Cheshunt Rugby

THE HERTS COUNTY YOUTH CUP & PLATE FINAL (Under 15′s)

MBlee — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:02:14 +0000

The rearranged Under 15′s Final will now be played on Sunday 6th May at Harlow’s Ground with a 11.00am Kick off. The address for the venue is listed below, please try and come to support the boys as they take on Bishops Stortford “B” in the Plate Final.

Harlow RFC

Ram Gorse, Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex CM20 . . . → Read More: THE HERTS COUNTY YOUTH CUP & PLATE FINAL (Under 15′s)

THE HERTS COUNTY YOUTH CUP & PLATE FINALS – 29th April 2012

MBlee — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:19:47 +0000

THE FINALS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER – AN ALTERNATIVE DATE WILL BE POSTED HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE HERTS COUNTY YOUTH CUP & PLATE FINALS – 29th April 2012

MBlee — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:40:43 +0000

The Under 15′s will be playing Bishops Stortford “B” in the Plate Final at OA’s ground on Sunday 29th April Kick Off at 12.30pm

Please come along and support the team as they will be looking to complete a League and Cup double this season.

Address details to OA’s is listed Below

Woollam’s Playing . . . → Read More: THE HERTS COUNTY YOUTH CUP & PLATE FINALS – 29th April 2012

Cheshunt Rugby AGM, Monday 23rd April

FatSteve — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:15:02 +0000

The AGM is at 7:30 on Monday 23rd April.

Make sure you attend to have your say in how the club is run.

Harringey 1st XV 8 – 21 Cheshunt 1st XV – 14th April, 2012

FatSteve — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:10:19 +0000

London 3 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt left one of their best performances of the season until last and won an entertaining game which ensured they are lifted clear of the relegation places. The match was hard fought, Haringey throwing everything at Cheshunt in the last 15 minutes but the lasting memories will be the blistering pace and finishing by winger Dave Lever and the defiant defence shown by the whole team, but epitomised by second row Ben Hounslow, whose tackle towards the end of the game kept Haringey wondering how they were going to get to the Cheshunt try line.

Despite a promising start from the visitors, it was the home side that opened the scoring, early penalties had given Cheshunt the chance to get into the Haringey 22 but as soon as Haringey got their hands on the ball they looked dangerous and quickly were down the other end. They continued to attack and after just 8 minutes the fly half spotted a space down the blind side, using the extra man as a decoy, he went through a gap and crossed in the corner.

The Green and Whites were soon on the board themselves, centre Alan Thorne tore through the middle, his run from halfway was stopped 20 yards out, but the home side slowed the ball down at the ruck and Reece Shoobridge converted the penalty.

Haringey used long kicks to keep Cheshunt pinned back, but from a scrum on their own 22, No. 8 Joel Bailey went blind, he found Alex Clark in support and his long pass on halfway was collected by Lever, he sped along the touchline and touched down in the corner to give C’s a 5-8 lead after 20 minutes.

Cheshunt often tried to run the ball out of defence, both sides turning the ball over until C’s gave away a penalty just outside the 22 to level the scores.

Both teams quickly lost players to the sin bin, Cheshunt fly half Tom Claridge was adjudged to have deliberately knocked the ball on, the resulting penalty attempt went wide and Cheshunt quickly counter attacked, Lever carrying the ball in the Haringey 22 and the home side full back got a yellow card for obstructing the ball at the breakdown. The visitors lost the influential Bailey to injury, but the tackle count remained high as Dave Angell joined the fray.

Whilst Haringey always looked dangerous with the ball in hand, strong ball carriers were time and time again knocked backwards and Cheshunt were rewarded for their hard work when Clark took the ball into contact 20 yards out, Haringey again played the ball on the floor and Shoobridge successfully kicked the penalty.Cheshuntcreated a couple more opportunities before the break, but were unable to add to their 8-11 advantage.

A frenetic start to the second half saw both sides come close. Haringey attacked down the left wing, quick ball inside the 22 was spun along the line to the right, but with men over, the ball was dropped 15 yards out, full back Geoff Hayden picked up the loose ball and raced 50 yards up field down the Cheshunt left wing, Cheshunt flung the ball wide on the right, but they too were unable to get through.

Haringey came again and Cheshunt defended for their league place and just kept them out, following a series of 5 yard scrums, Gary Barton had replaced the injured Jake Phillips and with Lee Chalk and Jack Girdlestone, the front row continued to put pressure on the Haringey scrum. C’s kept the line intact but offered another penalty chance just outside the 22, which was pulled to the right.

Two quick scores were to extend the lead for Cheshunt and give them a cushion, first Sean Donnelly’s excellent line out work was rewarded when the forwards took the ball into the 22, quick ball was fed along the back line, Hayden created enough space for Lever to get round his man and 5 yards out, steamrollered the fullback to get to the line, with 20 minutes left Cheshunt had a 8-16 lead.

Then minutes later Clark picked from a scrum on halfway, he quickly passed to Lever who was away again, the fullback, looking for revenge, lined him up but not before he passed back inside to Clark who dived over.

The high tempo of the game continued, the home side determined to get back on the score sheet, and Cheshunt equally determined to hang on to a precious win.

The visitors nearly put the game out of touch, Angell intercepted and galloped up field, he found support from Omid Amani and Hounslow, ruck ball was given to Barton who drove to 20 yards out and then quick ball to Ross Boulton who took play to 10 yards out under the posts, Haringey had transgressed again at the breakdown, but the penalty was reversed for some over exuberance of the feet, Cheshunt keen to remind the Haringey player he was on the wrong side of the ruck.

That was Cheshunt’s last attack, the last nervy 10 minutes was mostly played in the Cheshunt half, despite having the nearly all the possession, the home side were unable to create any more chances, Aydan Duligall, Matt Corcoran and Tom Claridge all making important tackles and a relieved boot into touch 15 yards from the Cheshunt line signalled the final whistle.

So Cheshunt finished another league campaign and maintained their league staus, often flattering to deceive, capable of beating all, bar the runaway leaders HAC, but alas, also slipping to defeat against sides which they should be recording victories against.

Chalk, Girdlestone, Phillips (Barton 47), Donnelly, Hounslow, Clark, Duligall, Bailey (Angell 29), Shoobridge, Claridge, Amani, Thorne (Boulton 67), Corcoran, Lever, Hayden.

Cheshunt 1st XV 5 – 29 London Nigerians 1st XV – 31st March, 2012

FatSteve — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:47:03 +0000

London 3 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt slipped to another defeat against a big, powerful team intent on playing fast open rugby, the home side competed against the second placed team in the league, but were unable to convert the chances they created, Nigerians on the other hand took the opportunities that came their way and will hope to complete their promotion push with the last game of the season.Cheshunt, however will hope that results go their way and they can fashion a win away at Haringey to keep out of the relegation places.

Nigerians started strongly, immediately asking questions of the Cheshunt defence and remained in theCheshunthalf until the first score, a catch and drive at a lineout on the 22 took them to within 10 yards, several phases later they were over in the corner for a 0-5 lead after 12 minutes.

The Green and Whites spent some time in Nigerian territory, but a series of scrums and lineouts amounted to nothing and when the visitors won the ball back they were able to clear. The game went from end to end, another catch and drive taking Nigerians close, this time C’s defended better and were soon back near the Nigerian try line.Cheshuntsensed a real opportunity when the tight head prop was yellow carded and spent the next 10 minutes battering away at the Nigerians line but were unable to get over. Nigerians broke quickly out of defence and always looked at their most dangerous in broken play and when the scrum half broke 30 yards out, he found the fly half in support who ran unopposed and in under the posts, with the conversion the visitors had stretched to a 0-12 lead.

Nigerians looked to increase their lead before the break, but a last ditch tackle from Dave Lever kept them out, he was quickly back on his feet stealing the ball and C’s countered, a long kick from Tom Claridge put the ball deep in the Nigerians 22 and they were forced to concede a 5 metre scrum, No.8 Joel Bailey picked and dived over in the corner to reduce the deficit at halftime to 5-12.

The visitors continued to play the better rugby in the second half, beginning to dominate most areas, but theCheshuntdefence remained intact for the first 15 minutes and had chances to get down field but made mistakes and turned the ball over at crucial times. From a scrum on the 22, Nigerians broke through the middle with a well constructed move, with the conversion led 5-19.

Cheshunthad limited opportunities against the breeze, but following a box kick well taken by Lever they surged into the 22, again the visit went unrewarded and Nigerians showed how it should be done in the last quarter. Given two chances from broken play, the visitors were clinical, first securing the bonus point, then punishing the home team when they were really chasing the game to give the score line a one sided appearance.

Martines, Lynn (Barton 70), Phillips, Donnelly, Mason (Hounslow70), Angell, Clark, Bailey, Shoobridge, Claridge, Amani, Boulton (Duligall 49), Corcoran, Lever, Hayden.

Ampthill U15’s v Cheshunt U15’s April 1st 2012

MBlee — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:40:14 +0000

Division 3 – Saracens Herts / Middlesex Junior League.

Match Report

Cheshunt under 15’s completed their league season with a difficult away win at Ampthill
by 27 – 14 yesterday. This win confirmed their unbeaten status and with maximum
bonus points in the Division they can now look forward to playing rugby in
Division 2 next Season.

On a very hard and dry pitch with not much grass, the match always appeared to be in
Cheshunt’s control without them scoring the points their dominance warranted.
Once again the forwards were winning the ball in good positions all over the
pitch and following a good drive Dan Formoso crossed the line to score in the
corner. Ampthill hit back immediately and scored a well worked try from their
winger who ran in to score under the posts which was converted to leave them
leading by 7-5 very much against the run of play.

Cheshunt were still overall controlling the game and top try scorer Peter Dodsworth
scored yet another superb try to retake the lead as the match became a midfield
battle littered with handling mistakes from both sides. The try was converted
by Johnno Wicks and so the scored remained at 12-7 to Cheshunt at half time.

Coach Mark Standing made a number of changes for the second half and this paid
immediate dividends, as Karl Garside once again demonstrated his powerful
running to hand off several defenders before touching down in the corner to
increase Cheshunt’s lead to ten points. Ampthill though continued to press forward
and only a brilliant last ditch flying tackle from Sean Freeman stopped them
scoring again. Sean then moved forward, took a great pass from a controlled
Cheshunt ruck and sprinted past their defence to score his first try of the
season.

The game was still very fragmented and with ten minutes to play, Ampthill were
awarded a penalty try under the posts following a number of small infringements
close to the Cheshunt try line which was easily converted to narrow the score
to only eight points. Cheshunt were spurred on again by this score and a well
worked move saw Albert Cannon cross the line to score his first try and seal
the win 27-14

Although this was not their best performance of the season, this result showed the squad
has the depth and resilience as well as the attacking power and flair they will
require to compete successfully next year. Large compliments must also be paid
to the team of coaches who have instilled a wonderful team spirit in the boys
and have raised their level of performance beyond all reasonable expectations
this year. The squad now looks forward to try completing a League and Cup “double”
later this month after their tour to the Bournemouth Junior Rugby Festival over
the weekend 13^th to 16^th April.

Mick Blee

Hertford U15′s v Cheshunt U15′s – 28th March 2012

MBlee — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:16:09 +0000

Cheshunt Under 15′s continued their marvellous season with a 41-5 Hammering of local rivals Hertford B in the Semi-Final of the Under 15′s League’s Cup Competition. Played under floodlights yesterday evening at Hertford and supported by a large contingent of supporters across all age groups, Cheshunt dominated the match from start to finish and now look forward to completing a League and Cup “Double” when they contest the final on 29th April.

More details to follow.

Mick Blee

West London 1st XV 22 – 20 Cheshunt 1st XV – 24th March, 2012

FatSteve — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:51:27 +0000

London 3 North West By Steve Waller

Cheshunt were left frustrated as they lost with the last kick of the game, the ball creeping over the crossbar, a game which they outscored their opponents three tries to one and thought they had done enough to win when they crossed for a try in the corner with little time left on the clock.

West London dominated territory for long periods of the match, but were unable to breakdown Cheshunts makeshift back division, Centres Omid Amani and Dave Lever, along with fly half Tom Claridge, tackling everything that came through the middle.

Cheshunt started poorly, not collecting the kick off allowed the home side to put pressure on inside the 22, and after just 2 minutes had kicked an early penalty to open the scoring. Immediately better from the re-start, Cheshunt put the ball through phases, until the first of many penalties for holding on gave West London the chance to get back up field. The visitors had a couple of chances to get back to the West London half but basic mistakes kept them pinned in the 22 until Lever ripped the ball from his opposite number in the tackle and C’s were on the attack. West London won the ball back in the 22, but the clearance kick was fielded by Luke Starkey, he passed inside to Geoff Hayden who then sent Adam Chantler charging at the West London defence, the attack was continued by Joel Bailey into the 22 and this time West London were guilty of slowing the ball down and Reece Shoobridge levelled the scores after 15 minutes.

The home side missed a penalty from the re-start, but with the advantage of the breeze on their backs and Cheshunt continually giving away penalties at the breakdown were able to remain in the Cheshunt half for long periods, penalties at 30 and 38 minutes gave them a 9-3 halftime lead.

Early second half pressure from the Cheshunt back line forced a knock on in the centre, the turnover ball was quickly fed to Lever 30 yards out, he rounded several players and had enough strength to force his way over the line, an excellent conversion from the touchline from Shoobridge gave the Green and Whites the lead for the first time 9-10.

It didn’t last long, Aydan Duligall caught offside received a yellow card and the converted penalty put the home side back in front.

Cheshunt looked to be away when Hayden fly hacked down field, he was tripped, but the penalty was reversed when Claridge tried to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Cheshunt were beginning to look more dangerous, at last getting some decent possession and finally getting the ball along the line, Amani’s long pass to Starkey drew the cover wide and Starkey passed back inside to Lever who outpaced the defence to snatch the lead back 12-15.

The visitors had enjoyed themselves at the scrum all afternoon and looked to have disrupted another west London set piece, deep in the West London half, the no.8 managed to pick the loose ball and the beat the first line of Cheshunt defenders, finding a fellow back row in support, C’s were outnumbered and the chip and chase to the line was won by the back row player, a simple conversion and the home side were back in front 19-15 with just over ten minutes left on the clock.

The visitors were again reduced to 14 men when Connor Pearce saw yellow for a tip tackle, but when Lever broke out of his 22 with just minutes remaining the Green and Whites surged up field, Lever was stopped on the 22, but 6 or 7 phases of quickly re-cycled ball was then fed along the line and Starkey had the pace to get over in the corner and give C’s a one point lead.

Cheshunt caught the re-start and after a couple of passes took contact on the 10 yard line, frustratingly the referee again penalised them at the breakdown and the final kick just had enough to get it over the bar and with it victory for the home side.

Another tough encounter awaits Cheshunt next Saturday with a home game against London Nigerians.

Martines, Chalk (Lynn 70), Phillips, Reynolds (Pearce 60), Mason, Angell, Duligall (Linsell 76), Bailey, Shoobridge, Claridge, Starkey, Amani, Lever, Chantler, Hayden.

Tring U15’s v Cheshunt U15’s March 18th 2012

MBlee — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:26:16 +0000

Match Report

Cheshunt under 15’s continued their great season with a hard fought away win at Tring by 26 -13 yesterday and with this result confirm that with only one league match remaining (away to Ampthill) Cheshunt are still unbeaten and have won the league title and promotion to Division 2 next year.

In a fast paced first half Tring took an early three point lead from a penalty in front of the posts, which was quickly overtaken as Karl Garside powered through the Tring defence to score a great solo try in the corner. Tring then kicked another penalty to regain the lead, but for only a minute, as a great drive by the Cheshunt forwards enabled Mikey Heckman to storm superbly through the middle of the pitch to score. This try was brilliantly converted by Tom McBride from a fairly acute angle to leave the score 12-6 to Cheshunt with half time looming. The Cheshunt pack were now beginning to make real headway against a resolute Tring defence and a sweeping move looked to be adding to the score, when a misplaced pass allowed a breakaway from the Tring centre to score under the posts. This try was duly converted to leave the score at 13 -12 to the home side at half time.

This late score seemed to inspire the Cheshunt team and they came out for the second half with even more determination than before. The Tring forwards were fighting for every ball only to be continually pushed back into their own half as they tried to kick their way into Cheshunt territory. However, this tactic was unsuccessful and Cheshunt continued to dominate possession and after a move of seven or eight phases Cheshunt appeared to score a great try which was unfortunately then disallowed by the referee.

After coming so close to scoring the Cheshunt team now seemed to sense victory and Cheshunt’s hooker Harry Hickey crashed over the line to score a well deserved try. And with the simple conversion by Tom McBride this gave them a deserved six point lead and the upper hand in the match. Now, with the Tring team visibly tiring and with only two minutes remaining, a sweeping move by virtually the whole team culminated in centre Michael Steele crossing over the line to score a memorable try. This made the game safe at 26 – 13 following the easy conversion by the team Captain Tom McBride.

This last score allowed the coach Mark Standing to give all his reserves a chance to play the last minute or so and enjoy the scenes of jubilation on the pitch as the final whistle blew. This was a superb result against a strong Tring side and demonstrates the level of commitment and skill by a squad of very good young players who will undoubtedly compete well at a higher level next year.

Mick Blee

Cheshunt Under 15′s – Division 3 Champions 2012

MBlee — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:04:39 +0000

Many Congratulations to the Under 15 Squad for winning Div 3 of the Herts / Middlesex League with one game remaining. Following a magnificent victory by 26 -13 at Tring earlier today. Full write up to follow shortly.

POS		P	W	L	F	A	DIFF	BP	PTS
1	Cheshunt	6	6	0	254	55	199	5	30
2	TRING	7	5	2	197	99	98	3	23
3	Tabard	6	4	2	144	106	38	5	21
4	RUISLIP	6	3	3	111	140	-29	3	15
5	Grasshoppers	6	2	4	106	141	-35	2	10
6	Ampthill	4	2	2	30	59	-29	0	8
7	London Welsh	6	1	5	79	194	-115	0	4
8	Hemel Hempstead	5	0	5	54	181	-127	1	1

Cheshunt 1st XV 38 – 14 Bank Of England 1st XV – 10th March, 2012

FatSteve — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:58:43 +0000

London 3 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt finally turned in the performance they have been threatening for the past few weeks and completely swept away their relegation rivals in their best second half display this season.

They could have got away earlier in the game, but half a dozen early penalties allowed the Bank Fly Half to keep the ball in the Cheshunt half and with both sides defence on top form; the game, for the first ten minutes, remained in the middle third. Slowly Cheshunt worked up field and a period of persistent pressure allowed the home side to spend a sustained length of time in the Bank 22, however a spilt ball just 10 metres out looked to have let the visitors of the hook. The Cheshunt front row of Ollie Martines, Jack Girdlestone and Jake Phillips nicked a ball against the head and after another six phases, Joel Bailey was on hand to take a pass and crash over from short range for a 5-0 lead after 17 minutes

A mix up at the re-start gave the Bank a pot at goal, the effort was just pulled to the left, but C’s were unable to get out of the danger zone and soon presented an easier chance which was duly converted.

The Green and Whites continued to press and were awarded a penalty on half way, Shoobridge kicked down the line, for a line out on the 22 and ball off the top allowed Tom Claridge the time to invite centre Alan Thorne to run at the Bank defence, he smashed through the first line of defenders and dragged several others with him on a determined run to the try line and Cheshunt led 10-3 after 28 minutes.

Another poorly dealt with re-start gave the visitors a chance to apply pressure on the home team and another penalty reduced the arrears to 10-6. More penalties followed and it allowed the Bank to keep visiting the Cheshunt half, winger Dave Lever received a yellow card for entering a ruck from the side and the visitors kicked to the 22, inevitably another penalty followed and the lead was down to a single point.Cheshuntcontinued to look dangerous on the attack and were frustrated not to get over the line again before the half time whistle went.

Once Cheshunt stopped giving away penalties at the breakdown, the visitors rarely had a look in during the second period. Thorne continued to test the Bank back line and again he drove through the middle and up to the 22, Aydan Duligall did well to keep the attack alive and from a ruck the ball was spun back in field and Alex Clark proved unstoppable from 10 yards out, Shoobridge added the extras and Cheshunt extended the advantage to 17-9.

The pack worked tirelessly all afternoon, Sean Donnelly and Andy Mason won valuable line out ball and drove at their opponents in open play, Martines continually kept the Bank defenders busy around the side of the breakdown and hardly a tackle was missed all afternoon by the busy back row.

They soon had their bonus point try, from quick ball form another line out on the 22, this time Claridge fed outside centre Matt Corcoran, his lovely angled run took him clean through the Bank line and he was quick enough to run around the full back and under the posts, giving Shoobridge another easy conversion.

This time from the re-start it was the visitors who were guilty of killing the ball, Cheshunt quickly got the ball back into the Bank 22 and after a series of scrums, Bailey picked from yards out and powered over the line, another two points from Shoobridge had put Cheshunt clear at 31-9.

Meanwhile C’s had emptied the bench and all 3 replacements had immediate work to do, wing forward Dave Angell was called upon to tackle the big second row on the charge in mid-field, Ross Boulton in the centre imitated Thorne and tore through the middle, he was supported by Lee Chalk who took the ball close to the line before C’s were penalised again. Chalk continued to keep the pressure on the Bank front row and the home side enjoyed dominance there all afternoon.

The visitors were able to occasionally show the form that defeated Cheshunt earlier in the season and after a long period in the Cheshunt 22, the C’s defence was finally broken and they crossed in the corner to pull back to 31-14.

The home side remained in control and were soon back deep in Bank territory and from a scrum 30 yards out Claridge passed inside to Lever coming in from his wing, he drew the full back perfectly and found Bailey in support, he completed his hat-trick with a 20 yard run and Shoobridge completed the scoring with the conversion.

The Bank tried to get back on the scoreboard but Cheshunt’s determined defence remained resolute and they deserved the comfortable 38-14 victory.

They will enjoy their Saturday off next week, before another crunch game away toWest Londonthe following week.

Martines, Girdlestone, Phillips (Chalk), Donnelly, Mason, Duligall (Angell), Clark, Bailey, Shoobridge, Claridge, Amani, Thorne (Boulton), Corcoran, Lever, Hayden.

Pre Match Lunch – Saturday, 31st March 2012

FatSteve — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:26 +0000

Dear all,

I am arranging an end of season lunch on the 31st March before the 1st XV game against London Nigerians.

This is doubling up as an ex-players reunion and we have had a good response so far, (Thanks Fraser). If you know any ex-players who might be interested please invite them along.

All are welcome and it would be nice to see some of the youth/mini coaches/parents attending.

It will be a 12pm meet for a 12.30 sit down and costs £20.00.

Please either e-mail me on briggsy69@googlemail.com or call me on 07968 843 098 to reserve your seats.

I look forward to seeing you at the lunch,

Steve Briggs
Club President

London New Zealand 1st XV 39 – 0 Cheshunt 1st XV – 3rd March, 2012

FatSteve — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:08:31 +0000

London 3 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt drew a blank against a rampant LNZ side determined to gain revenge for the earlier season result at Andrews’s lane. Whilst LNZ thoroughly deserved the victory,Cheshunt felt the scoreboard could have looked a little more balanced with some consistent refereeing decisions.

With a strong breeze blowing from corner to corner C’s took the worst of the conditions in the first half and were unable to get into the LNZ half, several penalties allowed the home side to remain on the front foot and only 8 minutes had passed when the fly half created an opening for the open side wing forward to dive over for a 5-0 lead.

Cheshunt were more determined from the re-start, going through several phases and working their way into LNZ territory, but a spilt ball on the 10 yard line gave the all blacks a chance to run at a broken defensive line, they were soon through the middle and had doubled their lead after 12 minutes.

The Green and Whites looked to put the pressure on after Alex Clark had broken down the blind side and chipped to within a few yards of the try line, LNZ defended well and got back up field with the aid of the strong breeze. At their next attack, Geoff Hayden snatched an interception, as the defenders closed in he floated a long pass to right winger Jack Gutteridge, it fell just out of his grasp on halfway, but with an open field in front.

LNZ had their third try on the half hour mark, a lineout just inside theCheshunthalf was fed along the back line and the right winger was given enough room to dive over in the corner.

The erratic refereeing of the ruck and maul played into the home sides hands, always keen to test the laws at the breakdown, LNZ slowed all Cheshunt ball, but managed to convince the man in black that C’s were often the guilty party, both sets of supporters were astonished when Clark was shown a yellow card, when he was clearly on his feet trying to take the ball from a tackled player on the floor.

The home side took advantage of the extra man with two tries before the break, one of which was converted to extend the lead to 27-0.

Cheshunt finally had some quality possession just before the half time whistle, Hayden had broke up field to half way, then Dave Angells’ chip into the 22 looked promising but the referee pulled play back to halfway, only to give C’s a penalty when they would have preferred to take their chances with the loose ball in the 22.

The visitors had a better start to the second period, but were still bemused with the refs interpretation of playing the ball on the floor and he frustrated a dominant front row by penalising them without explanation.

Away from the contact areas the LNZ backs always looked dangerous and a chip down the left wing was collected by the fly half, his inside pass gave the left winger a clear run to the line with the extras the lead had stretched to 34-0. He quickly added his second in the corner for a 39-0 lead with plenty of time still left on the clock.

Ben Hounslow was the second visitor to the sin bin when he questioned another refereeing decision; he was soon joined by Matt Corcoran and the LNZ second row who had a disagreement at the breakdown.

Cheshunt finally worked some room down the left wing, following several phases of play they had a three man overlap as the surged towards the 22, they were further frustrated as the play was pulled back to halfway and C’s were awarded a penalty, by this time the LNZ defence had organised itself.

One last chance went when Hayden again broke through the middle. He found Amani in support who was tackled near the line, LNZ killed the ball at the breakdown, offering C’s another penalty, but giving them time to get back in numbers and stop C’s getting any consolation.

Cheshunt’s home game against the Bank of England next Saturday takes on even more importance as they get dangerously near the foot of the table.

Martines, Chalk (Lynn 60), Short, Donnelly, Hounslow (Duligall 65), Clark, Angell, Bailey, Shoobridge, Claridge, Amani, Cummines (Chantler 50), Corcoran, Gutteridge, Hayden.

Tabard U15’s v Cheshunt U15’s – January 22nd 2012

MBlee — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:00:18 +0000

Saracens Herts/Middlesex Junior League By Mick Blee

Cheshunt under 15’s superb year continued yesterday with a fourth straight win against a very strong Tabard team at Radlett, in their first away fixture of the season.
At the start of play Tabard led Division 3 by one point by virtue of having played one more game than all the other teams. However, in this game they were
totally overwhelmed by the power and the pace of an inspired Cheshunt team who dominated throughout and now themselves top the league table with only three fixtures remaining this season.

Following a very strange penalty decision awarded to Tabards after five minutes of the opening period of intensive play, the Tabards winger slipped past two Cheshunt tackles and scored under the posts for a converted try to lead 7-0 totally against the run of play. This was the signal for the Cheshunt team to immediately step up another gear and they scored an unanswered 52 points during the rest of the game to run out convincing winners.

The first try scored by winger Peter Dodsworth and the second by centre Michael Steele were unfortunately not converted as Cheshunt found great success powering down the right flank. This was then followed by an intense period of forward play as Cheshunt continually pinned Tabards back in their own half, which culminated in Harry Hickey diving over to score his first try of the season. The conversion was taken by Johnno Wicks to give the away side a well deserved half time lead of 17-7

The second half kicked off with Cheshunt kicking into the strong wind which did not slow down the power or pace of their play. They continued to push up and pin the opposition back in their own half, with the all the forwards making great tackles and covering every yard of the very wide pitch to close down any threat. This allowed the pace of the Cheshunt backs to run riot and Billy Stella scored twice in quick succession both of which were converted by Johnno Wicks to increase the overall lead to 31-7. Then from a good phase of play in the middle of the field by both the forwards and back division, Karl Garside broke away and shook off three tackles before scoring his try under the posts with the conversion safely completed by Billy Stella.

With the league bonus point secured, Cheshunt coach Mark Standing made his full allowance of seven substitutions over the last quarter of the game, showing the range and depth within this talented squad of players. The changes however made no difference to the pattern of play and Peter Dodsworth scored his second try of the match which was duly converted by Nick Riches to push the score to 45-7.

With the clock running down, a great solo run allowed Billy Stella to complete his hat trick which was again converted by Johnno Wicks to leave the final score a crushing 52-7 victory to Cheshunt.

Finchley 1st XV 22 – 7 Cheshunt 1st XV – 25th February, 2012

FatSteve — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:37:21 +0000

London 3 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt travelled with a much changed side to promotion chasing Finchley on Saturday and gave a spirited performance, but again came away empty handed from a game in which they competed in most disciplines.

Finchley took an early lead from the second of two penalties, around the edge of the 22, and although they had the better of territorial advantage, with the breeze on their backs, were otherwise kept at bay by a well organisedCheshuntdefence.

The play for most of the half was restricted to the middle third, Finchley having the upper hand at the scrum, but parity was achieved by the under strength Cheshunt pack in all other departments. No 8 Ben Hounslow and scrum half Reece Shoobridge managed to control difficult ball at the set piece, and on Finchley ball, Shoobridge played like an extra back row player, the home side number 8 unable to escape from his tackling and harassing at the back of the scrum. Aydan Duligall and Alan Thorne tackled everything that moved around the breakdown and Finchley were beginning to run out of ideas on how they were to break theCheshuntdefence line down.

However, with just 10 minutes to half time a sliced kick out of defence fell to the Finchley full back, he sprinted back into the 22 and quick re-cycled ball gave the fly half a chance to run in broken play, his quick feet got him over the line near to the posts, a simple conversion gave Finchley a 10-0 half time lead.

Any thoughts C’s had of using the breeze to put the home side under pressure quickly disappeared, a penalty at the re-start was kicked down the line by Finchley, a successful lineout on the 10 yard line was spun along the backs, they used the wide, dry pitch well and created an overlap, although the left winger was pulled down short of the line, Finchley were able to re-cycle ball and the number 8 was on hand to take a short pass and cross the line, the difficult conversion was added and C’s found themselves 17-0 adrift.

The second half was far more entertaining than the first, both sides eager to run the ball out wide and Cheshunt were beginning to look more threatening. Matt Corcoran, making only his second appearance of the campaign, and fellow centre Ross Boulton ran hard at the Finchley defence, Lee Chalk and Tom Reynolds in the second row, worked hard to keep the pack going forwards and after a sustained period of pressure the referee had seen enough of Finchley slowing the ball down at the breakdown and sent the number 6 to the sin bin.

Cheshuntcontinued to press and a series of penalties under the posts tested the referee’s patience even further, he awarded the penalty try and Finchley were lucky not to loose another player to the bin. Shoobridge’s easy conversion pulled back the score to 17-7.

The visitors had emptied the bench, Charlie Porter, Jack Jaggs and Adam Chantler all helped to keep the momentum going as the play swung from end to end, but it was Finchley who crossed the line next, more room down the left wing saw them go over in the corner.

There was still plenty of time on the clock, the home side trying to earn the try bonus point,Cheshuntdesperate for some reward and a losing bonus point, meant the game continued to be played at a fast pace, however neither side were able to add to their tally.

Another tricky away trip awaits the Green and Whites next weekend as the travel to London NewZealand.

Martines, Girdlestone, Short, Chalk (Chantler), Reynolds, Thorne, Duligall (Jaggs) Hounslow, Shoobridge, Claridge, Gutteridge, Boulton, Corcoran, Lever (Porter), Hayden

Cheshunt 1st XV 3 – 20 Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) 1st XV – 18th February, 2012

FatSteve — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:26:02 +0000

London 3 North West By Steve Waller

Cheshunt went down heroically on Saturday against the runaway, undefeated league leaders. For long periods of the match, particularly in the second half, Cheshunt controlled the territory and created enough opportunities to beat their high flying opponents, as it was, they restricted HAC to their lowest score of the season, and will know if they can reproduce this level of spirited performance, they will finish the season in the top half of the league.

Electing to play into the breeze and rain, Cheshunt soon made their intentions clear, Joel Bailey immediately bursting through tackles and gave the rest of his forwards a platform to attack from. The visitors defence was well organised and kept the Green and Whites playing the rugby outside the 22, until they were able to win the ball back and clear down field. A Reece Shoobridge box kick set up the next attack, Dave Lever leaping high to collect the ball and take play back into the HAC half; once again the visitors soon got back in numbers and stifled the threat.

The forward battle was intriguing, the scrummage and lineouts were evenly contested throughout, Bailey, Clark and Duligall in the back row made a nuisance of themselves in both defence and attack and despite the conditions both sides handled the ball well without many errors.

HAC first real foray into the Cheshunt 22, won them a penalty for offside in front of the posts, and they had the lead after 12 minutes. They soon extended that lead, C’s eventually outnumbered in the next attack and a try near the posts with a simple conversion put them 0-10 up after 16 minutes.

Defence on both sides was excellent, neither side getting particularly near the try line, but another penalty given away at the breakdown gave HAC another pot at goal and a 0-13 half time lead.

With the rain on their backs, Cheshunt really upped their game in the second period, Sean Donnelly and Ben Hounslow worked tirelessly in the second row, Ollie Martines, Jack Girdlestone, Tony Short and Jake Phillips all took their turn in making the hard yards in the difficult conditions.

Alan Thorne and Ross Boulton in the centre continued to crash into the HAC back line and in broken play Thorne surged through on the half way line, deep into the 22 he could not get his pass away but Cheshunt had possession near the try line. HAC this time were guilty of transgressing at the breakdown and Shoobridge slotted the penalty.

The home side were now enjoying all the territory, replacement Geoff Hayden again attacking the HAC defence in broken play, again Cheshunt got close to the line, HAC happy to give away another penalty, but this time the effort was pulled wide.

Fly half Tom Claridge kept his back line going forward, varying the play between forwards and backs and kept looking for the opening that flying wingers Lever and Omid Amani needed, HAC were too clever to allow any space out wide and rarely missed a tackle around the breakdown

Despite coming close on a couple more occasions, Bailey was just tackled into touch a yard short and Shoobridge had another long range attempt at goal, but again it was pulled to the left, Cheshunt were not able to break down the best defence in the league.

The game was put beyond Cheshunt when Amani was shown the yellow card for handling on the floor, HAC immediately took advantage of the extra man, moving the ball quickly, they had several men over and the converted try put the game beyond Cheshunt with 10 minutes left.

In a very evenly matched contest, Cheshunt felt a little unlucky to come away with no reward, but will recognise that they gave HAC one of their tougher matches of the season, and will look to continue this form when they visit another promotion hopeful, Finchley, next Saturday.

Martines (Phillips 40), Girdlestone, Short, Donnelly, Hounslow, Clark, Bailey, Duligall (Angell 62), Shoobridge, Claridge, Amani, Boulton, Thorne, Lever, Gutteridge (Hayden 50)

Pre-Match Credit Munch – 10th March, 2012

FatSteve — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:00:38 +0000

Cheshunt v Bank of England

Saturday 10th March 2012 @ 12:30pm

AK Fine Ale* & Cheese Reception 3 pints of Ale and all the cheese you can eat

£10.00pp – Tickets behind bar or book with John Healy

Tel 07900 525606 or email john@johnhealy.co.uk . . . → Read More: Pre-Match Credit Munch – 10th March, 2012

Lunch on 18th February Cancelled

FatSteve — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Due to lack of response and doubts about the pitch/weather the lunch is cancelled on Saturday.

Next lunch will be our last home game of the season against London Nigerians.

Steve Briggs
President

Tony Smith Has Passed Away

FatSteve — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:42:55 +0000

We sadly report that Tony Smith passed away unexpectedly on 3rd February. For those that don’t know, Tony was a dedicated follower of Cheshunt Rugby Club for many years holding various committee & volunteer positions.

Tony will be missed by everyone that knew him. There is a message from his son, Buster, below.

The service will take place on Friday 17 February 11:30am – 12:30pm at St Mary’s Church, Cheshunt and there will be a chance to catch up and share a few memories, a beer and a sausage roll at the Rugby Club from 1:30pm onwards.

All at Cheshunt RFC,

I am having difficulty in writing this message, but I have to report some sad news. My Dad, (Tony) died unexpectedly last night.

As you know he was a great supporter of the club during my playing years and a little beyond, attended every home game and almost every away fixture. He was with some of the other Dads, a vice president for some time and collected gate money on match days (do you remember those halcyon days!), attended club functions and generally cast a critical eye over mine and others performance on the hallowed turf of Rosedale! He certainly enjoyed immensely the League & Cup double year - happy days.

I thought I would report his passing to the club, not that I expect many people would remember him there now, but just because I thought it is the right thing to do and he would of appreciated the gesture.

So if there are any old faces up there, please pass on my sad news. I am completely devastated to say the least.

I will be returning to the UK for the service and if I get the chance will pop into the club, hopefully on a match day if you are at home, to cheers on the Green & Whites.

Warm regards and ‘Go Hard’ Cheshunt RFC,

Buster

Committee Meeting Cancelled Tonight

FatSteve — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:09:31 +0000

Tonight’s Monthly meeting is cancelled

Pre-Match Lunch – 18th February, 2012

FatSteve — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:41:06 +0000

Dear All,

I am arranging a lunch for the 18th of February before our game against HAC. All are welcome.

Cost will be £20. It is a 12 O’clock meet for a 12.30 sit down.

If you would like to come along please either e-mail me at briggsy69@googlemail.com or give me a call on . . . → Read More: Pre-Match Lunch – 18th February, 2012

London Welsh Amateurs 1st XV 25 – 17 Cheshunt 1st XV – 28th January, 2012

FatSteve — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:45:08 +0000

London 2 North West by Steve Waller

Cheshunt wasted another opportunity to pick up points on the road, London Welsh crossed the Cheshunt try line four times in twenty second half minutes, so despite controlling the game for most of the first half and looking stronger at the final whistle, they returned to Hertfordshire pointless.

Both sides gave away early penalties at the breakdown, so play was restricted to the middle third of a large pitch until C’s were able to create some space down the left wing and worked their way into the 22. A series of penalties allowed the Green and Whites to apply pressure on the Welsh line, but they looked to have lost their chance with a knock on, just inches short. However the Cheshunt set piece kept winning the ball back and only first class tackling from the home side kept Cheshunt out. The Welsh finally got the ball out of the 22 but it fell straight to Dave Lever, he cut through the London Welsh back line, then side stepped the full back to touch down under the posts, Reece Shoobridge added the easy conversion for a 0-7 lead.

The home side got into C’s 22 from the re-start, the visitors didn’t clear their lines and conceded a penalty, the attempt was pulled wide but London Welsh continued to press. A ball against the head saw Cheshunt win the ball back and they went through the phases until Adam Chantler was able to break down the right wing. He kept the ball alive 20 yards out and C’s maintained possession until awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which gave Shoobridge the chance to stretch the lead to 0-10.

Another poorly dealt with re-start gave the Welsh another pot at goal and they pulled back 3 points.

Cheshunt continued to enjoy the majority of possession and territory, but a spilt ball on the 22 was quickly kicked up field and the Welsh ended the first half on the attack, Cheshunt’s defence kept the score to 3-10 at the break.

The visitors had an early opportunity at the start of the second period, but lost the ball at the lineout 20 yards out, the Welsh backs broke quickly and after a few phases the right winger was able to run in unopposed from 30 yards, under the posts and with the easy conversion the scores were level.

The reds had their tails up and only a last gasp tackle from Geoff Hayden kept them out from the next attack and both sides were attacking at every opportunity and the play went from end to end.

The game quickly slipped away from Cheshunt, when the big London Welsh second row added a brace of tries in a couple of minutes, both from 15 yards out, the first he crashed through tackles, the second he went over unhindered, after a clever inside pass from the fly half. London Welsh soon had their try bonus point and with 20 minutes left had a 25-10 advantage.

Jack Girdlestone and Alex Clark had both retired injured, Sean Donnelly and Lee Chalk entering the fray, and then both sides were reduced to 14 men when Dave Lever and his opposite number had their second disagreement.

Cheshunt picked up the pace and enjoyed a prolonged period in the London Welsh 22 and felt they were unlucky not to be rewarded to get back in the game when the Welsh scrum half deliberately knocked the ball on, whilst in an offside position, preventing a certain try. They stayed in the Welsh half, Dave Angell broke from the back of a scrum, he was tackled 20 metres out but Cheshunt kept hold of the ball until the quick feet of Shoobridge got him through a gap and he scampered over the line, he also added the extras to reduce the deficit to 25-17. For all their effort in the last few moments they were unable to get back on the score sheet and so were denied even a losing bonus point from a game in which victory was well within their grasp.

A difficult trip to Finchley awaits them next week.

Short, Girdlestone (Chalk 49), Martines, Mason, Linsell, Angell, Duligall, Clark (Donnelly 61), Shoobridge, Claridge, Lever, Boulton, Amani, Chantler, Hayden.

Cheshunt U9′s vs Barking 27th November 2011

Nikki — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:04:42 +0000

Results:

Cheshunt Lions 25 – 0 Barking

Cheshunt Tigers 25 – 5 Barking

Cheshunt Mixed 15 – 0 Barking

Cameron Manning

Cheshunt U9′s vs Hertford & Newmarket 20th November 2011

Nikki — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:57:43 +0000

A busy day with 11 games played.

Results:

Cheshunt Sarries 0 – 10 Hertford A, Cheshunt Sarries 25 – 5 Hertford B, Cheshunt Sarries 65 – 0 Newmarket B.

Cheshunt Wasps 10 – 5 Newmarket A , Cheshunt Wasps 0 – 30 Newmarket B, Cheshunt Wasps 10- 15 Hertford B, Cheshunt Wasp 0 – 30 Hertford A .

Cheshunt Quins 0 – 15 Hertford C, Cheshunt Quins 0 – 40 Hertford A, Cheshunt Quins 20 – 0 Hertford D, Cheshunt Quins 35 – 0 Hertford B.

Thomas Diston