It was a high-stakes encounter as both sides looked to move away from relegation danger in the penultimate round of fixtures. Hertford made a dream start when Joe Robinson touched down almost straight from kickoff after Medway’s clearance was charged down.

Following this frantic beginning, Medway grew into the game, striking back in the 20th minute through a try from Jordan Stubbington. A successful conversion gave the visitors a 5-7 lead.

Hertford regained control of the contest. Tries from Joe Stockwell and Brayden Karangaroa were followed by a sublime solo effort from Finn Sutherland. The winger countered from inside his own half, shrugged off covering Medway defenders and finished brilliantly to secure a bonus point for Hertford. Sam Little added the extras, making it 22-7 at half time.

Medway began the second half in fine fashion as Dan Jackson crossed for a converted try to close the gap to 22-14.

The visitors continued to mount a challenge, but Hertford were back in charge midway through the second half, and inevitably it was skipper Steff Jones who finished things off after a powerful driving maul took his team over the line.

However, Medway quickly restored hope with a breakaway try, and the routine conversion left them just one converted score behind, setting up a nail-biting final 15 minutes.

Hertford held their nerve, and when it mattered most their catch and drive came up trumps again, with Steff Jones grabbing his second to seal the all important five points.

Whilst the result took Hertford another step towards safety, Westcliff are four points behind heading into the final game after their bonus point win at Shelford, so one last massive push is required from the players and Hoe Lane faithful on 11th April against North Walsham.

As well as the on field activities, it was also the 'Ladies Day' lunch where well over 300 guests enjoyed Kev's 'Scran' and post match music and entertainment.

It was also great to see 50 cap awards for Alex Kay and Tremaine Fry, presented after the game by President 'Grids'. Both have become well like and influential members of the squad over the last few years.

The 2nd XV took a strong squad down to Redbridge to take on Eton Manor 2's, themselves an excellent team. In what sounds like a thriller, they missed out on the spoils 52-47 in a high scoring festival of Rugby. Well done lads.

Whilst the lads can enjoy an alternative type of 'Egg Hunting' this weekend, next Saturday is the last league fixture and we need all the support we can get at Hoe Lane.

Whilst we are free from the automatic relegation spots, our current position at 8th, leaves us just one spot and 4 points above the play off spots. We have the potential to finish anywhere between 9th and 6th. 2 point secures our league status quo if other results go against us but a win just simplifies all the math! All results going against us would mean up to three more games. There are more rules as to where those games would be played.

Maybe it would be easier if we had a couple more teams in the league and easier relegation rules! Oh wait.... (Views are those of the writer and not necessarily those of HRFC)

Have a great Easter and get to Hoe Lane on the 11th please.

See you there, mine's a Guinness