After completing the double over Hitchin last season, the tribe knew their opponents would arrive at Raven Park looking for revenge. A couple of last-minute withdrawals due to illness meant changes to the line-up, but this did little to dampen the group’s spirits. Iceni were ready to fight.

Hitchin kicked off and immediately put Iceni under pressure. After an early rip in the tackle, they looked to build momentum through a series of well-worked phases. Iceni defended resolutely, producing an impressive effort to hold Hitchin up over the try line, before Yas Amber’s goal-line drop-out relieved some of the pressure in the opening minutes.

Hitchin were well-drilled and soon found themselves back in the tribe’s 22. However, Flo Webb and Jess Brennan stepped up with important turnovers and tackles to give Iceni their first attacking opportunity. Iceni won the scrum, but a loose ball in the backline was collected by Hitchin, who looked to counter-attack.

Emma Goate and Katie Gemal made further important defensive contributions, preventing Hitchin from breaking the line. The visitors continued to press up the field, using powerful carries from their forward pack to move within touching distance of the try line. Once again, however, Iceni’s defence held firm, with Yas producing a crucial turnover to prevent Hitchin from scoring.

A blocked box kick quickly handed possession back to Hitchin, who looked dangerous in the wide channels. This time, Jade Baker produced a commendable interception to keep the scoreboard at zero. Hitchin continued to threaten, and eventually their pressure paid off.

After winning an important scrum, Hitchin’s number 12 executed a chip-and-chase to score the opening try, which was converted to make it 7–0. Hitchin quickly extended their lead when their number 10 broke through with a show-and-go, linking up with number 12 to score again. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 12–0.

Iceni remained composed at the restart, winning an early penalty and using structured phases to march upfield and reach touching distance of the try line for the first time. The tribe’s patience was eventually rewarded when Hitchin received a yellow card for repeated offside infringements. A second yellow card followed shortly afterwards, leaving the visitors down to 13 players.

Iceni capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Katie Gemal stepping through the defence to score near the posts. Yas added the conversion to bring the score back to 12–7.
Hitchin responded by winning a scrum and moving the ball through the backs to find their speedy number 15 out wide, who scored another try. The conversion was missed, making it 17–7.

Iceni continued to battle, with Lucy Philpott producing a try-saving tackle. Yas then opted to take a loose ball over the tribe’s try line, resulting in a five-metre scrum for Hitchin. Under immense pressure, Iceni produced a powerful scrum and earned a penalty when Hitchin’s front row stood up. Yas opted to clear with a kick.

An uncharacteristic fumble from Hitchin was quickly collected by Charlotte Wright, who found Kaitlyn Dell to launch a counter-attack. Unfortunately, the half-time whistle came before Iceni could turn that pressure into points.

Half-time: Hitchin 17–7 Iceni

Iceni returned to the pitch with renewed energy, and the improvement was clear. The defensive intensity increased, and the team began to create more opportunities in attack.

A powerful hit from Fatuma Namisi forced a knock-on, giving the tribe a scrum. Iceni’s backline moved the ball out to Annabelle on the wing, who did well to keep it alive despite being tackled into touch. The tribe quickly pounced on the loose ball and were rewarded for their persistence. Katie crossed for her second try of the match, although the conversion was missed, bringing the score to 17–12.

Hitchin responded with a try of their own after their number 10 produced a huge kick to secure a lineout close to the Iceni try line. When the tribe conceded a penalty, Hitchin capitalised on the opportunity. The conversion was unsuccessful, extending their lead to 22–12.

Despite the setback, Iceni continued to compete. Jade made a vital defensive intervention to stop Hitchin breaking through the backline, while Dell produced a try-saving tackle after Hitchin’s number 12 once again threatened to create a scoring opportunity.
Although Yas cleared the ball deep into Hitchin’s half, their number 15 collected it and weaved through a tiring defensive line to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, making it 27–12.

Iceni refused to let their heads drop. Katie won another turnover and played quickly, while an impressive carry from Yas drove the tribe towards the Hitchin try line. Under mounting pressure, Hitchin conceded further penalties for offside infringements.

With Iceni pressing close to the posts, Jess took a quick penalty and passed to Ana Seruisavou, who crossed for a well-earned try. Yas converted to bring the score to 27–19, setting up an exciting finish.

With momentum on their side, Iceni continued to search for another score, while Hitchin began to look flustered as the game entered its final minutes. The referee marched the opposition back for kicking the ball away after conceding a penalty. Emma took advantage of the attacking opportunity, quickly restarting play as the tribe put together several well-worked phases.

Unfortunately, the defensive effort earlier in the match had taken its toll, and Iceni conceded a penalty for holding on. Hitchin kicked for the lineout and looked dangerous, having already enjoyed success from this position. However, resolute defending from Dell and Jade once again kept Hitchin at bay and Iceni in contention.

In the closing stages, Iceni won a scrum and moved the ball through several phases, getting within metres of the try line. They continued to search for the score that would bring them closer, but time ultimately ran out before they could cross again.

Although the result did not go Iceni’s way, the second-half performance provided plenty of positives to build on. The team showed greater attacking intent, increased intensity and a determination to keep fighting until the final whistle.

The Under the Radar award went to Lily Day for her tireless work around the breakdown, while Dell was named Player of the Match for her relentless defensive efforts.

Iceni will take these positives into training, regroup and continue to build on the progress shown after the break. With another new team to face in a couple of weeks, the focus will be on carrying that second-half energy and belief into the next match.

Heads up, Iceni — plenty to build on and another opportunity ahead!