The Hertford 3s showcased their finest attributes on the biggest stage available to them - in this case Chairman's Shield Final against the Stortford Chindits at hosts St Albans RFC. When called upon to show their mettle and front up against an as ever enthusiastic Stortford team, they rose to the challenge.

This was a team of young lions led (in the literal but also loosest sense) by a few old donkeys. With 3 of the pack, 5 of the backline, and 2 of the subs all under 20 years old this was their show and the oldies were mostly there to cheer them on.

Stortford started the game much stronger, with composed energetic ball play to get them up the pitch and the Hertford players scrambling. This eventually led to a penalty that was within kicking range. Stortford took some gentle barracking for opting to kick a penalty in the closing moments of the 2025 final (that time against Hertford's Termites), and they clearly meant business in this game as they went for the points again to go 3 points up. Maybe if Hertford could trust its kicker, this would a ploy it could adopt more often.

Stortford were playing all of the rugby, as Hertford were stuttering in their attempts to build some momentum and bring the talented backline into the action. Hertford forced two promising lineouts in the Stortford 22, but on both occasions Stortford stole the ball. The team had not got in the groove. Adhering to the Albon philosophy - if in doubt use the boot – Hertford had a way out of this. Unable to find holes in the defence, Albon started to put up some high balls and the kick passes. Quinn has scored loads of tries from the wide spaces this season (deservedly receiving the Player of the Season award and being a great addition this year), and he gave Albon the kick option, who duly obliged; up went the ball, Quinn swooped in, scooped the ball and scored. 7-3.

Stortford continued to play the more structured rugby, and hit back with a pacy line break to make it 7-10. Whilst the backs may get the plaudits, the young second row pairing of Ball and Preston put in a great shift, alongside Douglas, to hold back the Stortford tidal wave.

Hertford continued to defend, and it was a huge hit and then steal from Douglas, with O Gawthorne gathering and moving the ball at pace, for Albon to kick assist again, as Bentley-Greeves ran onto the ball to score on the right hand side. 14-10. Gawthorne's pass was much better looking than his subsequent bounce pass to Albon that was so ugly even his mother couldn’t love it.

The best moment of the half was to come. As Hertford plugged away, kicked to put pressure on, and finally flowed into the Stortford half with co-ordinated purpose, providing some space for the talented centres to do their work. With some space to work with, Hughes threw a splendid show and go that sent the opposition, his own players, and the spectators, as the space opened up for him to stroll over under the posts. 21-10.

Hertford had weathered a very tricky half, but the sunlight of Hughes' jink provided the inspiration for a very different second half.

O (for old) Gawthorne made way for H (for hedonistic-hungover) Gawthorne at scrum half, and the game began to open up and Hertford took control.

The lineout was back to its best, with Hollis in his final Final, flinging those darts (you should have seen his face when the ref gave a not straight later in the game). Even with the greater fluidity, Albon couldn’t resist another kick pass assist, as the ball went wide to F Klust-Nelson, who flicked inside to the ever scampering and supportive Coles to stretch over to score. Coles was threatening throughout, and this was a well deserved try. 26-10.

The backs were showing their true class, running from everywhere, linking up and causing chaos for the Stortford defence. Bentley-Greeves streaked through for his second (33-10), and then Albon threw his version of a Gawthorne ugly bounce pass, as he hurled and hoped into the acres of space outside him, the ball squirted, but Hughes was on hand to gather and go over (40-10).

Stortford picked up another try and it is suggested another penalty – but surely not – as the score was either 40-15 or 40-18.

Hertford finished with the most glorious of flurries. With Gathorne junior collecting the ball in his own 22 from the restart, he barged through the first attempted tackle, then turned on the gas round the next, before stepping inside the next, by this stage he was on the half way line with a long way to go and the cover defence coming over – the foot race was on, and Gawthorne went for it, with a weeks worth of partying burning through his lungs and head, he just managed to scrape over the line. Cue football levels of goal celebrations, as the team bundled the youngster as he gasped for air. Albon and Bentley-Greeves combined for their version of the chuckle brothers conversion. A beautiful try needs its beastly kicked companion. 47-18.

This was soon followed by the final act, as Smith broke through the middle from deep in Hertford's half (breaking his finger at the same time), before offloading to the searing Roe as he streamed round the defenders, handed off the full back and outran the winger to score the final try of the day. It was football levels of celebrations again as Hertford had hit the 50 mark and the game was done – and were we happy, you bet your life we were.

The youthful members of the team had done an excellent job, and will go on to do much more for the Club. The Colts Coaches (yes even Mr Albon) can take great credit for the development of these players. Whilst the elder generation can look forward to putting their feet upside down and enjoying some Guinness on their tour to Bournemouth this weekend, the youth should look forward to a hard pre-season with the senior squad.

Hollis went out in style in his final Final and is thanked yet again for his playing services to the Club. He has already started passing on to the next generation, including the love of bus journeys. He left as he entered the world: howling and naked.

Whilst the players had truly deserved their Herts Chair's Shield, and a mighty fine indentured shield it was too, they somehow managed to come away with the Champions League trophy as well. Well, make hay when the sun shines.

Thank you very much to the huge effort made by the Captains, the organisers, and everyone that makes it possible for us to get out there and play each week.

Lions: G Van Der Ryst, Hollis, C Van Der Ryst, Preston, Ball, Quinn, Roe, Douglas; Gawthorne, Albon (c), F Klust-Nelson, Bentley-Greeves, Hughes, R Klust-Nelson, Coles
Cubs: Carpenter, Church, Compton-Cook, Ellis, H Gawthorne, Smith,
Tries: Quinn, Bentley-Greeves 2, Hughes 2, Coles, H Gawthorne, Roe
Cons: Albon 5, Bentley-Greeves 1
Bus buddies: Cartwright, Kimsey, Chambers, Preston, N and P Hollis