Hertfordshire Stags came back from an 8 point deficit to beat the Army U20s 18 -16, by scoring two tries in two minutes, immediately before the final whistle. When the Army fly half kicked his third penalty to take the score put his side in front 16- 8, the game looked over. But an outstanding display by the home side in the last ten minutes or so of play turned the game on its head.

Firstly Stuart Smart (Hertford) hit the upright with a penalty attempt when 2 minutes of running time were left, but there was still some 10 minutes of added time to play. The home side kept up the pressure and were rewarded with another penalty. Although Smart missed, the Stags attacked form the restart and a storming run by flanker Joe Collins (Tring) took play to the Army line. He had support and the ball was moved left and replacement second row Steve Durning (Hertford) touched down in the corner.

At the restart the referee indicated that two minutes were left. That was enough for the Stags as from the kick off full back Henry Robinson (Letchworth) broke through he middle, linked with his backs and wing Rob Richardson (Bedford Academy) finished off the move wide on the left. The conversion attempt was followed by the final whistle and the Stags had snatched victory.

Following the disruption caused by the recent weather the teams were very fortunate that this RFU National U20 Championship match took place at all. The match was arranged at Tabard RFC with less than 48 hours notice after two previous venues had reported unfit pitches. Moreover it was the Stags first match of the season following the postponement of the Kent and Middlesex matches.

The early exchanges showed the side to be evenly matched, though the Army's better preparation, having played and won on Championship match did show. After about 10 minutes the Army began to get the upper hand, but threw a good chance away when they conceded a penalty when driving for the line. However on the quarter hour the Stags were penalise at a ruck and the Army fly half, James Francis, gave his team the lead.

Unfortunately the home sides play at the breakdown earned the displeasure of the referee and numerous penalties were conceded. Therefore it was somewhat of a surprise when prop Ross Mealing (Letchworth) was sin binned for a scrummage offence. While the Stags were one short the Army missed a couple of penalties, but when back to full strength they put their mark on he game. Some good running from the backs took play deep into Army territory, where they conceded a penalty. From the subsequent line out 5 metres out, a clean take and front peel put hooker Mike Skinner (Bedford Academy) over in the corner.

Further Stags indiscipline at the breakdown gave the Army a chance to regain the lead and they finally did with a Francis penalty on the stroke of half time.

The second half started in a similar pattern, but the Army failed to capitalise on the Stags' indiscretions, and in fact it was the Stags that drew first blood with a Smart penalty following a line out offence. When given opportunities the home backs began to show some pace and penetration with Robinson and Richardson catching the eye. But then the Army responded and were only thwarted by a last ditch tackle. However the Stags then conceded a free kick and Josh Seale crossed the line for the Army, Francis adding the conversion to regain the lead, 13 - 8. Minutes later he added a penalty and the Army appeared to be home and dry. But the Stags had other ideas and set up the dramatic last 10 minutes.

Hertfordshire: Henry Robinson (Letchworth); Jay Will (Hitchin), Jesse Garrad (Hitchin), Brad Martin (Saracens Amateurs) Rob Richardson (Bedford Academy); Stuart Smart (Hertford), Elliot Birkbeck (Old Northamptonians); Rob Schillaci (Hertford), Mike Skinner (Bedford Academy), Ross Mealing (Letchworth), James Doran (Old Albanian), Sam Barrow (Tabard), Miles Dempsey (Fullerians), Joe Collins (Tring), Tom Jankowski (Welwyn) (Capt).

Replacements: Dan Farenden (Hertford) (Mealing 46 min), Steve Durning (Hertford) (Barrow 77 min), Sean McGinty (Hitchin), Alex Lennon (Letchworth) (Dempsey 80 min), Liam Chennells (Tring) (Martin 52 min), Jack Tredget (Letchworth), Jason Davies (Tabard)