FIRST STUMBLE AT HEMEL

writes Jonathan Landi

FIRSTS STUMBLE AT HEMEL

It wasn’t the result that the firsts craved. However, neither were they disgraced in the 18-6 away defeat at Hemel Hempstead in what was their first slip-up in three London Two North-West attempts.

Although Ignatians, having to accommodate a handful of changes and notably in the pack, for the main defended well but a couple of lapses either side of half-time resulted in Hemel tries. Hemel also added a conversion and two penalties.

Neither were Hemel an easy side to break down and, with the visitors failing to convert a couple of try-scoring opportunities, two first-half penalty strikes by Jake Bates represented the sum total of their scoring efforts.

Head coach Shane Manning said: “Hemel are a good physical side and very solid in all departments. Their defence was very good and we lacked a bit of support play in the tackle. It was a fair result but frustrating nevertheless."

“Although we struggled with some of the referee’s interpretations at scrum time, our pack went well and the lineout was an even contest. Defensively we did well against a bigger side apart from two lapses which they capitalised on. At this level it only takes two missed tackles to make the difference."

“Michael Hall, having switched from centre to number eight, was our Man of the Match following some great defence and hard-running.
Johnny Dixon had some good runs especially when returning kicks from fullback, whereas Keir Bonnar made some good strong runs and didn’t miss a tackle. Liam Dunne and Dave {Gear} continue to work well together in the backrow.”

He added: “It’s not the end of the world but it shows us were we are. We have a lot to improve on and we will. We will put the work in on the training paddock and look to get back to winning ways next week.”

Letchworth are our next opponents as they visit Donkey Lane on Saturday, October 6th.

Please note, that contrary what appeared earlier on the website, the first President's Lunch is on Saturday, October 27th. Apologies for the confusion.