One for the Purists!

Following a 90 minute delay to our advertised kick off time (which allowed the boys time for quiet mediation and mental preparation....), the match kicked off on what can only be described as "heavy ground". This was always likely to be a close fought match as form and recent scores suggested the teams were evenly matched, however Stortford were able to score from pretty much the first play of the game. Fullarians kicked over our line into the hands of our waiting fullback; Fabian took the ball cleanly, set off at speed and broke the line wide down the left flank. Having skipped past the opposing fullback he sprinted back to the centre and scored under the posts to leave an easy conversion....he needn't have bothered as Luke smashed it into the posts! Two mins in and a 5-0 lead....but unbelievably that proved to be the end of the scoring.

Both teams battled hard in Somme like conditions which made if difficult for both sets of halfbacks to create any pace or momentum in the game. It was Fullarians who created the greatest pressure throughout the first half launching waves of attacks only to be thwarted by robust defensive play from the boys in blue. Our ruck speed was slow and we were conceding possession too easily but the benefit of having more players available proved crucial with the introduction of our own "bomb squad" just before halftime. Fresh players Tom G, Andrei and Greer added much needed momentum to our pack and we took control of the second half and should have gone on to add to the score. Zico came closest, but his lunge for the line was (correctly) disallowed for a double movement.

It was genuinely an 18 man effort as we fought to the final whistle and once more every player could leave the pitch with their rather muddy heads held high. Our forwards were relentless, and both Nathan and Luke produced another solid performance in the centres. Fabian earned the MoM award, not just for his excellent try, but also for another commanding performance at the back and several try-saving tackles. Well played lads.

Many thanks to the coaches and groundstaff at Fullarians who allowed us to play on their 1st XV pitch in such difficult conditions.