This is the first time that Stortford have played a league game against the institution that is Rosslyn Park and to go there and gain a well-deserved win, represents a massive achievement for players, coaches and, indeed, the whole Club - much of which seemed to be in highly vocal attendance!

Having started brightly, Stortford suffered a few early lapses in concentration with one or two crucial errors and a handful of penalties conceded, particularly at breakdowns. The home side needed no second invitation and scored two converted tries on 6 and 17 minutes, the first from a powerful driving maul from a 5 metre lineout and the second through some quick handling to create and exploit a mismatch in midfield. Stortford, though remained undaunted and soon narrowed the deficit to 7 points, when Nick Hankin ran back a Park box kick to set up possession well inside home territory, from where quick hands along the backs created a two on one, which Jack Scantlebury exploited clinically to draw the last man and set Ryan Hutler free to the line. George Cullen confidently added the extra 2 points. Better was yet to come as, with halftime approaching, Alex Patton took a quick penalty and sent Johnny Neville running at the opposition, making some 30 metres before the powerful centre was stopped. The strength of the home defence was such, though that it took several phases, before it was fully stretched and it took a tremendous long pass by Cullen to find winger, Jimmy Rea in space for a try. The flyhalf's conversion leveled the score, but there was time enough for further drama, as the home side sought to get back into the changing room all square. Forgetting the new Law on penalties to touch after time has expired, Park's flyhalf stabbed a penalty direct into touch close to halfway, which, in contrast to last year's Laws resulted in a lineout. Possibly confused by the need to play on, the home side were unable to retain the ball from their own throw and, having won a turnover, Stortford managed to gain a breakdown penalty. Going for broke, Cullen found touch some 7 metres out from the opposition line and it was almost inevitable, given the sudden and - to Rosslyn park, unexpected - turn of events, it was no surprise that the visitors were able to score a last-ditch unconverted try, as Will Roberts broke from the back of a driving maul. Stortford thus went into the break 5 points ahead.

The visitors, though didn't start the second period well, with the lineout suddenly wobbling and one misdirected pass was enough to put the home side onto the attack, forcing Cullen to carry the ball over his own try line, as he fielded a kick ahead under severe pressure. Stortford managed to repel a series of drives at their line but, following a long delay for a back or neck injury to Park's captain, Adam Frampton , the restart took the form of an attacking scrum, though it had appeared from the touchline that Park had knocked the ball on. The home side did not waste the opportunity and leveled the scores with an unconverted try after a couple of phases and now seemed to have their tails up. They were straight back onto the attack and registered another 5 points some 5 minutes later, after quick hands and some elusive running gave their outside centre room to wriggle his way over in the corner. Once again, the young Stortford side proved to be unphased by going behind and launched themselves into a series of attacks involving the whole side, putting Rosslyn Park under tremendous pressure. The result was two more scores to the battling visitors. First Roberts forced his way over for his second and his team's bonus point try after 28 minutes and Cullen's conversion established a 2 point lead. This was extended to 7 some 5 minutes later, when replacement winger, Chris Smith crashed over for a try out wide after his side had run through many more phases of 15 man rugby. The game was still not over, though and Stortford's defensive mettle was again put to a stern test, as the home team pounded on their line for some 3 or 4 minutes. With the visiting supporters in full voice, though, there seemed no way that the team would allow such a momentous victory to be snatched from them and a crucial final turnover was duly won and the ball despatched safely into touch to end the game.

For those many Stortford supporters present, this win will live long in their memories and for those not present - dare you miss next week's big home game against Ampthill? COYB!!

Our best wishes in the meantime go to Adam Frampton for a full and speedy recovery from his injury.