Barnet’s well drilled lineout was the difference between two teams, trying to get away from the relegation zone. A very muddy pitch, with surface water lying in large puddles, made continuity difficult and the team that controlled the set piece were always likely to emerge victorious.

Early Cheshunt pressure ended with the first of many knock-ons, Barnet were able to clear to half way and when the home side had a kick charged down, the visitors surged towards the Cheshunt line. Cheshunt were unable to stop the attack legally and Barnet had a 0-3 lead after 7 minutes.

Ross Chamberlain set up the next Cheshunt attack when he broke from his own 22, Barnet this time halted the attack illegally and Cheshunt were able to kick down the line for an attacking lineout, but a lack of control soon gave possession away. Despite the difficult conditions, Cheshunt tried to play some rugby and an attack which swung quickly from the right wing over to the left looked promising when Dave Lever’s inside pass to Geoff Hayden sent him into the 22, Hayden got to within 5 metres but was bundled into touch. Barnet though, were offside and Cheshunt kept up the pressure with a series of lineouts and scrums near the line, the forwards picked and drove at the line but eventually spilt the ball and Barnet had a chance to clear to halfway. Hayden returned with the ball back deep into the Barnet 22, however, Cheshunt were unable to force a score and gave away another penalty at the breakdown.

The visitors were happy to kick possession away in exchange for territory and when Cheshunt dealt poorly with a kick downfield, it paid off. Another penalty allowed Barnet to kick to the corner and a well-rehearsed catch and drive from the lineout gave them their first try after 30 minutes.

Barnet’s next attack should have stopped when they infringed at a scrum 10 yards out, incredibly the home side tried to run the ball out of defence and turned the ball over, although Barnet soon knocked the ball on, Cheshunt had given away another penalty and from in front of the posts they were able to go to the break with a 0-11 advantage.

The Green and Whites started the second period very positively and were soon camped on the visitor’s line, the Barnet prop received a yellow card for deliberately slowing the ball down and C’s had the advantage of the extra man. The Barnet pack slowly worked back up field and when they were able to kick in the corner, they once again went to their tried and trusted lineout, the 7 man pack increased the lead with another catch and drive. Cheshunt had opportunities to get back in the match, but poor decisions constantly let Barnet off the hook and as the game progressed, Barnet started to spend longer periods of time in the Cheshunt 22. Although Cheshunt were able to stop the next attempt at a lineout, they gave away a penalty at the scrum and a quick tap and go, got them over the line, the long range conversion put Barnet out of sight at 0-23.

A tricky visit to Twickenham awaits Cheshunt next Saturday.