Saturday’s ladies lunch will benefit ‘The Stroke Association’ a cause highlighted when Graeme Walters fell victim to this debilitating ailment earlier this season. As Graeme continues to make great strides in his recovery and is once again a frequent visitor to Hoe Lane, the former Head Coach will be joined by many of his ‘Charges’ from the Intermediate Cup winning team from 2003.

If you have an hour to spare it’s worth looking at the game which can be accessed from the link below. Whilst it’s a bit grainy the atmosphere still shines through.

Most of Hertford seemed to make their way via coach, car or train , to Twickenham that day and were treated to a thrilling spectacle of skill, tenacity, commitment and self believe.
In a game full of memorable moments the highlights included our young front row of Carter (Son of Mrs. C), Harris (Current U6’s Coach) &Hardwick (The cheat!) demolishing a former Bristol front row unit. Another feature was one of the best balanced back rows to grace the Hertford shirt with the tireless work rate and support play of MOM Hesketh, the marshalling and game management of Rainbow and ‘Le Crunch’ of Alfie Church.

Heskey’s two tries show the options that Hertford had. Be it the first with Gareth’s (current U10’s coach) timing, both into the line and the pass in contact, ‘Stores’ vision and octopus like tentacles providing the offload (Yes, he passed) and Heskey outsprinting the oppo backs to teach Chris Ashton how to dive or Danny Harris’ ‘sit down son’ ,Alfie’s soft hands and again Heskey’s support line to complete his brace.

St. Mary’s OB had gone through the year ‘bullying’ sides with a one dimensional but very effective game of 10 man rugby but that day met a ‘blue wall’ with incredible resolve and miraculously, despite the physical nature of the game, ‘Rooster’ Justice finished the game without a yellow card!

Something else worth noting from the photo is that both the mascots that day (Jack Mann and Bert Walters) went on to represent Hertford 1st XV.

A great bunch of lads, a fantastic achievement and an awesome day out for the HRFC faithful, not to mention ‘Joe 90’ dancing onto the hallowed turf at the end the game like an apprentice telly tubby.

It should be a great day with some travelling half way around the world to attend and we look forward to renewing old acquaintances’.

THBOOTPA!

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/hertfordrugbyfootballclub/videos/2003-powergen-intermediate-cup-final-110602.html