U13 A's secure promotion to division 1

Match report courtesy of our roving reporter Tony Millard.

Bishop’s Stortford Under 13’s A won the Saracen’s Herts and Middlesex Junior League 2 with a decisive 12– 27 victory over league topping rivals Hammersmith and Fulham.

The Blues started well with an early try. Full back Freddy Barnet placed a precise kick between the oppositions posts, allowing centre Ioan Parry to chase it down and score. Scott Mitchell added the conversion to make the score 7-0.

Stortford found it difficult to build momentum on a very small pitch, the game becoming a battle of the forwards in mid field. Hard tackling by David Townsend, Josh Walker and Sam Richardson kept the home team out until the Hammersmith and Fulham flanker broke through to score. The converted try made a frantic and nervous first half 7 – 7.

Bishop’s Stortford started the second half well. Early pressure from Ollie Stevenson and Will Heyward secured possession. Scrum half Jake Gleed supplied the on rushing Max Potts who touched down. 12-7

Stortford’s forwards began to dominate with strong runs from Adam Mehmet and Louis Winfield forcing mistakes from Hammersmith and Fulham. Substitute Louis Henchie forced the opposition into touch just outside their 22. Hooker Adam Millard’s accurate line out ball found Bailey Albert who secured quick ball releasing Ioan Parry, who backed himself to score in the corner.
Hammersmith and Fulham replied immediately from the kick off to peg the Blues back to 17 -12.

Bishop’s Stortford were not to be outdone however and capped off a season, in which they have secured a bonus point in every game, with a dominant final 15 minutes. Captain Joe Radley received a high ball to set him off on a mazy run. Harry Belton picked up from the breakdown, moving from right to left. Smart play from the Stortford backs ensured that Radley finished what he had started with a match winning try. Scott Mitchell added an impressive conversion.
The intensity of Stortford’s play forced Hammersmith and Fulham into mistakes. Scott Mitchell capped off Stortford’s title winning win with a penalty

Final score Hammersmith and Fulham 12 Bishop’s Stortford 27.