| Match Report - 1st XV v Hertford |
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| Written by Andrew Baron | |
| Sunday, 13 November 2011 | |
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Hertford 29 1st XV 21
Shelford travelled to local rivals Hertford with a number of regulars unavailable but with a team looking for their fourth away win of the season. These hopes took an early dent when from the kick off the visitors lost possession, resulting in the ball being spun out wide to winger Crompton who crossed for a try inside two minutes. The conversion was missed. Shelford struggled to get a foothold in the game but after some good phases, an attacking line out close to the Hertford line enabled James Armitage to power over from close range. Harry Owens added the extras to give the visitors the lead. However this was short lived as Hertford came straiht back on the attack and after 22 minutes fullback Richardson crossed the whitewash in the corner to go back in front 10 - 7. A further try by the Hertford no 8 Leo from a 5 metre scrum then increased their lead to 15 - 7. Shelford then had their best period of the game. Continued pressure close to the Hertford line had the home side seeing yellow and following a 3rd successive penalty, the decision to go for the line out paid dividends, as Jason Billows crashed over in the corner. Owen's touch line conversion sent Shelford in at half time just one point adrift at 15 - 14. With the slope in the second half Shelford would have hoped to put Hertford under increased pressure, however the hosts came out fighting, and buoyed by the vociferous home crowd, continued to take the game to Shelford. Despite losing second row Pett to the bin, the home side continued in the ascendancy and increased their lead by a close range penalty from Richardson. A series of Shelford infringements saw Armitage off for 10 minutes, allowing Richardson to slot over 2 further penalties putting Hertford 10 points ahead. Pressing for the fourth try, a series of missed tackles enabled winger Allan to cross in the corner for the bonus point. Despite a try from Charlie Baker in the last play of the game and a well stuck conversion from Owens, Shelford left Hoe Lane empty handed with the final score at 29 - 21. |
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