Round One of the Hertfordshire Youth County Cup.

The first round of the County Cup saw the Bishop’s Stortford U/14’s A team take on Fullerians in Watford in wet, cold and windy conditions. The opening exchanges saw some heavy weight tackling and contact between two sets of forward determined to impose themselves on their opponents. Fullerians almost opened the scoring when a good run from the base of the scrum down the blind side saw their number 8 in the clear. A great covering tackle by Civil saved a try. There were some feisty exchanges all over the pitch and combined with the conditions required the boys to concentrate on their play and keep errors down to a minimum.
Gradually by applying pressure, some good tactical kicking and goods hands saw the boys starting to create some chances. In some broken play, Civil found space on the outside and used his speed to evade the defensive cover to open the scoring. This was soon followed up by some good play by the forwards winning a scrum on the half way line. The ball was quickly moved along the line and the gain line broken by some good decisive running. The ball was produced out wide for Perry who acceleration saw him go in for the second try with the conversion scored by Lilley. The final score of the half saw Civil going on one of his runs evading the tackles and going in by the corner. At half time we were leading 0-17.

In the second half Fullerian’s had a spell of pressure on the Stortford line. They looked certain to score but a succession of big tackles by the forwards and scrum half (Hopkinson) kept them out. The second half saw much of the play take place in mid field and the opposition getting frustrated. Despite a number of incidents the boys continued to play their rugby and give little away. Obtaining good field position with a kick and good chase. The ball was recycled and got out wide where Civil scored again. The try was converted by Lilley. The final try was again as a result of good forward play and the ball was moved along the line for Perry to go over. This try was also converted. The standard of play was very good given the conditions. Strong determined play, good hands and good concentration was the KEY to our success.

Final Score 0-31.

Team, Crafford, Juniper, Radley, Etherington, Crowhurst, Bennett, Precious, Stenhouse, Forbes, Shannon, Hopkinson, James, Lilley, Keen, Perry, Euan, Clarke-Scholes, Civil.