There are many comparisons that could be made with the previous week's traumatic unreported defeat to Civil Service. As with last week, Hertford were up against a side that was on a losing run (Civil Service had lost 7 and Tring 4), and Hertford took advantage in both games with a strong first half going down the slope to build a lead that could have been and should have been bigger. Hertford were 11-7 up against Civil Service, and 15-5 against Tring at half time. The story diverges, thankfully, after half time. Whereas we lost control in the second half last week, succumbing to one of the most painful defeats at Hoe Lane for a very long time, this time Hertford maintained and built on the intensity and completed the job of securing a 5 point win. Indeed, such was the surging confidence and deserved swagger there was probably room for a couple more tries.

Captain Kyle Lemon was literally a towering presence throughout the game, leading from the front and flying through the skies to score two stunning soaring tries and get 9 points with the boot. Given Lemon's performance, the fact he didn’t get Man of the Match tells you just how well Callum McGurk played to earn that accolade. Whilst more grounded, the work ethic and constant drive from McGurk was immense. Huge intensity in defence inspiring those around him, and his rangy strength in attack kept making vital metres. The journey from Newcastle was definitely worth it.

The game started with a few tweaks to the team sheet and a couple of new faces for the Hertford crowd. Josh Corcoran picked up an injury in the game against Civil Service for which he needed some lengthy treatment on the pitch but is now doing well, and David Hale and Harry Cavlan also needed a week off the pitch, but all undertook their water boy duties. Club Captain Chris Joannou came in, and many of the Hoe Lane crowd were able to see Dom Merrett, Arun Johal, and Sean Stone for the first time in the team.

It was a devastating first 5 minutes as the Hertford forwards pummelled Tring deep in their 22 and crossed the line 3 times. Sadly, only one of the tries counted. Hertford had set their stall out early, and committed to taking on the massive Tring pack with concentrated force. Jones went over the first time, but was adjudged to be held up, which was followed by another maul resulting in Basra going over, but this time it was disallowed for truck-and-trailing. Tring kicked into the Hertford half, when Lemon streamed through the Tring backline, and as they looked for quick ball Merrett was taken out from an offside position. Hertford were on a roll and wanted tries, so kicked for the corner. Third time lucky, the maul got going and this time Basra broke off by himself to dive through what was left of the Tring defence. 5-0.

After 10 minutes, Tring got into the game and camped in the Hertford half, using their hard running centres. Whilst the size of the scrum took a bit of management, first Banna and later Joannou were making lots of good ground off the back of them and we kept control.

The Hertford lineout needed some work, with inconsistency bedevilling the team's fluency. But when they got the lineout going the organisation in the rolling maul was devastating, and after 30 minutes the maul ripped through Tring until it was eventually dragged down. With the defence in retreat, Holman put in the an excellent kick pass for Lemon on the wing. The ball hung perfectly for Lemon to grab hold of and land, scrabble 5 metres and score. Really impressive athleticism and skill all round (albeit just a warm up for the repeat trick in the second half). Lemon converted to make it 12-0.

Tring responded to earn a 5 metre lineout, and something went awry in the communication or execution as the Hertford pack let them through unopposed to score. 12-5.

With half time approaching, Banna's wild banshee run broke through numerous tackles creating dangerous momentum which was stopped by some over enthusiastic defence by Tring. They lost a forward to the sin bin, and Lemon took the penalty to make it 15-5.

With the balance of power shifting to Hertford, Sean Stone secured an excellent turnover to release Lemon again on the left wing. Stone had come on for the bloodied Joannou, and has been a stand-out player for the 2nd XV this season. Lemon careered down the touchline, and put in an excellent grubber into the Tring 22, which he expertly dribbled on before scooping up the ball. With two people hanging onto him he didn’t quite have the momentum to squirm over the line, but Hertford were well set to exploit the position. Some neat interplay between the backs was just knocked on as Holman and Rudling tried to exploit a gap in their defence, and the half was over.

There was trepidation on the touchline, as the Hertford faithful fretted over whether the second half would follow the same format as the Civil Service game. No fear. Continuous pressure from Hertford from the outset resulted in them being camped in the Tring 22 with waves of attack.

Following various phases, the unusually skilful front row union were able to unite as Basra offloaded to Hewitt who offloaded to Jones to scuttle over. 22-5.

Hertford could not get enough of the ball, rejecting kickable penalties as they pushed for the fourth try. After 15 minutes, in a near replica to the first half try Holman did another kick pass to the flying Lemon, who not only had to outjump his opponent but this time had to break through two further tackles before stretching out his arm to just get the ball on the line. This was an even better effort than the first try and a truly worthy way to earn the bonus point. 29-5.

With at least 20 minutes left it felt as if the floodgates could have opened, and whilst Hertford continued to dominant possession and territory they could not break through the determined Tring team.

The highlights of the remaining time were a big hit by Johal (who got injured during his try scoring debut in September), further good solid work by Merrett including effective box kicks, and then Hertford RFC's very own Dan Cole-alike Craig Bellringer putting in just the sort of clearance kick that Cole said he was in the team for! Big cheer from the Herford crowd.

There was no further movement in the score, but the job for day had been done.

There are 6 games left. This is over a quarter of the season left to play for and there is lots to be achieved in that time.

It starts with the away game to league leaders Westcombe Park followed by the big home game against Sidcup on 18 February.

Team: Hewitt, Jones, Basra (Bellringer), Swift, Keens, Joannou (Stone), McGurk, Banna; Merrett, Johal (Sorce), Holman, Gilchrist, Rudling, Lemon ©, Batty

Tries: Lemon 2, Basra, Jones

Cons: Lemon 3

Pen: Lemon

Man of the Match: Callum McGurk