Hertford RFC U13As vs Teddington RFC U13As – Sunday 16/12/18 – 11am Kick off

Christmas is around the corner and Father Christmas’s and Elves were to be seen running around the minis pitches coaching children with roast Turkey hats on to keep them warm. Some of the bizarre sights to be seen on a very clear, if slightly damp underfoot, morning as Hertford hosted Teddington in a Pool match in the run-up to the Christmas break. Back to a conventional 2 half match and the introduction of Owen Evison at scrum half for his first game in the As this season. Across the board Hertford were light on subs this week as the holiday factor kicked-in, whilst Teddington boasted 5.

Teddington in blue and yellow shirts and odd socks kicked off the 1st half and placed the ball right down Archie H’s throat, who rode a tackle produced a nice offload to Jack who hugged the touchline and scored in less than thirty seconds! (5-0 Hertford). This may have set the wrong tone for Hertford as this woke Teddington up and they proceeded to spend a significant portion of time camped in the Herford half. Play was relatively narrow and scrappy with several knock-ons. Hertford’s scrum was once again dominant, despite Teddington’s stud cleaning coaching prior to each scrum. The tackling was good on both sides and Teddington’s play was characterised by great teamwork, no particularly dominant players, great line speed, and excellent rucking technique to wriggle under our ruckers. In attack they made good yards in tight areas through battling with the ball, twisting and turning, but without much flow or free running of the ball out to the wings. As such it needed a strong defensive display by Hertford and despite desperation tackling, a rip and a held up ball, repeated penalty infringements. Teddingto adopted a pivot move each time varying the runners and eventually the pressure was too much. Teddington scored with a short dart over the line. (5-5)

After the kick off Hertford made some ground of their own after a burst through from Owen to link up with Iwan and they tried to use some more expansive play. Daniel tried some invention with a grubber kick through, but was unlucky for it to go too laterally and out as Hertford looked to outpace the Teddington cover. More Hertford pressure from the touch in, but solid tackling from Teddington resulted in no joy for Hertford. Teddington pressure again and a great tackle by Morgan on the wing to shore up the wide areas, and some bear hugs from Bloomer to try to smoother the ball and create a maul. However more of that wriggling play from the Teddington left winger, a break away, well stopped by Iwan and George. But this couldn’t stop another close quarter btattle on the try-line, with sustained attack after attack, more infringements, and penalty moves. The ref could've used his card as it may be perceived as cynical but he viewed Hertford's determination to win the ball as competitive. Eventually the try came from Teddington, going into half time with a 5-10 lead. Close contest.

Hertford kicked off the second half, but again lots of Teddington pressure had Hertford on the back foot. Hertford started to link better in open play in the second half and make breaks, keeping the ball alive and make some big yardage. Luke had an excellent game in the backs running onto the ball at pace and purpose, breaking through tackles to make good gains. A break through the line from Archie N just inside the Hertford half and some swerves, ball recycled and came out to the left for Jack to get around the Teddington players. Try Hertford back level. 10-10.

Another try to Teddington after sustained pressure, for a fairly small side they certainly took the abrasive direct approach. They scored a try from penalty despite lots of heroic tackling and rucking from Hertford forwards only for one such wriggle on the floor for the Teddington player just to reach the line. Difficult to see over the far side of the pitch but Archie T, Finn B, Peter and Freddie were keenly involved. Now 10-15 to Teddington.

Then followed a great piece of Hertford play, great team work with pretty much everyone involved. Taking the ball on recycling, linking up, ball being played side to side, good evasive running from George, making the ball look lively in his hands, was brought down only for Oli Hurd to take on the mantle charging for the line who was bravely stopped in his tracks by the full back, but Owen was on hand in close scrum-half support to dive over under the scrambling would-be attention to score. Level pegging again 15-15.

The pendulum swung back again as more Hertford defence, but Teddington pressure came up trumps again for them to score with a determined low drive through at close range. 15-20 to Teddington – to setup a tight end to the game.

Now into the last 10 minutes and this is where credit goes to both the players workrate and coaches training, for our fitness is telling every game, especially with our backs to the wall, no subs, this is where you make the difference. Good Herford pressure from the kick off, good runs and offloads, continued by support support support but being kept at bay. Teddington turnover the ball and pursue for the win, continued attack, a break made but then a game changing moment - Archie H made a great tackle allowing Hertford to retrieve the ball - turnover. Then followed up with a fantastic Archie H mega run for his only 10m line off a penalty; characteristic angle of attack engaged, broke one tackle…surely he’ll be stopped at the next… no… surely the next…no… a spin around and sprint to the line. Great individual try of shear determination to level again, 20-20. This seemed to dent the visitors a little. A was followed by more great Hertford pressure and passing to the right to make good ground and get close to Teddington try line. Teddington tried to clear their lines, but the kick was sliced, Jack caught it, shipped it to Iwan, who sprinted for the left corner. He had work to do, 3-man cover was coming across, but a great snake-hips swerve bought him the space and time to score the try untouched. Now Hertford had the lead back for the first time since 30 seconds in the match, and this was another blow to Teddington heart.

Onward go Hertford, seizing the moment, with another great Archie H drive (#on fire) and the ball was well recycled, good passing out to the left and Jack showed good power to break some tackles and run in another try and create a bit of breathing space in the score-line now. 30-20 Hertford. Teddington were not done in yet though and kept up the pressure to the end. A break was stopped by a great tackle by Morgan, and the ball being held up by Luke kept Teddington out until the final whistle. Great game, very close, great win to Hertford, but a great team display by Teddington. Many thanks to the Teddington referee who was fair, clear and kept this an entertaining first encounter between the clubs with good judgement throughout.

Post match wash-up in the club house had the teams vote for the best opposing player. Hertford voted for Teddington’s left wing who epitomised the wriggling tight play to get good yardage for his team. Teddington voted for Jack for his strong running and tries.

Thanks to Sean, Ant and Russ for their coaching efforts. Hope you all have a great Christmas. Here’s to a great second half of the season…keep it up Hertford!

Full Time: Hertford 6, Teddington 4 (Jack x3, Owen, Iwan, Archie H)

Thank you Ed Nicklin reporting there from the Hoe Lane touchline; Tania Lewis, Catherine Bloomer, and Anna Hickey for serving food, and Gemma Taverner for shirts.

Kind regards
Gareth