Hertford U13 C v Old Verulamians – Sunday 3rd March 2019

Firstly, our hearts and best wishes are going out to Harvey, from all the Hertford C players, coaches and parents. We wish him a speedy recovery. (Horrible to see one of our Noble men injured on the ground).

It was a tough start to the day for Gareth, (Patricks Dad) fighting with the Coffee Machine, but thankfully was to succeed eventually.

On this cold wet and windy morning, the coaches were looking for the boys to continue the progress made over the last few weeks.The boys all looked in good spirit and it seemed us parents were going to be treated to another amazing performance, whilst standing in these miserable conditions.

So, the game kicks off at a great pace and looked very evenly matched however, Hertford seem to have the upper edge in this battle. Some great tackles from both sides and then, a great interception and speedy run from Finley takes first blood. 0-1
The match then restarts Verulamians put on a push. After numerous hard tackles by Jake, Brendan and co managing to stop their big backs stomping through but, eventually they manage to get things on even terms. 1-1

This then gives Hertford more spirit to push even harder and after many tackles and neat passing, Oscar manages to fly like a whippet and leaves the Verulamians stunned. 1-2

Our parents then become slightly concerned as there seemed at last counting at least 12 substitutes on team Verulamians meaning they had fresh legs in every position. Their coach was taking full advantage or so it seemed. However the Hertford Barmy Army C’s did not seem fazed by this. Again, Verulamians apply pressure and at one point had Hertford pinned on our own try line, with great tackles, true grit and determination held them off and managed to get the ball clear from trouble. After much end to end rugby the home side make it 2-2.

So this was becoming a real battle, a new face to me was Ronan our new warrior back from his nasty injury (double ankle break before even making his first appearance in Hertford colours) and making life very difficult for the opposition as he seemed to be everywhere this really put Verulamaians under pressure. However fresh legs continually coming on, was now working Hertford C’s to the bone. Harvey,Archie,Ronan,Patrick and Jayden all linking together well on the wing before a crunch tackle made on Harvey, then Archie, and then the thing all us parents dread Harveys hurt, and laying on floor in pain. The game is stopped for a while so the first aiders can attend to Harvey and the Ambulance is called ( everybody hoping and praying Harveys ok ) . After around 15 minutes the pitch is moved slightly to the side away from Harvey laying on the floor and the game kicks off again.

Hertford boys keep pushing hard and Finley makes a great interception, passes to Oscar steal a last second try just before the half time whistle. 2-3

Second half starts and immediately Verulamians make it 3-3 . The game now beginning to change, as the opposition continually putting on fresh legs. Plus, they seemed to be putting on bigger lads, which Hertford were now struggling to hold back and were becoming tired. Verulamians were now a strong outfit and soon in front with strong runs from big lads with fresh legs to a 6-3 lead.

Eventually after around 40 minutes the Ambulance arrives, to a very cold Harvey still laying on the floor. Hertford’s game has had to change, lots of defending and tired legs so many kicks made to try and sustain all the pressure, and eventually Max manages a try to make score 6-4.

Verulamians still relentlessly pushing hard with fresh legs and get a final try just seconds before full time whistle making final score 7-4.

OV's 35 - Hertford 20 (scorers Oscar 2, Finley, Max)

I think I can speak for all parents and would say the boys all played excellent today and to take on nearly two teams in total was a great achievement and should be very proud of themselves. Also, sorry to any boys not mentioned and I hope all facts are correct. My apologies if I have bored you all to tears as this is probably the first thing I have wrote in around 30 years so it wasn’t going to be pretty, always dreaded the day I was going to asked to do the match report.

Cheers Jason ( Jake's Dad )

Many thanks Jason, great job, don't know what you were worrying about!! You even the fastest reporter to date!
Thank you to Suzanne Woods for shirt washing duty - not the best day for that - get the vanish out!

Kind regards
Gareth