Match Preview

The eagerly awaited new season is upon us and we start as we finished, against Colchester RFC.

Whilst we took the spoils in some style at the end of last season that means very little now as the rumour mill talks of signings and ambition from our Essex friends.

But if we spent our time worrying about the rumour mill we wouldn’t turn up for any game.

Our task and ambition is to build on the great work done last season and further build and develop the great talent we are producing every year, but also to welcome anyone else who wants, by into that sustainable and organic growth.

As well as many old (but still very youthful) faces, we see a start in the front row for Will McKenna who broke into the 1s at the end of last season and even made an appearance for Herts.

Into the second row we welcome Joe Tracy, who has crossed the floor from Bishops Stortford and come with a very focussed and professional attitude. Welcome Joe.

At 15, we see the return from uni, of Louis Kendrick, who older club members may be interested to know, is former flanker Rob Green’s nephew. Louis is another Herts senior squad player with a very useful boot, and he tells me he can play a bit as well. Great to have you back Louis.

On the bench, we welcome Cam Rastall, making the move from Brentwood. You can never have enough front row. Good luck Cam.

Also making his bench debut is Hugo Creasey, and yes!, this time it is one of ‘Those Creasey’s’ Hugo may only be 18 but he made a very impressive contribution when he came on late in the Oundle friendly a couple of weeks ago. He has big boots to fill but he looks more than capable. Tear it up Hugo.

Tomorrow sees the 2nd XV also away to Colchester. They kick off at 2.15 and I would urge anyone travelling to support then through their 1st half if you can. Selection came with some very difficult decisions and many of those 2s will be making the step up this season.

And the even better news, from a club point of view, is that the 1st XV squad contains 10 players who have come through our mini and youth system and the 2nd XV have 13, including this years Colts Captain, Archie Nicklin. Great stuff Archie.

The futures bright.

Ged Murphy