After an early departure to make the 10:00 kick off Stortford arrived for what was to be their first game in Division 1 since being promoted at the end of last season. Hemel Hempstead had a great run last season and had finished second in the highest league so it was all set to be a great test of how far we had come. As per league rules HH had to use a change strip as the home team which gave Stortford a chance to show off their new shirts.
The game kicked off and Stortford showed why they are more than happy to defend for long periods with the entire team making punishing tackles which kept HH pinned to their own half. Despite repeated attacks from Stortford and the occasional spell of attacks from HH the first half finished 0-0.
The second half saw Stortford start strongly with Archie Racey (Fly Half) spotting a large amount of space between the defensive line and the full back, a quick chip over the top and an excellent chase by Rob Clatworthy combined with a kind bounce saw Rob run in the for the first try of the match.
Fatigue was kicking in with both teams now although both sets of forwards seemed more than happy to batter away at each other. The next 2 scores went to HH although the conversion was missed on one, both tries’s come from a mismatch in numbers and HH finding the smallest of space to go through.
The resilience Stortford have built up over the last few seasons come to the fore and the last 15 minutes of the half saw Stortford camped in the HH 22’ whose defence must get some credit for holding out till the final whistle.
With the score at full time 12-7 Stortford should be happy knowing they come to one of the leagues top teams and come away with a losing bonus point and added self-belief they can compete at the new level.