Report from Ampthill:

30th October 2021

So the Jets’ unbeaten league season came to an end against a good Hertford side.

Not all doom and gloom though as the squad saw 3 Extras starting in Jets colours, and one on the bench. Getting a squad ready for the match was a challenge this week and we needed the Extras. Additionally, coach Jonny had to come out of retirement to start with centre Harry making his first (but not last) start as a flanker.
Other enforced changes saw James Kearns impress at 9 with George Diffey slotting in at full-back. Kearns opportunity arose due to Jabs getting a well-deserved call up into the 1881s.
The game kicked off and we knew Hertford would be a tough nut to crack with an aggressive pack who dominated line outs and edged the scrum. Particular mention to Hertford’s scrum-half and full-back, both classy players and very comfortable on the ball.
It was Ampthill who scored the first try though with Jonny rolling back the years and some opponents for a try converted by Norford (aka Northwood). Then, and I can’t believe I actually saw this but Tim Hughes achieved the impossible. He received a pass from a rampaging Jonny who was 5 yards out and scored for a 12 nil lead. Great support line from the young prop.
Hertford received a stern talking to behind the posts and this seemed to do the trick as they deservedly bagged a try from their No 8 following a pick and go from the base of a scrum. The conversion made and it was 7 – 12 at oranges.
Coach Jonny felt the need to substitute himself at halftime and go in search of a lung machine allowing Mad Dog to enter the fray.
Three times Hertfords backs showed good handling skills initially scoring what looked like a try but touch was called. It didn’t deter them and soon after Charlie received a yellow card for taking out the Hertford full back in the air (no dispute with refs decision here and he was fair and clear all match – doesn’t do smiling though!).
Hertford enjoyed the man advantage and scored two tries to take a deserved win.
Now ‘ Richard of the match’ this week was an easy choice, Bazza Junior wingeing about being asked to run touch, phoning across the pitch to big brother Ben almost in tears. To cap it all he was totally mugged off by Hertford’s touch judge who ran touch with greater confidence despite being 11 years of age!
The Player of the match was close between two debutants from the Extras. Tim was close as in addition to his try he competed well at scrum time against a much more experienced man mountain. Wes though got the vote, he is obviously one of those young players who gets his kicks out of smashing into tackles.
Our congratulations and thanks to Hertford for the match and we look forward to meeting them again later in the season.