Herts/Middlesex 1 – 13/12/14

Cheshunt were given a lesson in finishing on Saturday, when a revived London Nigerians side (they have amalgamated with Imperial college), took all the points, to keep up the pressure on the league leaders. Early penalties for offside allowed Nigerians to remain in the Cheshunt half from the start and after 10 minutes opened the scoring when the inside centre broke through, he found support from out wide and they crossed in the corner for a 0-5 lead. The home side were able to exert some pressure of their own, but turned the ball over close to the Nigerian line and the visitors were able to kick downfield. But, Cheshunt came again and after 18 minutes, Johnno Wicks put them on the board with a penalty just inside the 22, the Green and Whites continued to have the better of the game, but were unable to make any telling chances. Tony Short was sent to the sin bin for entering a maul from the side and Nigerians were able to take advantage of the extra man when they took a quick tapped penalty, despite being a long way from the mark, the number 8 was allowed keep going and he too got over in the corner. At the break, Nigerians had stretched to 3-10.
Cheshunt were still enjoying the larger share of the territorial game, Nigerians consistently spoiling promising Cheshunt attacks, getting away with offside, but happy to concede penalties around the half way , when they won the ball back they looked dangerous and began to take more control as the game progressed. A brief visit to the Cheshunt 22, was immediately rewarded, a catch and drive from a long way out collapsed and the referee went straight under the posts for a penalty try, with the extras, Nigerians were beginning to get out of sight at 3-17.
Scott Cummines came close for Cheshunt when he smashed through the middle, Nigerians stopped the move illegally and C’s opted for the scrum under the posts, the attack broke down when the ball was spilt and with it went any chance of the home side getting back into the match.
Nigerians secured the bonus point with another catch and drive, a very efficient lineout, proved to be their best attacking weapon and with limited opportunities, the visitors took their chances when they came. Playing the top three on consecutive weeks has been a test for Cheshunt, but they know that they can compete with the top sides and just need to figure out how to realise their potential and make more of the scoring chances that come their way. Next week, C’s travel to Royston.

Martines, Phillips, Short, Donnelly, Mason, Duligall, Clark, Bailey, Ewing, Wicks, Lever, Claridge, Amani, Cummines, Valentine. Replacements – Bagley, Wilcocks, Walker