DAVID RANSOM CUP
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CLUBS 17 HERTFORDSHIRE A 30
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CLUBS rallied in the second-half against their Hertfordshire counterparts, but it was never going to be enough as the visitors proved worthy winners at Finchley’s Summer Lane arena on November 3, writes Jonathan Landi.
After trailing 13-3 at the break, Middlesex needed to come out firing after ringing the changes. But the reverse happened as a very fluid Hertfordshire side added further scores via Mark Kentish and Richard Woodard to go 25-3 up.
However, the Woodard score stung Middlesex and they reacted positively after claiming an interception try that at least kept the deficit manageable.
Hertfordshire extended the lead via Jonne Elvin, and, again, Middlesex responded after some neat interplay led to fullback Mark Foster claiming a cracking score which he also converted.
The impressive Foster was Middlesex’s Man of the Match. Giving a very vibrant performance, he looked dangerous each time he touched the ball, and his counterattacks and weaving runs often gave Hertfordshire a nervous moment or two.
Another piercing attack was halted close to the Herts’ line, and a driving maul also promised much. However, after play was the reset, Middlesex carelessly turned over the ball which meant that another chance went begging.
Middlesex struggled to come to terms with the power, pace and greater variety of Herts. Although the blue and whites will reflect that, despite being under the cosh for huge periods in the first-half, they were only 13-3 adrift at the interval.
The reaction of the Middlesex supporter summed up the frustration. “Take the three,” he
shouted. The advice was heeded and the penalty potted, but needless to say any points were welcome before the sanctity of half-time was reached.Middlesex also had a rough time of it in the line out. An area in which Herts’ plunderers
managed a number of key steals. Their momentum further stalled, Middlesex were often forced to chase the game from deep which made life far easier for the visiting defence.
Clearly there is much more work to do before the second leg of the David Ransom Memorial Cup at Old Albanians on February 9. However, if Middlesex can strengthen their squad you just never know…
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CLUBS XV v HERTFORDSHIRE “A” XV
Colours: Navy and white. Colours: Green and white.
FORWARDS from:
15. Alex Foster Kew Occasionals Jason Lowde Hemel Hempstead
14. Rushdi Hoosain Finchley Johan Van Dyke unattached
13. Brad Martin Saracens Amateurs Ryan Long Hemel Hempstead
12. James Hunt West London George Adams Hemel Hempstead
11. Phil Lee Kew Occasionals Shaun Edwards St Albans
10. Phil Astbury CAPT Unattached Carl Buckland O.Ashmoleans CAPT
9. Jade Murphy Haringey Jamie Molloy Fullerians
Rob Picken Welwyn
1. Sam Hart Old Grammarians Jonne Elvin Fullerians
2. Stewart Parmeter Chiswick Haydn Morgan Hemel Hempstead
3. Simon Whitcombe Old Grammarians Lloyd Bickle St Albans
Matt Francis Datchworth
4. Ross Sweetman West London Sam Tinsley Fullerians
5. Will Hargrove Finchley
BACKS from:
6. Courtney Maggs-Jones Brunel University Mark Kentish St Albans
7. Gareth Evans Haringey Johan Rheeder Fullerians
8. Dom Gaines Haringey Jovan Masalunga Welwyn
Gor Van Malkendorf Enfield Ignatians
REPLACEMENTS: Jared Bond Fullerians
16. Allan Blake Finchley Carl Buckingham Hemel Hempstead
17. Richard Elvery Datchworth (formerly Mill Hill) Richard Woodard Hemel Hempstead
18. Billy Dalton Finchley James Watt Datchworth
19. Will Mercer Finchley Ian Reid Datchworth
20. Reza Sibilant Pinner & Grammarians Matt Peel Fullerians
21. Sammy Palmer Brunel University Jack Carpenter O.Ashmoleans
22. Gareth Evans Finchley
Manager: Hughton Campbell Coach: Michael Clifford Coaches: Tim Andrews & Andy Riley
Physio: Claire Lawson Chiropractor: Claudio Merkier Physio: Kevin Brind
Touch Judge Referee David Garvey Touch Judge
Support welcome
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