However, after 80 minutes at Redbourn Lane on Saturday the 1st XV walked away with a crucial victory over Sidcup and a further 5 points to add to the 7 points already gained so far this season. Equally the 3rd XV notched up their first win of the season over Welwyn.

The 2nd XV were able to complete the hat trick by dispatching Ampthill Jets 34-14 to extend their lead at the top of Merit One.

This weekend the 1st XV are back on the road as they travel to Suffolk to take on familiar opponents Sudbury. Harps were winners 35-10 last time out in the final game of the season at Redbourn Lane. However, on the two previous visits to Whittome Field they have come back empty handed, so a tough test is inevitably in store. Despite securing promotion from London 1 North in 2nd place last season, there has been a been a number of changes in personnel at Sudbury with Cameron Greenhall taking over from the departed Craig Burrows who left for local rivals Colchester.

They have had a mixed start to the season with three wins and four defeats with a 31-9 home win over Colchester being the standout result. As Harpenden are all too aware, it is generally the finest of margins that govern the outcomes of results in this league.

The 2s are once again at home on the AGP as they host Bishops Stortford 3s who always provide solid opposition. Last weekend was arguably one of the best looking 2nd teams put out in recent years (in both handsome and rugby ability stakes) and there is certainly more to come from the blend of youth and experience on a weekly basis.

Stortford have had a mixed start, defeating Hertford and Cheshunt whilst losing to Fullerians and Ampthill and currently sit in 4th place.

The 3s fixture with Weston has been rolled over into a double header in February, whilst the Ladies have a two week break to prepare for their next game.

Mini, Junior & Academy

A combination of half term and thunder storms put paid to all age group rugby last Sunday, so undoubtedly the youngsters will be chomping at the bit this weekend. The U13 boys take on Olney, U16 boys play Cheshunt and U16 girls play Harlow.

Elsewhere the Academy are on tour to Spain in Gijon. Best of luck to them representing the club on foreign turf!

Events

Still time to buy your fireworks tickets for a week on Sunday. They are available at the club or at the following places:

Savills Estate Agents
The Odd Fellows Arms
The Old Cock Inn
The Silver Cup
The Plough & Harrow

£30 for a family ticket, adults £10 and children £5 (up to 16 years)

Gates are open at 4pm, display starts at 6pm.

There's fun for all the family, a fun fair, food and drinks.