Sunday 25 September 2022
Our first home match of the season welcomed Barnet to Cheshunt, always a good game in previous years.
The lads are having to adapt to not only the larger full-size pitch but also the Cheshunt hill. Winning the toss, Cs sensibly chose to play uphill in the first half. It was a great first half, both teams playing some good rugby through the hands and Cheshunt looking much improved at the breakdown compared to last week.
Kai playing in the new full back role positioned himself perfectly to catch a high clearing kick and charge up the pitch and through to score our first try. Great fullback play.
The play was balanced and end to end. A great run from Archie saw him tackled 5m from the line and hands in the ruck earned a penalty to Cs. Quick thinking, Archie tapped to himself and catch Barnet off guard to cross over and score.
Cheshunt were playing well with Ailbe, Archie and George trying some good passing moves off the training ground. The forwards were also carrying hard up the hill and tackling well.
Barnet had many fast players who were causing difficulties for Cs. A great covering take from Jonty playing his first match prevented a try and also a brilliant last-ditch tap tackle from George prevented another.
Move of the match came at the end of the half with a great long run from Hadley who was supported by Kaiden who cleared the ball out brilliantly at the ruck. A quick pass from Blake to Clayton who carried the ball well and shipped out to Louie to use his pace and run in at the corner. A great team try perfectly showing what is achievable with good support and quick ball.
Barnet edged it at half time on the score card, but we hoped we would dominate in the second half going downhill. However, the heat and the hill took its toll in the first half leaving Cs a bit short of energy in the second half and we struggled to cope with the quick passing of Barnet who cut through our defence a bit too easy to forge ahead with the score.
Another great run from Hadley saw him dodge and weave his way through to scope a well-deserved try solo try. Soon after we were over again with George storming through the middle and the ball finding its way to Kai who cut through a gap for his second try of the match.
The score line did not reflect the effort and balance of the game. A few better decisions at key moments and quicker offloading, we could have got more scores.
Our fitness will keep improving if the boys continue with this level of effort shown. Special mention to the new lads Jack, Reuben and Jonty who all showed great commitment and effort.
Some good positives and lots to improve on for our first league match next weekend.
Man of the Match for two great tries and great covering defence – Kai.

Author: Matt Coleman