Let’s be fair, CS were lucky to win this one. Still, about time we had some luck having been on the wrong end of close encounters earlier in the Season.

Hertford were fast out of the blocks and their powerful forwards had CS in all sorts of trouble in the initial scrums, winning a series of penalties and scoring a try. CS countered with some fine back movements before James Houston went over to square the score. Hertford then put a penalty over before Paul Olima rounded off another good back move to give CS the lead 10-8. Hertford continued their forward drives having, as their supporters said, no real penetration outside; and following a series of penalties were awarded a penalty try. So at the break the score stood at 10-15.

Hertford scored a penalty immediately after the re-start to extend their lead and followed this 7 minutes later with a try. So, with the score at 10-23 things were looking a bit bleak for CS. But shortly after this and following a red card for Hertford the game changed. CS seized their chance and it was their turn to use their forward supremacy to win a series of penalties near the Hertford line, finally resulting in a penalty try.

CS then had a series of back movements and forward drives but still Hertford held out. And then, finally, in the dying minutes CS put together a wandering forward drive which started off on the left of the pitch and finished on the right over the try line. Up stepped Scott Hadden to convert and give CS the lead at 24-23, the win and 5 points!

CS Rugby 1863 scorers:

Tries:

Houstoun
Olima
Penalty
Endersby

Cons:

Hadden (2)