Despite an uncertain start, Hertfordshire Stags earned a draw against Kent U20s in their opening U20 County Championship match at Charlton Park on Sunday, even if the final score was somewhat controversial. Having been 10-3 down for much of the game the Stags were awarded a penalty try with just five minutes of injury time left to draw level and get out of the game with a draw.
It was very clear that this was the first competitive match of the season for both sides and at times teamwork, but not team spirit, was somewhat lacking. In the first half the Hertfordshire pack did not gel at all and apart from some good individual efforts, they failed to make much impact. However, the second half showed a marked improvement and they competed well in both line out, where they won three against the throw, and the scrum. Their loose play was still a bit disjointed and they did not often arrive at the breakdown in sufficient numbers to ensure good possession.
Although there was some good talent on display in the backs, again there was a tendency to pay as individuals and as a result the line as a whole did not function fluently. However after a shaky start, their defence was very sound.
Kent made an impressive start to the match and their backs created two good tries within the first 6 minutes of the game. First fly half Beaumont (Dover) made a fine break on the half way line, gave to Buller (Gravesend) on the wing who finally put scrum half Murray (Dover) in for a try. Next centre Tonks (Dover) broke through the Stags defence to put Campion over the line. At this stage the Stag's defence was looking shaky against some impressive running by the Kent backs, but gradually they began to settle and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty, which Jack Reilly (Tabard) kicked confidently. Although the Stags were unable to get much good possession from any phase, their defence improved and there was no further score in the half.
A more confident Stags XV started the second half and they soon took the game to Kent. Their much improved line out play gave them some quality possession and only sound Kent defence stopped them scoring. After 15 minutes the Stags were down to 14 men when Ollie Miller was sin binned for persistent infringement. Then shortly after there was a long stoppage when Stags hooker Paul Dunlop (Watford) was injured and had to be stretchered off. The Stags backs were able to make use of their better possession and Grant Farrow (Bishop's Stortford) caught the eye with a couple of breaks, but he failed to link up with his colleagues. Kent then made use of their numerical advantage and laid siege to the visitor's line. But they were penalised at the ruck in attacking positions on a number of occasions and one of their players was sin binned. The Stags now had the numerical advantage and used it well to get into attacking positions. As soon as Kent were back to full strength, another player was sin binned for a ruck offence and then minutes later, the referee awarded the Stags a penalty try at a maul, which Reilly converted to bring the scores level. A few minutes later the long period of injury time ended and the game was drawn.
If the improvement shown in the second half can be taken forward the Stags should go into their next game, against Essex at Old Verulamian RFC on Sunday, 13th February, with some confidence.
Hertfordshire: Johan Rheeder (Fullerians); Dan Saunders (Cheshunt), Grant Farrow (Bishop's Stortford), Tim Gray (Letchworth) (Capt), Steve Vidler (Datchworth); Jack Reilly (Tabard), Callum Bryce (Letchworth); Matt Bone (Fullerians), Paul Dunlop (Watford), John Bryant (Tring), William Freestone (Welwyn), Robin French (Letchworth), Ollie Miller (St Albans), James Miller (Watford), Cairan McNicholas (Letchworth).
Replacements: Michael Cowdrey (Cheshunt) (McNicholas Blood 42m), Kenneth Carroll (Cheshunt) (Bone 69m), Jonathan Luck (Welwyn) (Dunlop 58m), Ben Ofori (Welwyn) (Vidler 47m), Gary Wimbridge (Watford) (J Miller 82m), Tom Kiely (Watford)