As temperatures plummeted, score-lines rocketed in a ninety point thriller under the lights at Silver Leys last night. We welcomed Hertford Bs who were hoping to round off their final season in youth rugby with an away win in a local derby, a party our lads were determined to spoil. It is fair to say that recent meetings between the two teams have favoured the opposition, but from the start it was Stortford who applied the pressure and despite once again giving away far too many needless penalties took an early lead through two tries from in form full-back Jacob leaving Luke F comfortable kicks to add the conversions. Hertford responded well and got on the scoreboard after twenty minutes during a period of sustained pressure in the middle of the pitch which saw them break through our defence to get back into the game. Stortford's third try came from a well drilled move straight from the training ground, forwards carrying the ball into contact and then quick hands out through the backs to Ali M who had the confidence in his own speed and strength to pass the Hertford defence on the outside and run the ball into the corner before placing it down behind the posts Luke slotting home another conversion. A second try from Hertford kept them in it and gave us plenty to think about at half time - 21-14.
The referees whistle for the restart had only just stopped echoing and coaches on the sideline were not paying full attention when somehow scrum half Ed J emerged from 'a ruck (?)' in his own half and burst through the Hertford defence and sprinted for the try line, chased down by the opposition he found an extra burst of speed and started the second half as it was to continue - Hertford playing well and making strong powerful drives through the centre of the pitch but Stortford shipping the ball quickly out to the wings and beating them for pace. Four more tries for Stortford, one each for Billy and Sam A and second tries for Ali M and Will S took the game out of Hertford's reach but they continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with three second half tries of their own to make the final score 59-31 at the whistle.
Everyone retired to the warmth of the bar where the lads (although slightly hungry!) were all in good spirits, Will S was nominated payer of the match and our supporting parents took full advantage of the bar - thank you to Christine and Gracie for opening up for us. We look forward to next year and many more competitive games against Hertford as we step up to Colts and we promise that we will feed them next time!