4

Result: PARRY 2-1 HUNTINGDON PRIOR 4-2 BIGGLESWADE PARRY 5-0 BIGGLESWADE PRIOR 5-3 HUNTINGDON

Tries: Freddie, Ben B Ben A, Luke

Ben B, Ben R, Freddie (3)

Luke, Christopher, William, Caillin (2)

Match 1: PARRY V HUNTINGDON

After a slow start and going a try behind Hitchin found their feet, Both Tom and Ben led the way with

some strong tackling. Joe, Jack and Callum worked hard in the scrum as Hitchin began to control the

game, Freddie, William and Ben R. were winning the battle in the rucks and mauls as Hitchin had

more and more ball, the possession paid dividends midway through the 2nd half when Freddie broke

clear to level the scores. In the last seconds good work from Oscar allowed Ben B. to go over in the

corner to win the game. A great comeback.

Match 2: PRIOR V BIGGLESWADE

Hitchin started brightly with both William and Caillin tearing into tackles, soon Hitchin's superiority

told as a brace of tries from both Ben A. and Luke along with some surging runs from

Christopher allowed Hitchin a 4-1 lead, with George, Alfie and Matthew winning possession Biggy

couldn't close the gap.

The 2nd half proved tougher as Biggy tried to get back into the game, Sam relieved the pressure

with some great surging runs to gain ground. Hitchin were strong in the line outs with

Leo using his height to great effect. Great teamwork saw Hitchin run out deserved winners.

Match 3: PARRY V BIGGLESWADE

A tremendous team performance was rewarded with a convincing win. From the first whistle strong

tackles were being made all over the pitch, Ben B, Jack and Freddie were at the centre

of the rucking while Joe, Callum, William and Tom were strong in the maul. The Hitchin pressure paid

off as both Ben B. and Ben R. scored tries to go into half time with a 2-0 lead.

The 2nd half began where the 1st finished with Oscar and Ben P. both strong in the tackles. Freddie

scored early in the 2nd half after a strong run to put the game beyond Biggy.

Great determination from all the team allowed Hitchin lots of possession that resulted in another try,

Freddie collecting the loose ball and getting himself across the try line.

One last attack from Hitchin, with a series of passes the ball was fed out to Freddie who weaved past

2 players to score his third and Hitchin's fifth try of the match, well done to all.

Match 4: PRIOR V HUNTINGDON

A great team spirit was shown as Hitchin came from behind to lead at half time 3-2. In the end tries

from Luke Christopher and William were the result of great pressure put on the opposition through

strong tackling from George, Leo and Alfie. The 2nd half was hard fought as both Ben A. and Sam

worried the Huntingdon defence with their strong running. With Matthew and Caillin both putting the

opposition under pressure the tries soon followed as Caillin ended a great move to make it 4-2. A

late rally by Huntingdon was stopped when Caillin again went over to make the game safe. A hard

working performance by each and every one.

UNDER 11

Fixture: Hitchin v OAs - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team: Alex Burton, Alexander Smith, Ben Guest, Daniel Lucas, Dylan Norton, George Lanyon, Jack Stallard, Jordan Hendy, Joshua Platt, Jude Schoeman, Luke Latschrauner, Oliver Howell, Thomas Adamson, Tom Smith, Tyler Lawrence, Zach Whatling-Page (C)

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: Biggleswade 7-12 Hitchin Huntington 0-45 Hitchin Biggleswade 7-7 Hitchin

Tries: Tom A, Josh P Jude, Tom A (2), Ben G (2), Alex S, Zac

Ben G

Cons: Ollie H Ollie H (4) Ollie H

Match 1: Biggleswade v Hitchin

Hitchin showed determination from the outset. They kicked-off and within 2 minutes had a scrum deep in the Biggleswade half. This supplied Tom A with a quality ball which he confidently used to secure Hitchin’s first try. A couple of minutes later a similar play set up Josh P for Hitchin’s second try. Ollie H’s boot came back into form for the conversion. The remainder of the half saw Biggleswade fight back and Hitchin lose several of their line-outs. Biggleswade kicked some punishing balls deep into the Hitchin half. Half time score was B 0 H 12. In the second half Biggleswade’s fight back continued after some poor Hitchin rucks. Biggleswade scored their first try and kicked the conversion to make it B 7 H 12. Jude put in some testing runs with both sides making ground but good defending by both teams meant no further tries were scored. Final score B 7 H 12.

Match 2: Huntingdon v Hitchin Hitchin were dominant throughout this match. Alex S made a great run out of the \Hitchin half setting up Jude to power across the line for Hitchin’s first try. Ollie H put in some good kicks forcing Huntingdon back into their own half and allowing Tom A to score Hitchin’s second try which Ollie H converted. A great side-steeping run from Zac set up Tom A for his second try and then Ollie H added 2 points with his quick conversion. Ben G put in a great kick to touch and then after further sustained pressure from Hitchin he ran in the fourth try. Half time score Hun 0 Hit 26. The second half began with a quick try from Alex S and it was once again converted by Ollie H’s accurate kick. Zac powered over the line to score a try and Ollie H’s sure foot converted it again. Ben G scored the final try of the match with a blind-side try from a Hitchin scrum. Final score Hun 0 Hit 45.

Match 3: Biggleswade v Hitchin Biggleswade piled on early pressure in this keenly fought re-match. It was a tough, physical first half. There was some great tackling from Jordan but the sides were evenly matched. The first half score was B 0 H 0. Biggleswade opened the second half with an early try to take 7 points. The tough physical nature of the game continued with both sides giving maximum effort and playing well. Hitchin were rewarded with a hard fought try from Ben G which Ollie H (faultless under pressure) converted to take the score to 7 apiece. Final score B 7 H 7. Overall Hitchin built on their success at Letchworth- playing with confidence, determination but above all showing real teamwork.

UNDER 12B

Fixture: Hitchin v Biggleswade & Huntingdon - Sunday 21st October 2012

Team:

Match 1 Match 2 Match 3

Result: HitchinB 21–7 Biggleswade HitchinB 21-7 Huntingdon HitchinB 14-7 Biggleswade

Tries: Aaron (2), Andrew (1) Aaron (2), Jamie (1) Nathan (1), Aaron (1)

An excellent week for the U12B’s on Sunday as they travelled to Biggleswade and put in some strong performances coming away with three good wins. A big thanks to Jono, Paul, Glyn and Jez for looking after the team and it is great to hear how well the boys played.

Match 1: Hitchin v Biggleswade

A soft pitch, but perfect playing conditions for the first triangular match of the season. Hitchin built on the confidence gained at Letchworth two weeks before with most of the early possession in the encounter with the host side. However, some Richie McCaw like

interpretation of the offside rule meant the backs had difficulty making ground. Finally, the cracks were found in the Biggleswade defence and breaks from Tom, Freddie and Laurence

get the maroon shirts moving towards the opposition try line allowing Aaron to grab the first score from broken play. Brent converted to make it 7-0. The home side gained possession from the kick-off and now it was Hitchin’s turn to defend. In a reversal of the early

encounters, the Biggleswade team persisted with possession and forced errors and infringements at the ruck, eventually driving their way over the line to level the score on the

stroke of half time.

Hitchin were fully awake for the second half. With a slight slope in their favour, a deep kick

off put the home side under pressure. The forwards piled into a maul and drove over to allow Andrew to claim the touchdown. Sam took his turn to add the 2 points. Hitchin’s forwards were now controlling the game and setting the backs away to make steady inroads. Ball

retention was excellent and Aaron claimed a final score with a dart over the line from close range. Brent added the kick.

Match 2: Hitchin v Huntingdon

The team in green were an unknown quantity and it was they who started brightly from a

well-placed kick-off. Hitchin couldn’t get the loose ball under control and surrendered a soft score after only a minute of play. No panic though, Hitchin now played the remainder of the

match in total control with quality possession and great running. Chris and Tom chased down the restart and the forwards provided the platform for Sam to release the backs. Huntingdon held firm with good tackling, but could not win possession. The move of the day lead to the

first try, forward power at second phase breakdown and a quick release from Sam, sent Brent and Tom onto the ball at pace, they drew their opposite players to allow Jamie to

storm through the opposition on a perfect angle and over for the touchdown. Sam levelled the match with the conversion.

Possession was the key in the second half, with Hitchin dominating the statistic. Freddie on

the wing saw a lot of the possession indicating the type of game the B’s were playing. Huntingdon’s defence was solid throughout and could only resort to kicking away possession

when they could get their hands on the ball. Two tries from Aaron resulted from all this pressure, although the ball was forced over the line on one further occasion and two other “scores” was pulled back, both for fending off.

Match 3: Hitchin v Biggleswade

After the home side edged a win against Huntingdon, Hitchin turned out for a final 10 minute each way match against the host side. The break in play showed as the guys appeared to be anywhere but on a pitch in Biggleswade! The forwards were slow to the breakdown and the

backs missed tackles, allowing Biggleswade to score the only try of the first half. One exception was a textbook tackle by Andrew to help stem another Biggleswade attack. A stern

few words were delivered at half time and credit to all, the second half saw Hitchin B back to their best. Brent restarted and the forwards charged into contact, Felix, Alfie , followed by Tyrece and Alex forced the Biggleswade fly half into a poor clearance which Nathan coolly

caught and drove over for his first score for the club. The restart was gathered in well and now it was Biggleswade who were missing tackles. Freddie continued to make big territorial

gains and with the support of the forwards put Aaron in the position to dart over for another score.

This was an excellent day for the B’s and another step forward in the squad development.

There was plenty of excellent running and offloading. Ball retention was good for much of the day. A couple of losses of concentration, but the teamwork and respect for one another is

strong and there is no sense of panic or head dropping when things don’t go quite our way. Individual confidence is developing in most of the players now and Nathan and Tyrece are proving valuable additions up-front. We all left with smiles on our faces.

As always it was difficult to pick one player of the week, all 17 squad players had a claim, but for making an all-round nuisance of himself about the park and his fast reactions to an

opportunity to score, Aaron was this week’s chosen one.

This week Sunday 28 October the U12A’s have a tough morning with a home fixture against

our “old friends” Old Albanian’s. Can all players meet at the club between 9.45-10am.

Youth Rugby

GIRLS RUGBY

Contact:

Adrian Pomfret - Hitchin Girls Rugby

07906863550

UNDER 15A

Fixture: Hitchin v Grasshoppers - Sunday 21st October 2012 HML League

Team: Aaron, Ashley, Benji, Dan C, Dan H, Frazer, Harry E, Joe, Jordan, Max, Ollie M, Ollie P, Saiful, Sam J, Spencer, Tom B, Will B

Result: Hitchin A 27 - 24 Grasshoppers

Tries: Spencer (1), Max (2), Saiful (1), Dan C (1)

Cons: Max (1)

An overcast breezy October morning finds us hosting some very big Grasshoppers at George V in the second league game of this season. Promoted from Division 4 last season,

Grasshoppers hail from Isleworth in Middlesex, home of Sky TV. They’re big lads and they’ve come with a full contingent of subs.

Hitchin kick-off the first half with a deep kick straight to a knock-on scrum from a fumbled catch. Jordan steals the ball from the scrum and powers through – passing down the line to Max who nearly takes our first try but is shoved into touch at the corner. Ollie M steals the

ball from a 5m lineout and passes out to Spencer who completes with a try near the posts in his debut game with Hitchin A’s. Max successfully converts bringing the opening score to 7-

0. Grasshoppers restart with a kick into our half that’s immediately kicked back into theirs. The ball works its way back to the centre where Grasshoppers’ winger breaks through running down the wing to score their first try in the bottom corner. Grasshoppers nearly

complete the conversion with an accurate boot towards our goal that bounces off the posts – leaving the score at 7-5. Hitchin restart but revitalised Grasshoppers are soon pressurising

us in our half as we concede a penalty just 10m in front of our posts. Grasshoppers attempt a prop barrage and are held back by our defence but a casual knock-on secures them a scrum just 5m short of our goal. Good driving from Grasshoppers forces the scrum back

giving Grasshoppers the chance to score their second try in the centre of our posts. An easy conversion follows giving them a 5-point lead at 7-12. Hitchin restart with a deep kick into

Grasshopper territory. This time Max gets a break through and runs around Grasshoppers’ defence to score our second try in the corner and narrowly misses the conversion leaving both teams equal at 12 each at the end of the first half.

Grasshoppers kick-off the second half with a new tactic – a short kick just a few feet in front of their line as they wait for us to respond. Harry pops the ball up to Joe who’s taken out into

touch by Grasshoppers’ front line. Joe captures the ball from the subsequent lineout and makes good ground but we’re held back from a try by a mighty Grasshoppers defence. A fumbled ball gives us a knock-on scrum just 10ms from the try line. This time the ball is

passed out of the scrum down the line to Saiful who tears down the wing to score our third try. Max misses the conversion leaving the score at 17-12. Grasshoppers restart with a deep

kick and secure a knock-on scrum in our half. A breakthrough from the back of the scrum

gives Grasshoppers a chance to score an equalising try with a missed conversion leaving the score at 17 each. A poor restart by Hitchin leads to a scrum reset in the centre which we win but Grasshoppers steal the ball as its passed down our line giving their fast winger a chance

to outrun our defence with a try scored near the centre of our posts. A good conversion puts Grasshoppers in the lead at 17-24. Hitchin restart but the ball is soon working its way back

into our half with nobody tackling these large Grasshoppers! A fortunate penalty to Hitchin gives us a chance to pass the ball down the line to Max who tears down the wing to score his second try, and our fourth, in the bottom corner. Max narrowly misses the conversion

bringing the score tantalisingly close at 22-24 with just 15 mins of play left. Aaron leaves the fray with a hand injury, later confirmed as broken. Grasshoppers restart with a short kick

again – followed up again by Joe and Harry. Tensions rise as both teams compete hard for the lead and a fight erupts in front of the posts. The ref steps in with a red card to both players involved – leaving both teams one man down to complete the game. The game

restarts with a scrum won by Hitchin. Rapid passing down the line gives Max a chance to tear down the wing again and he’s narrowly robbed of a hat-trick as he’s taken into touch at

the corner. Hitchin drive hard in the closing minutes of play and secure a scrum 5m in front of Grasshoppers’ posts. Rapid passing down the line gives Dan C a chance to dive over the line putting Hitchin 3 points ahead at 27-24. An injured Max is unable to take the conversion

so Spencer gives it a go without success. Grasshoppers restart and in the final closing minutes of play force us back to our try line. Max suffers an ankle injury and is replaced. The

parents can barely watch as the game rests on a knife-edge with Grasshoppers held back on our try line. Grasshoppers continually attack over the try line only to be held back by strong Hitchin defence. Both sides tussle for the ball until the ball finally drifts into touch to close

the game!

A hard day’s rugby today which could have gone either way at the end! Both teams were

evenly matched with each successive point hard fought over. Grasshoppers pressurised us to the very end keeping our guys continuously on their guard. We learnt some hard lessons

today about not underestimating the opposition! Harry Elleston was given both player of the day and cruncher of the week, for repeatedly and fearlessly bringing down the big guys.

U15

UNDER 15B

Fixture: Hitchin B v Tring B - Sunday 21st October 2012 HML League 6

Team: Starting XV: Charlie, Toby, Maitiu, Taylor, James, Christian, Ashley G, George E, George V, Sam R, Matthew, Luke, Conor, Bradley, Jamie

Subs: Dion, Jack F, Will M-W, Will J, Aaron D (H-T for Charlie, Ashley, Conor & Jamie), Nathan

Result: Hitchin B 24-14 Tring B

Tries: Maitiu, Conor, Matt

Cons: Matt (x3) Pen: Matt

Hitchin ‘B’ returned to league duty on Sunday when they entertained Tring U15 ‘B’ in a home fixture. The visitors quickly applied pressure to Hitchin from the opening whistle as

they asserted themselves high up into the Hitchin half, winning a succession of penalties very close to the Hitchin try line.

Hitchin defended well though and managed to hold up several attempts before eventually winning a turnover scrum which in turn allowed Sam to kick the ball clear into the Tring

half. Having weathered the initial Tring onslaught Hitchin then started to mount some attacks of their own with the forwards working hard to make good ground and the backs

moving the ball sharply along the line too. This was soon rewarded when Maitiu charged his way over the line under the posts to score the opening try with Matt converting the kick to put Hitchin into an early 7-0 lead.

Hitchin then looked to extend their lead with good runs by Christian and Bradley through

the middle but this attacking flurry was soon to be short lived as Tring launched a swift counter attack, with weak tackling from Hitchin gifting the visitors an equalising try. Another successful conversion then followed as Tring pulled the scores back to parity at 7-7.

Undeterred by this Hitchin pressed forward again in search of more points and were duly

rewarded when they won a penalty in the middle of the Tring half. Having elected to kick for goal Matt coolly despatched the ball between the posts to restore Hitchin’s lead to 10-7.

Matt was involved again when Hitchin went further ahead soon after this when his long clearing kick caused problems for the Tring defence as they struggled to collect the ball. A

splendid chase by Conor caused the Tring player to fumble and he then took advantage of this by twice kicking the ball clear of his opponents before diving onto the loose ball to claim a well deserved try in the corner. Matt then followed this up with the hardest and best kick

of the day to convert and move the score on to 17-7. Hitchin were playing with even more confidence now as attacking runs by Bradley, Sam R, George E and Matt kept the pressure

on Tring until the half eventually drew to a close. HT: 17-7

The second half started with more of the same. Following a good Hitchin scrum George E and Taylor both nearly scored but the hosts didn’t have to wait too long to increase their lead. A smart kick up field by Sam was chased down by Matt who then claimed the ball

despite pressure from the Tring defence to score a try, which he also converted to move the score on to 24-7 in Hitchin’s favour.

Having established a decent lead Hitchin then found Tring fighting back but good defensive work ensured that they withstood everything that was thrown at them. Eventually though

the pressure told as Tring scored their second try from a quickly taken penalty as they swiftly moved the ball into the Hitchin half and took advantage of some weak Hitchin

tackling to place the ball down, with the subsequent successful conversion leaving the

match finely poised at 24-14.

Aware of this, Hitchin then tried to re-assert themselves on their opponents with several players forcing their way through the Tring defence as they worked the ball towards the try

line. A good recycling move then saw Sam pass the ball out to BMW on the wing who came very close to nipping in at the corner before being forced into touch by several Tring

players. Hitchin continued to impose from the line out and a strong surge from the pack then saw Dion get the ball down, only for the try to be disallowed.

Finally, as the remainder of the match unfolded Hitchin began to lose a bit of discipline and started to concede lots of unnecessary penalties. This then lead to a tense last ten minutes

or so as Tring went in search of more points but despite this Hitchin defended manfully and held their opponents at bay to seal yet another hard fought but ultimately well deserved victory. F-T 24-14

Another week and another great performance by the ‘B’ team then which, despite some

poor discipline later on and some areas still needing working on, continues their good start to the season so far.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Toby – yet another great performance.

UNDER 17

Fixture: Hitchin v OAs - Sunday 21st October 2012 HML League 1

Team:

Result: Hitchin 12-53 Old Albanians

Tries: Euan (1), Matt (1)

Cons: Harry (1)

Hitchin v Old Albanians

This was a very tough match against very good opponents. OAs have lost just 2 of their 24 Division 1 League matches since 2009, and after the most recent aberration against

Biggleswade a few weeks ago they were fully focused and determined to regain the winning habit. Hitchin were on the back foot from the start as wave after wave of big powerful forwards

forced their way inexorably up-field. We tackled bravely but too often went for the ball instead of the legs and conceded valuable territory.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic though and when we were able to string some phases together we caused them problems with our expansive play. Unfortunately we were unable to

sustain enough possession as the OA forwards were too powerful and too street-wise.

In keeping with the Academy philosophy, two U16s were invited to play up and Danny and Jordan both acquitted themselves well against some of the strongest opposition they are

likely to face

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

Youth Fixtures: John Walsh 07740 87256

Duty officer on Sunday: Phil Dickson-Earle 07545267550

ALL Youth sides, for League matches

AND even for friendlies the Pitch Tape should be

placed alongside the pitch. All parties must remain outside of the pitch area.

Fixtures - Sunday 28th October 2012

Group Location Type Opponent Kick Off Pitch

Minis Home Training U9’s Away Cambridge

U12's Home OA's, Pitch 3 10:00 See

pitch plan

U13G’s Home Training - 10:00

See pitch plan

U13's Home Training - 10:00

Priory

U14's Home Friendly

match Cheshunt 11:00 Pitch 2

U15A's Away Match Barnet -

-

U15B's Away Match Barnet - -

U16's Away Match Welwyn 11:30 -

U17's - - - - See

pitch plan

U18’s - - - - See pitch plan

Academy

Sides

Home Match Twickenham 12:00 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

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

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. Check your spam filters to ensure that messages from WebMail@EasyClubManager.co.uk are being allowed through. This is essential since mail sent from here will inform much of what you need to know. YOUR CLUBHOUSE Pop inside before and after training for a tea or coffee and a bacon roll. Use the shop for kit and other rugby essentials, have a drink at the bar, meet members of other age-groups, read

information from our screens, meet your coaches and your committee members. 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 or the U13 & U16 .

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.