NO CUP FINAL FOR 'Bs'!

An improved performance from our B-team was not enough to stop a well-drilled Hitchin team from being victorious in back to back fixtures and progressing to the Herts County Shield final.

The squad were determined to make amends for last weeks result but familiar handling issues handed the advantage to Hitchin on too many occasions today who took an early lead and after fifteen minutes were 14-0 ahead. Stortford showed improvement in tackling commitment, Jules and George in particular adding a level of strength and aggression in both defence and attack. The lads were unlucky not to put a score on the board before half time after a period of strong attacking play from our forward pack playing through the phases but being held up on or just before the line unable to pierce Hitchin's defence.

Replacements made at half time brought fresh legs to the forward pack, Murray, Sam, Alec and Ali all making good runs but unable to stop Hitchin from stretching their lead further with three more unanswered tries in the second half. But for a great tackle from replacement winger Sonny it could have been four. Stortford did have further opportunities in attack, but even with a man advantage for the last two minutes (an arguably harsh yellow card showed to a Hitchin player for repeatedly not retreating) we could not make the last pass stick and carry it over the line. The game ended 0-31, a score that all involved, players, coaches and spectators, agreed did not reflect the competitive nature of the game.

Star player this week goes to George Knight for commitment in tackles and effort in all areas of the pitch.

Lessons learned we move on and prepare for the next fixture.

Richard