A busy work week has impinged on the usual authors ability to look backwards, forwards and all around the club scene but we do have a selection of reviews and previews from some regular match day supporters and report contributors that have been weaved into the following paragraphs and give a flavour of the club atmosphere so far this season.

A fortnight’s break gave Hertford the chance to reset after their difficult start to the season, which saw a home win against Westcliff sandwiched between away defeats at North Walsham and Letchworth. Whilst the team showed fighting spirit against North Walsham to secure a four try bonus point, the wheels came off against Letchworth, and that was compounded by long term injuries to experienced heads Christy Basra and Joe Tracy.

Last Saturday saw the well attended Vice Presidents' lunch provided the Lord Mayors entertainment for the assembled dignitaries and disreputables, with John Atkinson providing fond remembrances of VPs and club stalwarts that had died over the last year, and President Riddle going toe-to-toe with Colchester's President Payne in tales of naked chicken boxing; as it was on the pitch, the Hertford contingent came out second best.

Colchester was not the fixture Hertford would have picked to start building momentum. The Essex side are well equipped to make an immediate return to National League 2, and have started the season in fine fettle, winning every game so far.

It was known that this game would be a challenge, as laid out in the pre-match luncheon briefing by Coach Cattell and laid bare in the 'Guess the Score' competition as the Club's own VPs were seen to bet against their own team. You know who you are!

Colchester's unbeaten record and second place in the league was not threatened at any stage, as they dominated the game from the outset. Their superiority was clear throughout this contest as they combined slick attacking play with powerful ball carrying to score at regular intervals.

Nonetheless, the energizing pack back five – all of them back row players – showed the sort of dynamism that will make a big difference in future games. McGurk, fresh from university duties and thrust into the second row, was assertive in defence and powerful in attack, and deservedly chosen as Man of the Match by match day sponsors the RoseTree Group. As all spectators would expect, the other contender would have been Fry, who was also immense in defence, and there was a lot of defence to do.

The game was marred by the serious shoulder injury sustained early on by Harry Holman ,that could keep him out for an extended period.

However, a new weekend brings new opportunity. Tomorrow Hertford head to Sudbury, a place that has brought great success in the past two seasons. A hat-trick of wins would be much welcomed as the team look to start gaining wins and propelling themselves up the table.

Coach Marcus Cattell has made of host changes as he takes a deeper look at his squad. In come Riley Hagger to make his season debut. Riley will not shy away from the task and we wish him well. Sean Galvin, Dom Merrett and Adam Drew also make their first appearances of the season, and Finn Powell moves into the 12 position.

Keep an eye on a newbie in the 10 shirt tomorrow in the shape of Will Howes. Asked about Wills Pedigree Marcus said:
"Will has joined us on loan from Cambridge where he is part of the development 1923 squad and has had some exposure with the 1stXV throughout pre season. A exciting young talent who comes to us in a bit of a time of need with the shoulder injury sustained by Harry Holman last weekend… we wish Harry a speedy recovery and hope to have him back on the pitch soon."

I think it is safe to say that we are not in the place we hoped to be at this point in the season and although the nay sayers glass may have a little less in it than usual, the time to worry is still a long way off.

The back room boys and the players are working incredibly hard to get things right and I , for one, have no doubt that the turning corner is not too far away.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the fantastic u10,11s and 12’s floodlit festival taking place at the club tomorrow (Sat) from 6.00pm. A truly great festival that lives long in the memory of those taking part.

See you at the bar, mine's a Guinness.
Contributors
Peter Hale
Alfred (Boring, Boring) Church
Marcus Cattell
Ged Murphy