Press Notice

Herts A Double over Middlesex

Middlesex A 10 Hertfordshire A 14

Hertfordshire A completed a notable double over their Middlesex counterparts at Harrow
on Wednesday, 12th January. The two teams, compiled from players at level 7 and below, once again demonstrated the depth of talent available in "junior" rugby in the two Counties.

While Middlesex may argue that they were a little unlucky not to win from the amount of pressure
that they put on the Hertfordshire line, a combination of stout Hertfordshire defence and Middlesex
errors gave the visitors victory by 14 point to 10.

Although Hertfordshire took an early lead through a Richard Howells (Datchworth) penalty,
Middlesex proceeded to lay siege to the Hertfordshire line for some 15 minutes.
They threatened to score on a number of occasions and were once held up over the line,
but the Hertfordshire defenders coped with everything thrown at them. Eventually the visitor s broke away,
full back Joe Shaw (St Albans) making a good break but the possible scoring pass went astray.
However, shortly after, Howells landed a second penalty and after 30 minutes Middlesex
conceded at third, which Howells again converted into points. The Hertfordshire forwards
were now dominating the loose play and five minutes from half time flanker J Van Graan crossed
the line following a good build up involving both forwards and backs.
Hertfordshire could have increased their lead on the stroke of half time but the well-judged cross kick
was knocked on, so they had to be satisfied with their 14-0 lead at half time.

Hertfordshire failed to regain their momentum after the restart and had to spend most of the second half
defending. Middlesex had an early chance for a try but knocked on, then after 10 minutes,
right wing Hawkes scored in the corner. Both side made a number of changes, which as usual
disrupted the continuity, but the pattern had been set and despite some good line out work,
Hertfordshire were unable to set up many attacking positions. After 20 minutes Middlesex
were again held up over the line, but soon they were rewarded by a second try from Hawkes.
As the minutes ticked away Middlesex continued to exert pressure, but the well-marshalled
Hertfordshire held on to give Hertfordshire a 14 - 10 win.

Hertfordshire: Joe Shaw (St Albans); Ed Coy (St Albans), Richard Howells (Datchworth),
Regan James (St Albans), Michael Wilson (Stevenage Town); Kim McClellan (Fullerians),
Mark Cullen (Welwyn); Sam Seward (Tring) (Capt), Marcus King (St Albans), Brent Green (St Albans),
Matt Sewell (Fullerians), Adam Amos (Stevenage Town), Ciaran Barry (Hitchin),
Hannes Van Graan (Old Ashmolean), Dave Orton (Welwyn)
Replacements: Used - Johan Van Dyk (Old Ashmolean), Emile Hertz (Old Ashmolean),
Grant Keeler (Welwyn), Ryan Long (Hemel Hempstead), Not Used - Kevin Brind (Fullerians)