Hurstpierpoint College 1st XV win their 5^th Round match in the U18 Daily Mail Cup

The Hurst 1st XV are through to the next round of the U18 Daily Mail Cup competition after an outstanding performance at home against The John Fisher School from Purley on Wednesday 23^rd November. 

Hurst backed up their fine win against Eastbourne College in the previous round with their best performance of the season to beat a powerful and well-organised John Fisher side.

 

 

Playing against the conditions in the first half, Hurst set the tone for the match with an outstanding defensive display and restricted their opponents to scoring just one try.  Hurst took the lead through a well-struck penalty by James Newland after enduring a long period of defensive pressure.  John Fisher scored their first half try when a lapse of concentration from Hurst led to a penalty kick to touch being misplaced, allowing John Fisher through to score.  Another penalty taken by Newland put Hurst back ahead 6-5 and they added further to the score with a well-constructed try by Ollie Bunn, that took Hurst to an 11-5 lead at the break.

During the second half, Hurst pressed home their advantage and with the conditions now in their favour, applied sustained periods of pressure upon their opponents through some aggressive tackling and astute tactical play, with Zack Henry now 'pulling the strings'.  A pre-planned lineout ploy resulted in Hurst scoring again, this time through Man of the Match, Richard Hadfield, ably assisted by Jamie Hutchings who dominated the lineout battle.  Hurst went further ahead with a move started from another lineout; this time George Snow finished off a sweeping move to put the game out of John Fisher's reach.  The Purley team responded with a try and Hadfield scored his second try of the match, right in front of the post, which was duly converted by Newland.  A late try from John Fisher completed the scoring but the 28-17 final result was a fair reflection of Hurst's performance on the day.

The score breaks down as follows:

Tries:
Ollie Bunn, Richard Hadfield (2), George Snow
Conversion:
James Newland
Penalties:
James Newland (2)

Man of the Match: Richard Hadfield

As expected, Hurst encountered further tough opposition in their 6^th Round away fixture at The Skinners' School, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Skinners were worthy winners on the day.