Colts B show heart in Hertfordshire

Again the Colts B were missing key players for todays friendly. A squad of 17, with no cover in the forwards, travelled to Harpenden in what was likely to be another tough encounter.

A&C took an early lead with a Matt Donnelly penalty. Harpenden responded well and looked powerful in the pack and more than able in the backs. A hand injury to Max Dugdale saw the introduction of brother Ben to cover his position at blindside. A&C were under pressure at the scrum and always seemed to be on the backfoot when trying to move the ball through the backs. Harpenden had the better of the play and ran in an inconverted try to finish the half leading 5-3.

Harpended started the second half on the front foot and ran in two more unconverted tries to lead 15-3 and things looking ominous for A&C. The team responded well and whilst under pressure in the scrum dominated in the lineout with Robert Hughes majestic throughout. This gave A&C some momentum and with a lineout on the opposition 22 another great take from Robert and drive from the pack took the ball over the Harpenden try line, surely a try, just to make sure Ben Dugdale ripped the ball clear and got the touch down, 15-8.

An injury to Matt Donnelly enforced further postional changes with Max Dugdale, hand heavily strapped, coming back on. The game was now more evenly balanced with both teams defending resolutely. A&C's better moments coming via the lineout and drive and keeping the ball tight in the forwards. The latter part of the game was played mostly in the Harpenden half but A&C were unable to create the required scoring opportunity. The final score 15-8, a deserved victory for the home team.

A good test for the team and some of the boys that don't always get to start or play the full game. Matt Donnelly played well at fly half before his injury, Charlie Staines on the wing and Scott Kilbey at full back put in solid performances. Well done to all the squad for another resilient performance under pressure.