League (Away) - Hertford 5 Harpenden 14.

Tries: Richard Meaney, Ben Brownlie.

Conv: Ollie Mann (2).

Match Report

The A team got back to winning ways this Sunday away at Hertford, the 2 week gap in action showed with the team making a sluggish start against as always a competitive Hertford side. Who no doubt wanted use Harpenden as a fixture to try and kick start their disappointing showing in the league to date.

The first half was a very stop start affair with penalty after penalty going against our forwards, which saw neither side make too much progress. Hertford certainly got to the loose ball quicker and with better body positions secured a lot of ball. Some solid defence out wide and resolute forward play when required saw the score 0 - 0 at half time. Highlight of the first half was an outstanding tackle from Richard Meaney on the Hertford outside centre

Second half started brightly and the team rallied in the first 10-15 minutes with some fine loose running from a number of our forwards led by Jamie Gore, Stevie 'furry scrum cap' Farquar, Richard Meaney and Ben. There were some fine bits of play with players unloading in the tackle and passing on contact. Finally the deadlock was broken by some fine play resulting in Richard breaking clear in the Hertford 22 and managing to round his effort off under the posts.

We then managed to go to sleep and both our backline alignment and back 5 forwards seemed to drop off not looking for contact but not looking to cover wither. Hertford again exerted some fine fast fwd play and recycling, which eventually gave them space and nunbers outside to score. Fortunately for us they missed the conversion and with only 2 minutes to go, we managed to fire ourselves up again and played the percentages game deep in their half. Penalties were conceded and a dummy fwd play and wide ball into the backline saw Ben the no 8 master poacher force his way over in fine style.

The 2 conversions from Oli mann were very welcome !!

Areas to work on - Forwards not too much turkey and please do some fitness over the Xmas break.

Backs we need to stop running sideways and too defend in a pressing line

Outstanding Coaches Player of the Week - Richard Meaney The Try The Tackle and a great high work ethic....!

Coaches:

Ian Weed

M: 07909 927245

Ian Cumming

M: 07976 651134