Solid start to the season

This was tested against an experienced Hemel 1st team squad. Tring played most of the first 30 minutes defending in their own half through penalties and poor ball retention. Tring's first trip to Hemel's half was rewarded, via great phase play which pulled in Hemel's defensive line and unleashed Johan Rheeder to score in the corner, this was converted by Mitchell. Tring continued applying pressure straight from the restart. After moving Hemel's defence through quick phases and good offloads, the forwards provided a great platform which allowed backs to move the ball quickly through to Dan Fay, who turned on the gas for a sprint to the try line, Mitchell converted and we ended the first half 0-14.

The second half changes came into play and Tring gave away too many penalties and again found themselves under pressure from a strong Hemel pack, who managed to get control of the breakdown. Hemel capitalised from this pressure and scored under the posts which they converted. Tring continued to put themselves under pressure by giving too many penalties away in Hemel's half and missing 50/50 offloads. After playing some good rugby, Hemel intercepted a pass in their 22 and sprinted towards Tring's try line. Mitchell managed to chase them down, but Hemel had good support and scored in the corner. The conversion was missed making the score 12-14 with 25 minutes left.

Tring regrouped and found a good rhythm which after several phases saw Charlie Goss-Lambourne race down the right wing from the half way line to score a individual try. Mitchell, who was superb with his distribution and kicking was unable to convert. Tring continued to build on their hard work and kept control of the game and the score board when Tom Geere took a quick penalty on Hemel try line and scored under the post. Mitchell converted 12-26.

The last 10 minutes was all Tring with the forwards having won key battles and marching into Hemel's 22, another quick penalty taken this time by Joe Oaks who drove low and hard into a tired defence and scoring. Mitchell converted to win the game 12-33.

The midfield duo of Jack Draper and John Preston proved a solid line of defence and resulted in good turnovers in key area. James smith was the man of the match who not only was solid in the set piece but consistently carried over the game line and helped create a good platform for our backs to work with.