Stevenage Town RFC

A visit to my 2nd favourite club on a beautiful sunday morning saw 2 teams keen to get the victory. With both clubs having large squads it was agreed that we would play 3x 20 mins so everyone got good game time. 

Stevenage kicked off and we were under way, it started off with big hit after big hit from both teams. The Stevenage pack looked dominant in the scrum but were a little slow to the ruck and this was to be the story for the first 20 mins. With another scrum won against the head, Ciaran continued from where he left off last week, making a great run deep into the Letchworth half and after winning the ball at the ruck, Luke made a quick break and fed Aaron who weaved his way through the desperate defence to score a great try. Conversion missed. 0-5

The rest of the first third was a bit back and fourth, with great defence from both sides. With seconds remaining a good backs move saw the ball make its way out wide on the left and just as Harrison dived for the line the ref blew up for a very strange decision which saw the try disallowed and the game halted for the first break. 0-5 after first third.

With the skipper away sunning himself in Cyprus, it was time for Charlie to step up and show us what he can do, and that he did. As the kick off went up, a loud shout was heard and after a great catch he was on the move there was no need for any side step as this was route one rugby,BOSH, the letchworth player picked up a few air miles as Charlie almost sent him to Baldock! A great carry that excited everyone except the Letchworth defence. Stevenage then made good ground to get deep into Letchworth territory only to spill the ball in a good attacking position. From the resulting scrum Stevenage seemed to have won the ball when it somehow popped out on Letchworths side, and a swift move saw them out pace the Stevenage defence to score under the posts. Conversion scored 7-5.

With the 2nd third coming close to the end, a penalty to Stevenage saw them kick deep into the corner. A set play at the lineout saw a great catch and drive, and with Frankie on the ball he burst through from close range to score a well executed try. Training does pay off, well done coaches! Conversion scored 7-12

An injury to a Letchworth player after an awkward fall saw him leave the field in a bad way and an ambulance had to be called. The ref blew for the end of period 2 and this was a great game to watch. 7-12

The last part of the game kicked off and this could go either way, numerous changes for both teams as they looked to get the victory. The powerful runs of Harvey, Ciaran and Charlie saw Stevenge start the stronger but Letchworth dug deep and won a few good turnovers which frustrated our team. We lost Harrison and Ciaran to injury with 10 minutes to go,but any subs we made stepped up to the mark and gave 100%. We battled hard and again after a penalty, we kicked for the corner and again, a great set piece saw us work in field and a bulldozing break from stand in skipper Frankie, saw him make the line to seal the victory. Conversion missed. Final score 7-17 A great result. 

After both teams shook hands after a great game, there was a touching moment when Stevenage lined up outside the ambulance and shouted 3 cheers for Fraizer, who was still in there in some pain, the crowd showed their appreciation and applauded the lads. We wish Frazier well.

We are looking forward to the return fixture later on in the season, it should be a cracker. Well played lads a great mornings rugby.

Adam Amos, Coach.