The Hertford team and parents arrived at Saracens to be greeted by wind has reduced from recent gales, the sun shining and perfect muddy conditions for rugby following the overnight rain.

The players were apprehensive when they saw the size of their opposition, but relieved when they were told that it was the U16 team warming up!

The parents as always were prepared for anything.

Hertford elect to kick off, pining Saracens in their own 22. A turnover leads to break down the left, a pick and drive followed by Harvey Tennant leading to first score of the game. 0 - 5

Continued Hertford pressure leads to Jayden Woods forcing through to score. 0 - 10

Saracens kick off and earn a penalty. Saracens break down the left, but a knock-on stops progress. A scrum against the head leads to Saracens scoring. 5 - 10

Hertford kick-off deep and defend well in the Saracens' half, but a knock-on halts Saracens' progress. A scrum against the head leads to Harvey Tennant scoring (again). 5 - 15.

Saracens kick-off, but Hertford work the ball well through the forwards, with Jayden Woods scoring (again). 5 - 20.

Hertford kick-off and defend well to gain the put in at the scrum. Hertford work the ball well for Harvey Tennant to score (for a third time). 5 - 25.

Harvey Tennant now comes off for treatment to his right boot which has disintegrated following his blistering runs. The medical bag gives up some tape, which combined with good old gaffer tape from a nearby van means that Harvey Tennant will be wearing his right rugby boot for some time!

Saracens kick-off. Good competition in mid field. Development down the left leads to Jayden Woods scoring (for a third time). 5 - 30.

Half-time and still no sign of Gareth Sullivan who, for some reason, has elected to check the availability of parking spaces at Hertford RFC. Patrick Sullivan mysteriously arrives just before half time on his own?

The second half commences. The crowd to a man (and woman) cannot remember the last time a side gave up a lead as commanding as this (ignoring the England v Scotland game at Twickenham the previous day of course).

Hertford receive, develop down the left and release Max Maples to score down the right. 5 - 35.

Hertford receive the kick-off and Harvey Tennant scores (for a fourth time). 5 - 40

Pressure from Saracens have Hertford touching down over their own line. Hertford work it up the field from the 22 drop out, with Max Maples scoring down the right (his second). 5 - 45

Jake White puts in a try saving tackle, gets up and chases back to touch down over his own line. Stout defence by Hertford follows. Try saving tackle by Ronan Hawes. Pressure relieved on the Hertford line, but Saracens continue to attack. Hertford pressurise to halfway. Harvey Tennant scores (his fifth). 5 - 50.

Hertford kick-off, but a couple of strong runs be Saracens lead to a try. 10 - 50.

Closely fought few minutes. Saracens drop the ball inches from the Hertford line. Hertford develop down both the right and left into the Saracens 22. Patrick Sullivan scores. 10 - 55.

Saracens kick-off. Hertford develop. Saracens kick through and Jake White touches down over the Hertford line. Hertford work the ball up to halfway and the final whistle blows.

Summary:
Saracens 10 - Hertford 55 (Harvey 5, Jayden 3, Max 2, Patrick 1)

Hertford came together as a team and earn a well deserved win. The only controversy was the man of the match medal not being awarded to Harvey Tennant (who only scored five tries).

Many thanks to Mr Lang for reporting duties and Mr Manning for shirt washing.