Gave their heart and soul in Hertfordshire

Under ashen skies, the Hampstead u13 squad travelled north to take on Old Albanians, one of the big clubs of Hertfordshire. Arriving at the hugely impressive facilities was a bit of an experience to start: assigned changing rooms and warmup pitches a new experience for the boys. A good warmup, including an impeccably observed minute’s silence with the two teams standing together, and then we were off to the match.

Amazingly similar kits were the first problem, and as the visitors we went inside out into the “ghost” alternates. The match started strongly though, kicking off deep and pinning OAs deep for about 15 minutes at the start of the match. The pressure really told, with the boys running through their range: a prop’s try in the tight, a winger out wide, an inside ball to the back row forward and other chances missed for a foot in touch, little knock ons, etc. It was really the defence that was dominating here though - really pinning the opposition deep. They even managed to survive a few too many penalties, resisting both the charges and kicks well

Eventually a dropped pass saw OA hack up the field, and finally start to put some concerted pressure on the Hampstead line. After a few plays, they were properly knocking on the doors. Though the boys handled it reasonably well, eventually the combination of a strong runner and some arm tackles allowed OA in for a try. The spirits stayed up though, and the boys responded with a good effort, eventually adding another to restore the lead, this time with a grubber through for a runner to dot down.

The second half saw more of the same, not quite as dominant as the first 15 but still strong. OA were really coming in to it, using some incredibly powerful runs to break the Hampstead defensive line. The boys resisted relatively well, however, gang-tackling and often pouncing on isolated runners, taking real advantage of some lacklustre OA support to “bend but not break”. Though penalties around the breakdown continued to be an issue, the difference was really in Hampstead taking the chances they got. Less concerted dominance but took advantage of some phases to break through three more times - once a sprint from the other end of the pitch, to run out pretty convincing winners.

A lot of really good play, with some strong tackles from a broader group than last week. Leaves us with some work to do in breakdown management and straightening the running lines, but if the boys keep stepping up they’ll definitely be able to do themselves proud this year.