Onto the Last 32 in National Cup

Another AWAY trip in National Cup, with our Essex Division 1, table topping hosts, having enjoyed recent wins over Chelmsford and Upminster meaning we were expecting a tough game and it didn't disappoint.

A step-up from recent wins we'd had over Harlow and Tring, we boarded the coach, (thanks Youth section for providing), for our 100 mile round trip to visit Rochford Academy. An early 8.30am start from Silver Leys and we managed to fill our coach with players, supporters and a couple of our U16's to experience the day, ahead of next season and they kindly provided our subs with coats and did a great job on the re-hydration runs !

The rain held-off, although with the slope on the pitch it would have run-off soon enough and most of the first 20 minutes were spent within the 22's as the teams competed well in mid-field for any possession or yardage and limited line-breaks until Rochford made the most of a half-chance out wide and snuck in at the corner after an excellent run from there winger. A near immediate response from our Blues saw a grubber through beat the defence but the bounce just evaded Barnett out wide, a metre short of the whitewash, although he didn't have to wait long for another opportunity. As half time drew in the forwards forced Rochford into an infrequent offence and with the penalty advantage in the 22, Mitchell floated a width of pitch kick into the awaiting arms of Barnet who dotted down to level the scores, (with Mitchell adding the extra's from out wide).

The game remained tight, all our remaining subs went on, with Rochford working hard at the breakdown but Moore managed to slot a penalty over for our Colts before we conceded a 2nd try from an unfortunate loose kick in their 22 and they took advantage / winger making almost a full length pitch run to score under our posts. As we went into the last few minutes 12 - 10 down, a player short, a squint line-out from our hosts gave us a last chance on our 5-metre line. The forwards / backs worked tirelessly to the end, eventually getting us over the half way line but with the clock red, we had so keep probing the middle, with whispers of a drop-goal attempt in the air. A couple more phases, showed great Stortford character and eventually a side-entry offence gave us a penalty within range and after some nail biting, (on touchlines), Mitchell who was back on for McCutcheon who was many's MoM, but a broken nose saw him benched, slotted over to seel a 1 point win and some celebrations.

A great game, played with good spirit across both squads, a yellow card apiece for cumulative high tackles, a lot of free-kicks from scrums but didn't change the overall enjoyment on both sides. Barnet RFC next weekend in HML Div 1, as we eagerly await the trip to us of Chelmsford U18's, for the NCR3 fixture, on the 19th January'20.