The rugby season is truly here, proven dramatically by the change from the longest ever heatwave to wet, grey, very cold rainy Sunday morning at Hoe Lane our home of budding rugby talent.

Hertford B/C started slowly, giving Harpenden room to run and compounded by weak high tackling letting the visitors race into a quick 2-0 lead. The pressure was on the newly assembled team of B/C Hoe Laners.

The boys gathered together and stuck to task in these severe conditions. Tackling was poor in opening 10 minutes- too high, like brushing rain drop off the shoulders of Harpenden players. Likewise ruck- clearing, Hertford were too stand-offish early doors. After a spell of loose half-hearted tackles, which needs to be addressed the boys began to press and this resulted in Harpenden starting to drop the ball and throw wild passes. Hertford forwards pushed on, Full-Backs started to make unexpected big tackles, we started to create and use space. Both team scrums were organised and very competitive, Freddie Manning decided he was born to prop. Considerable pressure began to be applied by Hertford close to the Harpenden line yet without breaking through to score. Quicker passing to wide areas loaded up with Hertford backs would have bought a better outcome.

The game opened up and Hertford’s team grit and resilient attitude was rewarded with an inception try from Owen Evison followed by a good team try after powerful Forwards work with Archie Anstead finishing over the line. We suffered 2 or 3 injury substitutions with replacements for these injured players plus timely coach initiated player changes fitting in well as the boys went on from a cold wet standing start after huddling for cover from the persistent downpour. For spectators, match reporter and coaches alike the game slightly blurred under the extreme weather and having to assist players on and off the pitch with a fast-paced match in progress. All injured players returned to the field of play, this became a true squad performance. Oscar Porch was seen breaking down a Harpenden attack and being chased down the side line with 5 or 6 opposition in pursuit, one of Oscar’s best performances. Finlay Nelson had an excellent game making telling breaks and recognising space.

Hertford grew in confidence and continued as a much tighter unit resulting in two further tries with Harpenden replying once. Late on Jake White made fine runs from the back taking the ball all the way to the Harpenden line. The game of 4 periods finished 4-3 to Hertford (maybe 5-4, it was too wet to definitively record!) with wining tries from Finlay Nelson, Isaac Page and another by Archie Anstead.

Overall an excellent team performance against strong rivals in very adverse conditions.

(Apologies if any errors and omissions)