Cheshunt turned in a spirited performance against a well drilled Welwyn team, who were determined to keep hold on to their third place in the league, proving, that other than the two runaway leaders, they are the best of the rest.

Cheshunt failed to capitalize on the favourable conditions in the first half, with the strong breeze on their backs, they could not get on the board when spending time in the Welwyn half. The weather deteriorated during the course of the afternoon and kicking into driving rain at the end of the match made clearing their lines very difficult.

The Cheshunt forwards started strongly, with scrum half Brad Ewing marshalling them well, they caused Welwyn to turn the ball over several times, but Cheshunt were unable to convert the possession into points. A controversial penalty at the scrum gave the ball back to the home team, this time they were allowed to keep possession and after several phases forced their way over, a successful conversion gave them a 7-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Play continued around the halfway mark, until a knock on went unnoticed; the home side took full advantage to notch their second try and increase the advantage to 12 points.

The Green and Whites spent the rest of the first half in Welwyn territory, playing the better rugby, but missed two penalty attempts and could not get on the scoreboard.

The rain started to lash down, spoiling the game as a spectacle and Welwyn were able to grind Cheshunt down, spending long periods of time in the Cheshunt 22 and a penalty kick in front of the posts added to their total. The visiting spectators were given some hope when Lee Chalk noticed a gap down the blind side; he drew the cover and sent Dave Lever over in the corner to reduce the arrears to 15-5, with plenty of time left on the clock.

Welwyn though were not likely to surrender their league position and controlled the last quarter, two converted tries were just reward for the possession and territorial advantage they enjoyed for the remainder of the match, in the process they gained the try bonus point.

Cheshunt once again proved that they can be competitive with most teams in this league, but need to work out a way of making the most of any opportunities and keep the scoreboard ticking over. They finish this season’s campaign next week with a visit to Finchley.

Chalk, Phillips, Martines, Donnelly, Reynolds, Roberts, Duligall, Bailey, Ewing, Shoobridge, Lever, Boulton. R, Gardener, Gutteridge, Steyn Replacements:- Short, Boulton. F, Hounslow.