Middlesex County Clubs 17 Hertfordshire A 32

Hertfordshire took a big step towards regaining the David Ransom Cup when they beat Middlesex County Clubs by 32 - 17 at Finchley RFC on Wednesday, 19th November in the first of this season's two matches.

The Herts side settled quickly and soon took the lead through a well-struck penalty by James Watt (Datchworth). The forwards, helped by front and second row combinations from St Albans and Tabard respectively played well as a unit and they gained their reward when second row Cam O'Connor (Tabard) was driven over the line for a try that Watt converted. Herts continued to play good rugby and just before half time extended their lead to 15 points through a try by left wing Watt.

Multiple changes to both sides changed the balance of the game somewhat, though it was the visitors who opened the scoring with a try from scrum half James Homan (Harpenden). A few minutes later Nico Burger (Old Ashmoleans) on the right wing scored a fine try to take the Herts score to 25 points. Middlesex soon responded with a try but after 25 minutes play Herts No 8 Johan van Dyke (Old Ashmoleans) crashed over for a try that was converted by his club-mate Phil Newman. That was the end of the scoring for Hertfordshire, but Middlesex scored two tries, one of which was converted, in the last 10 minutes to close the gap.

The Hertfordshire side was made up of players from Clubs at League level 7 and below and no less than seven Clubs were represented.

The return game will be played at Old Albanians on Wednesday, 25th February.