A tough first outing last week against a very good Colchester side, who are likely to be up there challenging for top spot come March, served to give our undoubtedly talented young side a valuable reminder about intensity and fitness at this level as we go into our 1st home game of this campaign.

We welcome Oundle RFC, on their 1st awayday to Hoe Lane, following their level transfer from Midlands Premier, where they finished mid table last season.

We have some enforced changes after Fly Half, Harry Holman, dislocated his shoulder in the 1st half last week (that’s why 10’s don’t tackle H!) and we wish him well with his rehab. Taking over the 10 jersey will be Louis Kendrick, moving closer to the action, who is no stranger to the 10 label from his youth days.

Louis is replaced at 15 by Hem Johal, who steps up and will join his brother Arran, who again starts on the wing.

The ever reliable and evergreen Kyle Lemon has tweaked some soft tissue, and is replaced by young talent, Hugo Creasey, in his 1st season of senior rugby, on the wing.

Hugo is also one of nine of this weeks squad who started their Rugby in the Hertford mini and Youth system. A stat to be proud of.

David Hale moves from the wing to start this week in his favoured scrum half slot, whilst last weeks starting 9, Dom Merritt, begins on the bench.

Another Debutant on the bench this week is Matt Frere who joined us in the Summer (Yes, I know it’s summer again!) from Royston. Matt, who is in the Army, impressed playing for Herts last season, has also represented Combined Services and Rotherham. Welcome Matt.

We got an idea of what to expect from our visitors in a pre-season friendly up at Oundle a few weeks ago, when, in a session of 4 quarters, the eventual result was 34-33 to our hosts. That day they had a good scrum with a powerful back row and a very direct left winger.

Having said that , Hugo Creasy also made an impression that day with a classy brace late on in the game. Grandad Peter and his 4 Great uncles, Paul, Alan, John and Michael, would be proud. The photo on this article is from 50 years ago this coming February when all 5 brothers represented Hertford 1st XV against Old Albanians. (I wonder if they were just Albania then!?) No pressure Hugo.

That encounter stands for nothing as we start with a very different side and knowledge of the home terrain.

Here’s hoping for a home reversal like we achieved many times last season.

In tomorrow estimated 33 degrees, use of rolling subs and hydration could be vital.
It all sets the scene for a fascinating encounter, hopefully worthy of the investment of new club and Matchday sponsors, Walter Cooper Land Agency , and their Principle, former Hertford scrum half, Simon Cox as well as HRFC favourite (no offence Simon ;-) ) Stuart Smart.

Don’t forget to stay to see the England game later on.

See you all at 3.00pm .....and don't forget the factor 50!