With the temperature creeping up over freezing and the sun starting to shine, we welcomed Hertford to Bishops Stortford, for a resumption of our annual contest.

With a full squad to pick from, the game was played in 3 periods, giving the coaches a chance to get everyone playing an equal part in the match.

The Whites started the game very strongly, with the majority of the first period being played in the oppositions half. Even when defending we were doing it too far up the field for Hertford to make any moves towards our try line. Powerful running, quick work at the breakdown and good support play saw the boys go into a 20-0 lead going into the first break. However a kick from defence and a fortuitous bounce saw the Hertford full-back make the most of the wrong-footed defence for them get a try with the last play of the first period, so 20-5 at the whistle.

The second period saw a revitalised Hertford team, buoyed up by their first try of the game. The shuffle around of players for Stortford maybe unsettled them and Hertford were quick to pounce with an early try. Then it became a hard fought match in the middle of the field, with each team quick to make the most of any chance, with last ditch tackles being made by both teams. The end of the second period and it was much closer with the scores at 25-20 to the home team.

Previous years have seen this team capitulate in similar positions, but this year the boys look to have matured and they dug deep and refused to be beaten. Knowing that they couldn't afford to concede anymore tries, they put their bodies on the line and as a team defended as though their lives depended on it. Then something happened! I don't normally mention individual players, as it's the team that either wins or loses, but someone upset Max!! We've been waiting to see the real Max and on Sunday he showed us what he's capable of. Twice, running from the half way line with 3 or 4 players hanging onto him, he powered his way to the try line in the final period. Finishing of the opposition, but only possible because of all the work put in by the whole team. Though a much closer game than the scoreline suggests.

So the winning run continues for the Whites, with 3 wins from 3 matches. Well done boys!