But thankfully we found our game away against Berkhamsted on, and to the delight of captain Joycie he travelled with a full team and substitutes something that looked auspicious earlier in the week.

Taking the boys through a proper warm-up saw how serious we were taking this Berkhamsted team who had only recently been playing their rugby in the Herts/Middlesex league. This warmup was well merited as the first 20 minutes was a real arm wrestle of a contest as neither side ceded territory or points. Particular credit goes to a unfamiliar tight five who scrummaged well and kept mobile around the pitch, but with no real gains being made through up the jumper rugby the backs finally put their influence on the game.

Connor once again influencing from 10 started to stretch the Berkhamsted backline by shipping the ball wide and allowed his centers and wings ro attack the gaps that were appearing. It's through one of these attacks that we managed to gain the advantage as Keith split the Berkhamsted defense (fending at least 3) to release Adam who touch down in the corner.

The deadlock broken the next score came only a few minutes later, as from a scrum (coming from a knock on at the restart) the backs showed their attacking prowess as they took it from inside our own half to back under the Berkhamsted posts relatively unchallenged. This time Myrddin claiming the the honours.

But beware a wounded beast. Having conceded two quick trys Berkhamsted were keen to make their own impact on the game as they finally gained a continuous period of possession, they nearly made it count as they made it over the line only to be held up. A great defensive effort from the boys but a stern warning as we led at the half.

HT 0-12

Berkhamsted started the second half much as they had in the first half as they just crashed it up through the phases. This relentless assault was defended well by the boys in blue as they held them out for the better part of 5 minutes, but the pressure eventually told as Berkhamsted squeezed over to get on the board.

Recognising that the score came about due to Berkhamsted's continous possession rather then any massive fault, the boys undeterred went back at it as they looked to regain control of the game. Good decision making and great support running saw big gains as we looked to extend the lead again, some clever play from Andy and Merv saw us break into the Berkhamsted half and then some quick pod play allowed for captain Joycie to crash over and extend the lead to two converted scores.

Berkhamsted replied not long after with a score of their own but failed to follow up as we responded more or less immediately. Coming off the back of the line out the ball made it's way into the centers as Joycie emulated his doppelganger Owen Farrell and danced his way through to add his second. Good defence and smart rugby saw us extend our lead through the boot of Adam as we saw out the game and won a game more tightly contested then the scoreline would suggest.

FT 10-32

Thanks to Berkhamsted for hosting us and catch you before Christmas.

We go again in two weeks as we look to continue winning ways away at Harpenden.