The home team, showing no fear went straight onto the attack and had their illustrious opponents on the back foot in the early stages. This produced an opening try after 5 minutes, when James Apperley forced his way over the line with considerable extra weight being added by Dec Caulfield, following some impressive work in midfield by Nick Hankin and Johnny Neville. Tom Banks added the two points and was successful again, 6 minutes later, with a penalty goal, after Plymouth's scrumhalf had been penalised and sin-binned for a no-arms tackle, as the home side continued to press. Stortford's lineout, though started to struggle under concerted opposition pressure and further aided by some loose defensive kicking, the visitors got onto the front foot and were able to work up an attacking rhythm. A series of penalties was forced, all of them kicked for touch but, despite gaining a number of lineouts within 10 metres of Stortford's line, it took 7 minutes for a breakthrough to be made. This came shortly after Apperley had been yellow-carded for his part in a fracas and, almost inevitably came from a driving maul after yet another attacking lineout. The scorer was flanker, Eoghan Grace and the strong boot of Dan Mugford added the conversion. The pattern of the game was unchanged and Stortford had to produce some determined defence to hold the visitors at bay for another17 minutes, as wave after wave of attack was launched. Eventually, it was yet another lost Stortford lineout in their own 22 that lead to the score, as Plymouth showed their handling skills to go through 3 or 4 quickphases, before centre, Tom Hendrickson went over for another converted try to take his side into a 4 point lead. The character of Stortford's players was now clearly demonstrated, though, as they immediately launched a sweeping attack. When a Plymouth defender was penalised for a high tackle, Sam Coleman seized on the ball, took a quick tap and flew into the heart of the visitors' defence. Quick support, when he was stopped some 5 metres short of the line saw Sam Winter over for a try, converted by Banks to take their team into half-time with a deserved 3 point lead.

Plymouth came out for the second period with added aggression and accuracy and forced Stortford immediately onto the back foot. Another poor defensive lineout produced a turnover and, when a penalty was quickly conceded, it was a compliment to the home team that, for the first time a shot at goal was chosen and, inevitably, Mugford converted to level the scores after 9 minutes. The visitors' third try 6 minutes later - almost inevitably following another lost Stortford lineout - changed the tone of the game, with Plymouth becoming more ambitious, as their sizeable travelling support became more vocal. The score went to openside flanker, George Mills, as the forwards rounded off some quick handling by the backs. Despite the growing demands being placed on their defence, Stortford held firm for the most part and it took two slightly fortuitous tries to take the game away from them. The first came, when Plymouth's fullback, Matthew Shephard looked to have got away with a knock on, as he competed for a kick ahead but rode his luck to win the race for a touchdown out wide. Mugford again converted to take their lead to 14 points. Recognizing their need now for a converted try to bring the deficit down to the 7 points needed for a losing bonus point, Stortford once again launched a series of attacks within the Plymouth 22 and came close to a try on a couple of occasions. The visitors' defence held firm and, as the home side, with time running out, looked to stretch them once again, a misdirected pass, falling behind the supporting players allowed powerful right winger, Matt Crosscombe to fly-kick ahead and win the chase from some 70 yards out for his side's 5th try. Mugford finally slipped up from the tee - possibly reflecting some embarrassment at the already flattering 19 point margin!

Stortford's Man of the Match award was donated by the Springham family in recognition of their historical connections with Plymouth and Tony made the presentation after the match to James Apperley for his all-action performance throughout the game.

Stortford are likely to be able to welcome back at least 4 of this week's absentees for next week's testing trip to Rosslyn Park, but will be hoping that today's injuries to Tom Banks and Baxter Wilson prove not to be serious. Come what may, strong travelling support can be expected for a determined and dedicated squad, which is showing great team spirit.