Tigers 30 – 14 Bishop’s Stortford
On Saturday we welcomed East Hertfordshire side Bishop’s Stortford, who arrived lying 8th in the league and in good recent form. We had beaten them 20–15 away in October, but after five disappointing games and our lowly league position we knew we had to be at our best. Training had been thorough and the squad were determined to show what we are capable of.
We started superbly, putting early pressure on the visitors. After a patient build-up of phases, prop John Blanchard crashed over in the bottom right corner. Oli Glasse narrowly missed the difficult conversion, but we led 5–0 after three minutes. Another excellent passage of interlinking play between forwards and backs saw second row Bob Birtwell power over for our second try, which Oli converted for a 12–0 lead. A penalty on 15 minutes extended the score to 15–0.
Bishop’s Stortford responded well as we surrendered possession and territory through a series of penalties. After sustained pressure in our 22, their second row scored a converted try, followed soon after by a converted try for their right winger after a good line break. We went into the break 15–14 up, pleased to be ahead but disappointed to have let them back in.
The second half was initially a stalemate, with both teams struggling for control and giving away penalties. On 64 minutes Oli converted a penalty to make it 18–14. Our defence then stood firm, and a midfield knock-on by the visitors was kicked through for Rhys Henderson to chase and score from 40 metres out. At 23–14, we were in control.
The highlight came four minutes later when captain Connor James won a line-out. Will Bennet broke through three tackles to feed Lewis Bradley, who raced 30 metres to score under the posts. Oli converted and the game ended 30–14, securing a vital five-point win.
This was a much improved all-round performance. Will Bennet deservedly took star player and has a bright future. The win moves us up to ninth, but it remains tight. Next week we travel to old rivals Leicester Lions. Nothing will be taken for granted.
Cheers,
Steve Hazz