Hemel Hempstead RFC 25 v 56 Redingensians

Ensians continued to build momentum in 2011 with a convincing ten tries to five victory over Hemel
Hempstead away from home today. An outstanding set of performances from every single player
saw the Rams exhibit real strength in depth in a games of 4 x 15 minute quarters.
With Berkshire League games either side of today’s match it was vital that the entire squad got
meaningful game time and no-one disappointed. Head Coach, Andy Crocker, was given a real
headache in selecting next week’s League Squad of 22 and the performance provided the large
contingent of Ensians spectators with a great match to observe.
The first quarter saw a gritty never-say-die performance from the lads on the pitch. Despite going
two early tries down, the heads never dropped and some strong tackling and running kept Ensians
very much in the game. Hemel Hemstead’s No. 8 was having a fine match and a strong tackle of his
ended a quick break by tight-head prop Boyd and unfortunately ended his match. A further try by
Hemel meant we were 15-0 down at the end of the first quarter.
A switch around during the break gave a large number of established players the opportunity to
chase a game and dictate play. The pack were more than matching their larger opponents and some
excellent scrummaging gave the backs the opportunity to exploit quick ball. Ensians very quickly reestablished
themselves in the game and had pulled two tries back by half-time.
The third-quarter saw Ensians start to stretch their lead with some better work at the breakdown
than previous weeks. This essential, combative work by our Forwards saw the ball recycled quickly
and get the Backs running some impressive lines. With seven tries scored during this quarter
Ensians were an impressive 20 – 49 points in the lead.
With the substitutes impressively re-warmed up again the refreshed team gave a very good account
of themselves in the final quarter against a tiring Hemel Hempstead time. Excellent work upfront
yet again saw our pack give a very good account of themselves and protect the lead. With the
opposition getting a try back, the growing confidence in this group of lads stemmed any further
losses and saw the impressive Boden score our final try with a trademark breakaway and strong run.
Ensians ended the match taking the game to the opposition and capped an outstanding display by
every single player.
Scorers: Tries – Barber (3), Cook (3), Boden (2), Spong (2)
Conversions – George (3)

Reflections:
Today was one of those days when everything clicked. With the exception of Conor’s nasty injury,
there were nothing but positives about today’s match. Andy Crocker’s decision to select the line-ups
the way he did meant that both the emerging and established players got some meaningful
experiences to further develop their games. The emerging players continue to be blooded against
first-team opponents and help take their game and confidence to the next level. Their never say die
attitude meant that the established players could blend into the team and chase a game. Confidence
and momentum are key words in developing a team of sportsmen and these were achieved in spades
today.
Recognising the contribution of the full squad was important today. Players were (and will continue
to be) asked to play in different positions in matches like these and Alex Williams, Bryn Boden,
Aaron Stewart, Daniel Barber etc. should be praised for their ability to put in the levels of
performances that they did.
The squad culture was as inclusive as we’ve seen in weeks and I was particularly impressed at the
contributions of our newer players and those that have been out for some weeks. A great squad
environment means that the like of Callum Large, Tom Mortimer, Ben Hamerton, Ross Green,
Michael Hutterli, Barnaby Coles, Aaron Stewart and Elliot Cheng can play with the levels of
confidence they did. Luke Godward and Charlie Perry should also be commended for attending
today’s match whilst not being available to play.
There were some particularly impressive performances from the lads who played the whole match –
James Temple, Aaron Stewart, Samuel Burnhope – and those that almost did – Jason McGillivray
and Ryan Spong. You all executed your roles brilliantly and were fighting to the very end.
The Man of the Match was James Temple and Man of Steel was Michael Hutterli. Both were
exceptional when on the field but to be fair, there were 24 others who ran them very close.
The final piece of recognition should go to Steve Rawsthorn who was EXCEPTIONAL in his handling
of Conor Boyd’s ankle injury. We are blessed with the level of first aid and support Steve provides
week in, week out to our lads and I would like to express the gratitude of the whole age-group to
the work he does.
A fine days work from a bunch of players, coaches and parents who represents all that’s great
about the game of Rugby.
Graeme