On a crisp January afternoon, Southgate took to the road to play 2 matches at once. This result would go down as all the bragging rights between these two teams this year so the result matter twice as much as usual.

And with such an important result at stake, it was interesting to see some new and old faces around the place. Gabs was back for a cameo appearance while his old wing position has seen the influx of young talent as Bobby played as one of three Seagroatts in the starting lineup. On the sideline as well, there were a few of the old guard making their voices heard along with a few new members as Mila and Jackson made their debuts on the touchline to support the Gate.

Upon arrival, Southgate set to warming up early, and the prematch work paid off with two quick scores, and both converted to put Southgate comfortably ahead. The first try came from a good piece of work from our resident Kiwi, Connor, getting over. The second was met with astonishment on the sideline at the pure speed shown by Bobby on the wing running away and being able to put it under the posts for the conversion.

A third try followed shortly after for Joel and a second for Connor, with Adam adding the necessary cherries on top, even from near the touchline. Southgate were shining along with the January sun and coasting at 28-0.

However, the January sun sets early, and Harpenden did manage to dim Southgate's light as they got themselves on the scoresheet but were unable to convert. However, the sun had not set entirely on the first half as the captain popped up with a try just before half time and the necessaries were again dispatched leaving the halftime score 35-5 in favour of the visitors.

By the second half, the sun had nearly set or at least was behind a cloud as the conditions were leaving fingers and toes going numb and it reflected itself on the pitch with a cornucopia of dropped passes from both sides led to a stop start second half.

However, once the ball was in hand, it was the speed of Bobby and the quick feet of Keith that got Southgate's 6th and 7th tries, respectively. However, the cold had definitely numbed a few feet as kicks went astray.

In slightly confusing circumstances, the home side did get another try, but from the far side on the touchline, it was hard to understand. It appeared Southgate took the ball over their own line and presumably had then gone loose for a Harpenden player to make the most of the opportunity.

Fortunately for the Gate, this wasn't the final note of what had been a symphony of scoring as Sam got himself a try, and the kick went over to boot, leaving the final score at 52-10.

On a cold January day, which changed so rapidly from light to dark, it was delightful to see a Southgate side shining the brightest. They were scintillating in attack and clinical (most of the time) in defence. The double header win moves them to second in the table with a game in hand on the league leaders' Pinner, but a lot of work now to do if they are to catch them.