Two great outings for the sides on Sunday, with the squad at bare bones already - Sunday morning brought unwelcome news as 3 players were declared unfit in the age group minutes before play.

The A team narrowly lost a well-contested match, that Hertford had every opportunity to put to bed but for some missed tackles at critical moments and some poor decision-making that left some massive attacking opportunities begging. We had a good combination of shock and awe crashing tries from the forwards (Davey & Howell) and breathtaking passing wide and pacy wing finishes (Broom & Millais)

The B team with Stevenage overwhelmed Ealing B in a crushing forwards display with several of our new Hertford recruits making an excellent impact.

This week we are going to be training and playing at the weekend as just Hertford - Stevenage have a recruitment drive at their club, so do be aware that we need to keep our efforts up to recruit new players. I will be working with the club at a "Rugby for Scouts" session on Friday 3rd November where 6 prospective U14 players are coming for a taster, along with other age groups.

Training Weds 11th October
Torran MacDougal our Youth Liaison and 1st XV no 8 will be leading the training session on Wednesday at Hertford. It's important that we all make an effort to attend as he has a great deal to offer as a very experienced coach and current player at in the National League.

Fullerians A&B at Hertford
Fullerians have asked if we can host this weekend and we're awaiting confirmation, but looking at the club schedule, I'm optimistic.

All players in the age group are selected to feature in 2 games against Fullerians A & B we will put our strongest side out against Fullerians A and ensure that those who haven't had a game then get a full game vs Fullerians B. Some players will be involved in both games - generally based on specialist positions (1,2,3,9,10 in particular) or where we have a shortfall (backs generally fewer in number than forwards)

Christmas Night out
Do please respond and pay a deposit to either Deborah Robinson or Sally Stratford, who have kindly stepped forward to organise the parents night out at Loch Fyne in Hertford.
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/hertfordrugbyfootballclub/teams/186729/news/u14-rugby-parents-christmas-night-out-friday-22nd--2021588.html

Finally, a quick note to say that if I'm grumpier than usual on a Sunday morning ("can that be possible?" I hear you ask) it's definitely NOT a hangover. In memory of my recently deceased father-in-law, I've taken the Sober October Challenge and this is day 10/31, the longest that I've abstained from alcohol since I was 17 (30yrs ago), not something I'm especially proud of but a fact nonetheless. Those of you who know me well will know that it's not been easy but I'm doing it for a worthy cause - Macmillan Cancer Support who support the St Clare Hospice in Harlow amongst many others.

I know you're regularly inundated with requests, but if you're able I'd be very grateful for your support both morally and financially, if you're able. If you'd like to donate please go here... GoSober Thanks very much

Gavin