Rugby returns to Hoe Lane tomorrow for another installment of Regional 1 league action as Hertford welcome Southend Saxons. Both sides will be looking to bounce back after heavy defeats in their previous outing.

Between them, they conceded 172 points last week so whatever the outcome I think we can expect improved defensive performances from both.

A commanding first half display by Sudbury really took the game away from Hertford last weekend. However, Hertford can take encouragement from their second half performance as they put in a much more solid defensive shift and added 3 tries to earn a bonus point. A strong performance in front of the home faithful would be the perfect tonic for this youthful team to kickstart their season.

In most games we have shown that can go toe to toe with the opposition for periods, so we now need to ensure we keep up the intensity and concentration for the full 80.

Southend’s perfect start to the season was emphatically derailed by Essex neighbours Colchester, in a top of the table clash. They will want to make sure this is only a bump in the road and regain the kind of form that has put them at the upper end of the table.

Whilst table positions must make Southend the favorites, it does not tell the whole story. We have certainly had the more challenging opening, in terms of opposition, so the team have got to believe in their own ability and the results will come.

The lack of bonus points has left us at the heavy end of the league with the three sides above us all on the same win/loss ratio but with more bonus points. So let's see if the support can push us to a try bonus point (and a win)tomorrow.

Injury and non availability have also taken a toll this season but at least we have a little better news on this front this week.

We welcome back Louis Kendrick to the 15 position following his long absence with a leg injury. We wish Louis a happy and healthy return to action. Ciaran Galvin, Ollie Cook and Tom Lamb also come back into the starting team.

It's great to see Ollie Cook back so he can compete with Tremaine for 'hit of the day' in the defensive line. Maybe we should nickname them 'The Exocet' and 'The Patriot'. Which is which? You decide!

Tom Lamb also returns to give that extra line break capability which will also be very welcome. His ball carrying this season has been outstanding, always making good yardage.

It is a particularly special moment for brothers Ciaran and Sean Galvin, as they play alongside each other in the back row. It doesn't make thing any easier for the man on the mike though!

Elsewhere Sam Balcombe makes his first start of the season at second row, and there is a home debut for fly half Will Howes after his baptism of fire last week. He put in an impressive kicking display from the tee against Sudbury. Plenty more of that please Will!

I think we are set for a decent game.

The second XV are also on display at Hertford as they take on Welwyn 1st XV in a league fixture, meaning the great and the good of Welwyn RFC will also be in attendance at the double header pre match lunch. Welcome 'Shabby' and Co.

The 2's have also have a tough start to the season in this new league of theirs, obviously not helped by the unavailability above, so good luck lads. This game will be on the second pitch, also KO at 3.00pm.

The Termites complete the home matches as they take on Verulamians RFC. We look to have a good site out, although they definitely look more Millennial than Gen Z (Old people may need to google that one!) To allow you to support them they will be kicking off on the golf course pitch at 2.00pm. Go take a look. They will appreciate it.

We also welcome and old 1st XV skipper to Hoe Lane tomorrow, Geoff Spooner, all the way from Portugal, on his annual pilgrimage to the VP's lunch. But just like most of the rucks he attended, he's arrived two weeks late! You are very welcome sir, even though didn't select me in 1978! (I'm not still bitter)

Finally, as 'The voice of Hoe Lane', Joe 90, is away this week , Mike duties will be undertaken by a very disappointed, but not bitter, young No.8 who never got selected in 1978.

I feel a good rugby day coming on. (Watch out Spoons)

See you there, mine's a Guinness.
Contributors
Peter Hale
Ged Murphy