Harpenden 69 - Hertford 15

Given Hertford’s traditional forward strength it was probably not the best time for Harpenden to find themselves short of three front row players. However, the forwards produced a massive performance in all phases of play which allowed the backs to use the ball to great effect.

An inauspicious kick off put the ball straight into touch which meant an immediate first test for Harpenden’s remodelled front row. Harpenden took the resulting scrum against the head and the forwards never looked back from that point. Owen Farrell kicked deep into the Hertford half but could not find touch but neither did the Hertford fullback with his return kick. Louis Gabriel took the ball at pace and his long pass found Gus Williams who scored in the corner. Owen Farrell converted. 7-0.

Following the restart the forwards once again showed that they were able to cope as they held a Hertford driving maul. Harpenden again won a scrum and Jim Speirs broke through the first of the Hertford defenders and passed to Owen Farrell who passed the ball out of the back of his hand to Coutney Dodds who had broken into the line from fullback. Coutney fed the ball to Dougie Norris who crossed the line in the right hand corner for the second try within 10 minutes. The try went unconverted 12 – 0.

Hertford started to respond but could not mount any continuous pressure. A Courtney Dodds recovery from a kick through and a Jim Speirs break both helped to keep Harpenden in Hertford’s half of the pitch. Harpenden were awarded a penalty in a central position, Jim Speirs made the break and crossed the line between the posts. Owen Farrell converted. 19 – 0.

Hertford now seemed to redouble their efforts and a series of forward drives were held up either just short or just over the Harpenden try line. Unfortunately the pressure eventually told and the Hertford forwards crossed for a try which was duly converted. 19-7.

Not to be outdone it was now the Harpenden forwards who produced a series of telling drives. Excellent ball retention kept the pack moving forward until they released the ball to the backs. Courtney Dodds again joined the line and a smart side step allowed him the break the defensive cover to go over behind the posts. Owen Farrell converted 26-7.

A Hertford interception produced a moment of panic in the Harpenden defence but the ball was well recovered. Harpenden won a lineout and the ball eventually reached Tom Rhodes who made a break and fed Louis Gabriel who scored under the posts. Owen Farrell converted 33-7.

More of the same from the Harpenden forwards again produced good ball for the backs who once again spun the ball wide allowing Gus Williams to score in the corner. The try went unconverted 38-7.

HALF TIME Harpenden 38 – Hertford 7

Almost immediately from the restart the Harpenden centres were caught offside and Hertford successfully kicked the penalty. 38-10.

There was now a mini-kicking contest as Hertford attempted to capitalise on having the wind at their backs. However whilst playing a penalty advantage Owen Farell fed Louis Gabriel who shipped the ball onto Tom Rhodes who sped through a gap to score Harpenden’s first try of the second half. Own Farrell converted. 45-10.

The Harpenden forwards continued to keep Hertford pressed back and it wasn’t long before the next score arrived. Tris Davies took an Owen Farrell cross field kick and flicked the ball to Jim Speirs who crossed for the try. Owen Farrell converted 52-10.

Harpenden now did themselves no favours as two players were yellow carded in quick succession. David Arbuthnott for a bit of a tussle and Owen Farrell for a late tackle. In between the two cards Louis Gabriel made a major tackle on a Hertford player just as he popped the ball during a penalty move.

It wasn’t surprising that with two players short Hertford would capitalise to a certain extent. Harpenden however managed to maintain the points differential during this period. Hertford’s forwards again managed to drive over the Harpenden tryline. 52-15.

Harpenden responded with a John Collins break down the wing which was only ended by a high tackle. Tris Davies was then body checked as he chased a kick through. Tris, however, managed to quickly recover his balance, collect the ball and cross for an unconverted try. 57-15.

There seemed to be a bit of a delay before the yellow carded Harpenden players were allowed to return to the pitch. The referee seeming to think that it was a better game as it stood. As the two players returned the scrum also became uncontested as Hertford ran out of front row players (how they must wish they had our strength in depth !)

Two tries then followed in quick succession. Owen Farrell was fed from the scrum and his cross field kick was collected by Dougie Norris who touched down 62-15. Soon after Owen Farrell showed his pace to make a break of his own to cross beneath the posts. Owen duly converted his own try. 69-15.

All in all a very satisfying performance. Great attacking play by the backs who built on a superb performance from the forwards.

Final Score Harpenden 69 – Hertford 15

Team

Tom Baker, Michael Singleton, Andrew Brown, Rory Grant, Zac Kent, Ali Mills, Jim Speirs (Capt.), David Arbuthnott, John Collins, Owen Farrell, Tom Rhodes, Louis Gabriel, Dougie Norris, Gus Williams, Courtney Dodds, Luke Johnson, Tris Davies.

Coaches:

Robin Longden

T: 01438 832217

M: 07785 555653

Mike Baker

T: 01582 760531

Mike Norris

T: 01525 373319