Herts U13 Cup Final Hertford V BSRFC

Hertfordshire U13 Cup Final Hertford V BSRFC
It was a case of a game too far for Stortford Under 13s at a sunny Old Albanians rugby club on Sunday where they faced local rivals Hertford in the Hertfordshire Cup Final, going down 23-10 in a hard fought contest.
Stortford had the better of the early exchanges with their forwards dominating in the scrum and securing good quality ruck ball for the archetypal ‘jack in the box’ scrum half Austin Pope. Some powerful runs from the new centre partnership of Hitchcock and the hard running West followed but the Hertford defence was resolute and always threatening on the counter attack. Unfortunately one of these counter attacks found the strong running and physically imposing Hertford backs with an overlap that saw their centre going in for a try. 5-0 to Hertford.
From the re-start another great break from the hugely impressive Hitchcock saw Stortford threaten the visitor’s line but another counter attack from Hertford saw them break down the right with a three man overlap. A certain try beckoned but an unbelievable effort from Walker (who has been outstanding in attack and defence all season) saw the best tap tackle that I have ever seen forcing a knock on and Stortford were able to clear their lines. This fired up the Stortford side and some strong running from the evasive Martin and tough tackling Williams put the Hertford side under pressure. With the skilful Guild now marshalling his backs with some authority Stortford upped the ante only to see their hard work undone by an infringement at a ruck giving Hertford an easy 3 points. 8-0 Hertford.
With half time looming the Stortford coaching team were desperate for the whistle to galvanise the team, but Hertford’s physical superiority in the backs took its toll with their winger going over for an unconverted try on the break. 13-0.
Stortford made some changes at half time with the pacey O’Sullivan coming on for Guild and Hitchcock moving to fly half. From the re-start Stortford had the bit between their teeth with some surging runs from Nathan ‘the crunch’ Gibbs and Chris ‘the beast’ Head gave Hertford problems in midfield. With the towering Palombo dominating the line out and the front row of the hard working Bedford, the versatile Jack Pettet and Gibbs giving Hertford no end of problems at the scrum, the signs were good for Stortford but again Hertford broke twice against the run of play and scored twice through their backs. 23-0.
Unfortunately the powerful Ryan Wilson succumbed to a nagging shoulder problem and Stortford lost their find of the season at Number 8. Mr Reliable himself, Ciaran Galligan entered the fray and lost no time in tackling his heart out. Some strong work at the ruck from the silent assassin Cameron Wilson saw the ball overturned and the ball worked its way out wide to see Billy Whizz, or Ryan O’Sullivan as we call him go over in the corner. 23-5.
The inspirational skipper Frost who had led from the front all season, worked tirelessly linking the forwards and backs and his efforts were rewarded with a try for the impressive Hitchcock. 23-10.
Some astute defending from the brave Nnochri against his opposite winger who was 6 inches taller and probably 3 stone heavier exemplified Stortford’s determination. Such a shame for the adroit Sam Tatchell who had replaced Williams in the centre, later had to be replaced himself which was a great shame for such a talented player who has been blighted with injury all season.
In the end time ran out for Stortford and the referee’s final whistle blew time on a cup run that has seen Stortford play some of their best rugby of the season certainly against Tring in the semi-final.
As a coaching team, we are immensely proud of how the team has developed over the season and feel sure that next season we can go one better.
Richard Bedford

In consolation, we have had confirmed that the A’s have achieved promotion to Herts & Middlesex League one. So we will be facing Hertford again next season for a rematch. Congratulations to all the hard work the boys have put in this season to achieve this.
Adrian Watson
BSRFC u13’s Head Coach