All good things must come to an end, as they say. Although the abruptness of the ending was somewhat unexpected as Harpenden were comprehensively outplayed by an impressive Sudbury side.

With both sides looking to build on opening day wins, the conditions were more South of France than rural Suffolk, as the mercury tipped over 30 degrees.

The first ten minutes of play was undoubtedly Harpenden’s best. As they pushed towards the home side’s line. We’re in not for a misplaced pass, they may have taken the lead.

However, from this point Sudbury lit the touch paper and scored 45 unanswered points in the subsequent 60 minutes. It started with a slick break that found space on the counter attack to get the first seven points. This was immediately followed by another try as Harps were once again cut open.

The Sudbury back row of Herbig, Firth and Cowling were central to many of the good things that were happening for the Suffolk outfit and it was a Cowling offload that led to the third try. Breaks from Mann, McClean and Murphy came to nothing for Harps and two further penalties for Sudbury brought the half time score to a sobering 27-0.

Whilst Harps certainly came out in the second period with the intention of clawing their way back. The initiative was seized by Sudbury who continued with the momentum they had generated.

Much to the delight of the home crowd, four more tries came through a combination of power through the middle and creativity and pace in the wide channels.

As Sudbury passed the half century Harps did finally find some field position and got themselves on the scoresheet with Sodeke scoring his first try for the club.

With the match drawing to a close there was time for home side to get over the whitewash once more. However, the final say came from Boynes who crossed for a well worked try that was easily Harpenden’s best move of the day.

A result to forget, but plenty of lessons to be learnt. Newly promoted Letchworth are visitors to Redbourn Lane on Saturday for a 3pm kick off.

Harpenden: Mackenzie-Cardy, Sims, Rolfe, Sodeke, Ward, Sturley, Osborn, Attfield, Murphy, Mann, Gulliford, Francis, McClean, Shaw, Boynes
Reps: Bloisi, McGhee, O’Connor