It is safe to say that no-one could have predicted the weather conditions that greeted us this morning - initially starting as a novelty Christmas card background scene, then into a full-blown blizzard. All the boys should be proud of surviving the elements and the cold temperatures to continue to play good passing rugby and working for their team-mates.

Despite a few overnight casualties due to illness, we were still able to field almost 50 boys across our 3 friendly fixtures. We had opted for more of a mixed selection this week, based on both the perceived strength of our opponents as well as looking to try players in different positions and formations. Aside from an off-the-pace first half against Fullerians, we ended up with 3 good contests, which was a key objective.

Kicking off on the Tennis Court pitch, our U13s were pitched against Fullerians, who had stepped into the frame once Brentwood cancelled in midweek. Whilst they had suggested they might struggle against us, Fullerians are clearly good poker players. Nevertheless, the general consensus on the touchline was that Hertford didn’t really turn up in the first half, slipping to a 0-20 deficit, perhaps rocked by an early blow to the conk of Oli ‘Rudolph’ Coppin who decided the snowy scene needed an impersonation of our favourite red-nosed reindeer (I am reliably informed he is on the mend).

A rousing half-time team talk saw Hertford compete much better in the second half, sharing six tries with the opposition and giving a much better account of themselves.

FT: Hertford U13s 15-v-35 Fullerians U13s

Over on the 2nd Team pitch, the U13s kicked off against Southend, a very strong side with half a dozen boys closing in on 6ft. A very close first half saw Hertford with their noses slightly in front at 15-10 but it could have gone either way. The ball was very difficult in hand given the cold and snowy conditions, making it tough to play our usual flowing rugby. We had traded tries throughout the match but we managed to get a 2-try difference with the play of the game to go to 25-15 before Southend scored a breakaway try, making for a nervy last few minutes.

A close contest throughout and the Southend players, coaches and supporters were a credit to their Club.

FT: Hertford U13s 25-v-20 Southend U13s

By the time that our final match had kicked off against Eaton Manor, the rest of Hoe Lane had retreated into the refuge of the Clubhouse. The coaching team debated whether to construct an igloo as a mini blizzard arrived but by the time Bleriot Construction had arrived, the game was underway. A very close first half ended 10-10 and both sides agreed to a slightly shorter second period given the cold (it did feel toward the end that Mr. Creasey had actually added 5 mins to the clock...).

We traded a try a piece at the start of the second half but our combined A/B team gelled excellently and ran away with the match from thereon. Despite seeing Hertford trying to keep warm by performing a myriad of interesting dance moves, we actualy managed to play our best rugby with some killer passing moves doing the damage.

FT: Hertford U13s 35-v-15 Eaton Manor U13s

A good day at the office and one to be remembered for the bizarre weather. Hopefully the boys all managed to get a hot shower or bath to defrost as well as Sunday lunch to re-energize.

Thanks to Kelly and Lee for marshalling the food afterwards and to Messrs Creasey and Buchan for refereeing the matches; also for those volunteers setting up and taking down the pitches. And finally, for all you hardy souls for braving the elements to watch our boys - they should hopefully sleep well tonight.

Have a good week.

Andy