HACKNEY 3RDS 20 - 22 ST ALBANS 3RDS

Saj: "Is the game still on?" Week 2

St Albans, against many of their own personal doubts, travelled to Hackney with 7 men down the A10. We hoped there would be another 5 there...
The 2nds had been strengthened by Harry Tolland, Mark Tester and Iain McIlwee, and O'Shea's Rugby Phonebook had been properly rinsed with no takers. The scrums would have to be uncontested and sportingly Hackney returned the favour of lending us two players, both of whom turned out to be fine ambassadors for their club and both played great games.
The action started with a charge down kick from clearing play close to the Hackney line. Dylan Bown had got right up with play and after dummying Wazza, touched down. A fantastic start to the St Albans day and it really set the tone. St Albans were to score a second by just shipping the ball out to their backs who were running everything they could all day. Bily Sach got a fine score out of this direct form of play. As the SAS will tell you, if you are thought to be outnumbered and dead, just attack. Both the kicks were out of range of Shane Gill, but his kicking game was solid throughout.
Hackney were by no means about to lay down and die and constant pressure of their own told and they pegged the score back again and again.
St Albans third try came from debutante CHRIS BALL, who Mick had asked at work last week to come along. Out on the wing, he just went for it and although held up on the line, got himself back into attacking position and went over minutes later. A superb effort and start to, we hope, a LONG career at the club.
The half ended 15 a piece, so all was to play for. Hackney having landed penalty.
The second half was tooth and nail, every ball scrapped for and all players on the pitch motivated to get the winning score for their team. If anything Hackney had the more chances, their forwards picking and going successfully. Chris Hilton, whose dad was cautioned by the ref (as was Mr Sach Sr.) showed great verve by just keeping on going for the line, with his touch down bringing Shane Gill into range, St Albans were ahead 22- 15.
Hackney struck back and brought the scores up to 22 - 20. Agonising stuff.
Then they pressed again and were awarded a penalty within the 22.
The kick was just wide but there was 4 minutes left to play.
A mistaken call to Shane to just boot it as far away as you can from the drop out brought play back to the 22 and Hackney could taste victory!
Tackling.
Man-Up Tackling saved the day.
From 1 to 14 every man did his part. Dave Scanlan led outstandingly in defence throughout and our mettle held.
Both teams played 100% throughout and it was a great day. Matty Reynolds played a blinder at scrumhalf. Lewis Anderson played a blinder also. Both these lads were mere slips of boys a few seasons ago. They are MEN now.
I don't need this hassle next week. PLEASE just say YES to my text.
Mick
Lewis A, Mick, Chris Hackney, Dylan, Wazza, John Hackney, Dave Scanlan, Mat Reynolds, Shane, Chris Hilton, Doug Morete (c), Billy Sach, Chris Ball, Saj.
Troublesome Crowd: Mr Hilton, Me Sach, Mr Reynolds.