Cheshunt 2s 17 - Bishops Stortford 3s 33

Cheshunt was never going to be an easy game. Bishops Stortford were recalling stories of previous encounters with Cheshunt and they were all very physical.
The match was to be played on the top pitch overlooking most of Hertfordshire. The chilly wind and driving rain were not going to make it an easy day...for players or spectators!

Right from the first whistle, the game panned out as predicted, it was going to be a very physical game. Stortford found themselves in front of Cheshunt's posts with a penalty and Stockley kicked the first score of the game. The action was back and forth with both teams making big tackles, but Stortford were able to keep Cheshunt pinned in their half. This was capitalised by Warboys with a try (conv Stockley)just ten minutes in. In an attempt to kick their way out of their half, Cheshunt mounted an attack. The ball was ably caught by Stortford and returned with interest. Dan Giles chased the kick, secured the ball from the bounce and dived over the line for Stortford's second try. After this point, Cheshunt dug deep and phase after phase of possession, Cheshunt found themselves just ten yards from Stortford's try line. With a big forward's push they pulled a converted try back and they were on the scoreboard. Stortford pushed forwards in order to try and increase their lead before half time and building on another kicked penalty from Stockley, Snelling found himself on the wing with just two to beat. He managed to cross the line dragging both tacklers and scored a try just before half time.

Half time score 7-23

Knowing that Cheshunt would be motivated with the wind and the slope behind them, Stortford prepared themselves for a harder second half. Straight into the half however, Cheshunt were over the Stortford try line again. Skipper Foster rallied his men and it was agreed by all that no regrets were to be left on the pitch. This picked up the team's morale and in some superb work by both forwards and backs linking together, Leeks was over the line for a fabulous try (conv Stockley). Five minutes later, Stockley once again had a 'sitter' in front of the posts. By this stage Cheshunt's emotions were running high which unfortunately resulted in them having a player sent off (yellow card). Stortford were unable to take advantage of Cheshunt's diminished team, which soon got back up to strength and scored the final consolation try of the game.

Final Score Cheshunt 2s 17 - Bishops Stortford 3s 33