Roundhegians

Hegians went to Barnsley after a free week hoping to continue their winning ways. With Dave Wilson and Tom Foxton missing from the pack it meant that Dave Gregory and Henry Wareham came into the back row. Also Rory Wollaston came in to replace Alex Miyambo who dropped out on the Saturday morning

The game started brightly for Hegians who were quickly on the attack and looking to put pressure on the Barnsley defence. It was not long before they were able to force a penalty and Alex Jones struck it well to go into a 3-0 lead.

Within 3 minutes Barnsley got a penalty in midfield and they pushed it into the corner for the lineout. Barnsley were able to go through 2 or 3 phases before moving the ball well to the left allowing the winger to score an unconverted try in the corner

Hegians were able to respond well and soon forced a penalty on 13 minutes which Alex Jones hooked wide. However, within 2 minutes they had been awarded another kickable penalty but this time Alex Jones struck it well only for it to come back off the post.

The frustration was getting to Hegians and they were guilty of trying to push things too hard. A number of passes went astray and they found it difficult to simply go through the phases without making mistakes. On the other hand Barnsley started to gain some fluency in their play and eventually were rewarded with a penalty on 29 minutes which they kicked to take a 8-3 lead.

Hegians got close to scoring  but an error allowed Barnsley to  come back up the field and full back Alex Jones received a yellow card for a deliberate knock on at 32 minutes. With Hegians now down to 14 men they started to play with a bit of urgency and soon forced their way out their own half. They made it to half time relatively comfortably as they were a bit more aggressive in contact

Half Time Barnsley 8 – Roundhegians 3

Hegians started off the second half with more purpose and structure and went through a number of phases before getting the ball out wide to Alex Jones who stepped inside two defenders to score by the posts. The conversion took Hegians into a 10-8 lead. Hegians looked brighter for a short time but were caught holding on to the ball and Barnsley were able to take the 3 points and go into an 11-10 lead.

Hegians again responded and on 54 minutes were awarded a penalty to take them into a 13-11 lead. Hegians were starting to get on top now and it was not long before they were awarded  another penalty for a high tackle and with yellow cards awarded against Barnsley and the kick successfully landed Hegians went into a 16-11 lead.

At this point it looked simple for Hegians to win but some poor decision making and errors did not help them but at the same time Barnsley rallied and played some of their best rugby of the game. After a wave of attacks Sam Trutch was yellow carded and with further pressure it was only a matter of time before Hegians were on their line defending. After pressure from two scrums the referee eventually awarded a penalty try to put Barnsley into a 18-16 lead.

Hegians tried to rally one last time but Barnsley were on top now and completely dominating possession and territory. Hegians had to defend their line and only some good tackling kept them out as they tried to finish the game. Hegians were hanging on and hoping to get a losing bonus point but when Barnsley dropped the ball close to the line, Hegians quickly moved the ball wide and carried the ball into the Barnsley half. As they looked to go wide to score the try Barnsley conceded a penalty. This meant that Alex Jones had one last chance  win the game with a penalty kick out wide. Despite the pressure he struck the ball well and this took Hegians into a 19-18 lead, with all 19 points coming from captain Alex Jones. The referee blew for full time and Hegians had managed to produce an unlikely and slightly fortunate win at the death.

Barnsley had played well and will consider themselves unlucky not to have won the game and it was only a spirited defensive effort that allowed Hegians to get the win in the end

Full time: Barnsley 18 – Roundhegians 19

Hegians have their last league game before the Christmas break at home against Thornensians this Saturday  ko 2.15pm. It is going to be another tough game and Hegians will have to be on top form if they are to get another win.