An inspired second half performance clinched 5 vital points for Hertford against Westcliff on Saturday.
After back-to-back defeats, a big performance was needed, and as is often the case, Hertford’s troops rose to the occasion in front of their home faithful.

They got the scoreboard moving early on as great pressure at scrum time earned a penalty, giving Louis Kendrick a simple 3-point kick.

There was nearly more early joy when Hertford broke through Westcliff’s defence on the left-hand side, but the covering fullback superbly denied what looked like a certain try.
Westcliff managed to clear their lines and earn a penalty. The resulting kick to touch created an excellent attacking opportunity, and a solid lineout enabled their forward pack to drive over from close range.

The visitors had their tails up and went searching for another try. After going through the forwards again, they found joy out wide as Hertford were unable to repeal the speedy backline.

Hertford instantly responded to get back within touching distance. Adam Drew darted through a gap before offloading to Alex Banna who crashed over. Less galloping wildebeest and more rampaging bull!

Kyle Lemon made it a quickfire double to turn the game on its head. The fly half coasted through a gap in the stretched Westcliff and dotted down under the posts.

Just when it seemed like the pendulum had swung, a Hertford clearance kick was incredibly charged down, giving Westcliff their 3 rd try and a 17-19 half time lead.

Hertford soaked up early second half pressure before sweeping up field to take the lead again. Slick hands set Hugo Creasey free, and the young flyer was never going to be stopped from there!

The game was finely poised until Josh Rudling brilliantly cut the defence open and popped the ball up for Will McKenna to leap over the line. Hertford had their bonus point try and a healthy lead!

Louis Kendrick added 3 more points from the boot to put the seal on a fantastic afternoon’s work for Hertford.

A special mention to 17-year-old Archie Nicklin, another home-grown talent making their first team debut.

Well done young man!