Sinking into the Mud!!!

So my usual Michael Fish match report introduction; the heavy rain held off and kept us mostly dry from the top down, but the mud on the field and the cold weather meant that supporters and players could not avoid the terrible conditions on Sunday. Even standing on the sides just watching, you could feel yourself sinking into the ground….these were really tough conditions to play a game in and would have also tested a few washing machines on Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday morning, Cheshunt welcomed the players and supporters from both Harlow and Old Grammarians rugby clubs. Cheshunt had 15 players available this weekend, and with two games against each team, it was a good chance for everyone to play as many games as possible. A special mention must go out to Morgan this week for coming along to the match even though he was clearly unwell. It was one of those days when it would have been understandable to stay in the warm, but he came along all wrapped up and cheered on the team….great team spirit. Hope you are feeling better.
So the first match saw Cheshunt play OGs. A couple of good moves from the away team and mistakes from Cheshunt meant that OGs came out winners. There was a small consolation after the match when the OG coach mentioned after that it was the best he had seen the team play all year. If only we had also played to the level we know we can.
In the second game, Cheshunt played Harlow and despite another really close game, Harlow edged this by the odd try, but Cheshunt played much better than the first game. Try scorers for Cheshunt were Woody, Jake D and a first Cheshunt try for Harry, in only his third game. I am sure there will be plenty more tries from this young man and he arguably should have had another try in this game, but it was harshly ruled out.
In the third game, Cheshunt played OGs again and although it was another tight game with Finley showing his electric pace to score a try for Cheshunt, OGs once again came out the winners.
In the final game against Harlow, cold, covered in mud and tired, the boys finally came to life. Cheshunt were quickly a couple of tries up thanks to tries from Jake D and Jack G. Harlow did get a try back, but Cheshunt scored again with the move of the match. Two perfectly times passes and a well times run mean that Will collected the ball and scored a try.
Man of the match this week went to Jack G for his awareness to set up Will with a try scoring pass, something Simon has been trying to get the team to do for a while. Well done Jack.
No game next week as it is the Christmas party, which is always great fun, so it is a two weeks of rest before a couple of weeks of training starting on 3rd January. The next match will be away to Verulamians on Sunday 17th January.
Have a great Christmas all and happy New Year.

By Neil Gruncell

Pictures available @ www.noodlep.com