Hertford A’s away at Upminster

Apologises first and foremost, I am writing this whilst waiting for the train, having just read the Hertford away at saracens report and not sure if anyone was tasked with writing the same for Upminster away, so thought I would pen something from memory, thus have not idea of the scorers nor the action building up to them.

Early morning journey around the north-eastern quarter of the M25, hang a right-turn onto A127 and head to deepest darkest Essex, for our first visit to Upminster. After the overnight downpour the grass-less pitch was in a good repair considering it doubled as a dog walkers paradise looking at the amount of pouches running around and one in particular trying to invade the pitch every 5 minutes. The pitch sloped from left to right and with a strong chilly wind with views across the East End and Thames, and further afield if you squinted you could see the Dartford bridge and our next week's destination

Before the game started, a very professionally turned out young 15yr old referee inspected the boys studs and gave them a briefing. It was hard to spot him initially in the huddle as he was dwarfed by most of the lads. Upminster fielding some monsters in the forwards and on the flip side a scrum half whom even made Morgan look tall!!! Who knew what was the mornings work would mean for the boys.

First half, Upminster elected to play up the slope - a decision they regretted - as the young ref made his one and only mistake of the game, and played a near 40 minute half! As you'll read, following a number of injuries, he had stopped his watch but on one instance forgot to restart it, even though cries from both coaching staff were trying to help him call time. By this time though the damage was done and the Hertford boys had racked up and insurmountable lead - much like England?

As previously mentioned the hosts had some big lads in the forwards for the first time this season gave the Hertford scrum a few testing times, they were also very active at the breakdown turning over ball on more times than the team would like count. Play and try’s were put through the big lads for Upminster with good support play from the backs a tactic which will undo 99% of the teams they face without doubt.

First blood indeed went to the visitors through their Man of the Match, who was playing his first rugby match - he rode several tackles, ran over a few players and showed a turned of speed and strength to be proud of to dot under the posts - impressive find! For the first few exchanges Hertford seemed to be assessing their opponents who were keen to throw the ball around and use their strong runners. The hosts were attacking again this way and that closing in on the try line when the ball was turned over, moved wide and Jack the victor out gas any covering defence.

That's how it went for the first half, the defensive press came into play and time and again smothered any wide opportunities when the ball was moved or it was turned over. Hertford played some fantastically controlled rugby through the whole team, at times it was an absolute joy to watch, close quarter action at the breakdown and quick offloads, then to move through the back line to make considerable gains in yardage, it is fast becoming a side if ever in doubt few will fancy taking on.

From the side line, it was evident the team have a real belief in the Style of rugby they play, knowing overall they will out preform a more one dimensional team, by by adapting and playing their rugby to over come them.

It was a feisty match, with aggression right on the limit but actually always in control, I saw a couple of high fives between the two teams for great hits, a credit to the boys as it could have easily got overheated.

The score line would lead one to believe it was a one sided game, that it was not, it was very physically, noting the amounts of times Gareth was seen on the pitch medi bag in hand and asking boys to count the amount of fingers he was holding up, Hertford making the most of the opportunities they forged and a stead fast determination to win.

The second half - of normal duration - was a much closer affair, and the Upminster lads took the game to Hertford, very much like the Scots, on the premise of let's try and win this half. It was even for a good 10 minutes or so with both teams exchanging a couple of tries but with Hertford running in a few late tries through good support play up the slope.

Upminster 20 - Hertford 65?
Scorers: think these got multiple tries, Jack, William Iwan, Tom, Morgan, Archie H

Special mentions;

Archie H given Hertford player of the match by Upminster - excellent work both in the tight support play, crunching tackles, fronting up and bullocking runs.
Tom and Iwan for their work rate, tackling and runs, to score some great tries as well as preventing numerous ones.
Taite for vomiting in the middle of game and middle of the pitch, then to run over half the pitch up the slope, not ball in hand but dribbling along the floor for a try ?? With loud hoops and whoops from Sean only to be asked again if he was going to be sick !!!! Sigh, motivational talks 101!!!!
Archie T who was on the side line having taken a knock from sticking his head the wrong side of a tackle, being asked if he could come back on ( noting Hertford have no subs at this point due to injuries and about to play a man down) saying “forget it, I’m on” I am sure that is what he said ?!!!!!
Also to Freddie H, who did come off second best after a crunching tackle on one of their big units and took a knee to the temple and literally saw stars - and will miss the remainder of the season through protocol but return in time for tour.

And finally to our host Upminster for providing a tough contest and welcoming us to Hall lane both on and off the pitch.

Thank you to Anne-Marie for shirt washing duty this week and for Dean for throwing some words together and me to add to (for the second time as the PH report crashed whilst editing - note to self do it in word first or save the draft before you're logged out).