Lloyd Inspires Herts To Second Half fightback Against His Old Mates

Rugby Result: CS Stags 1863 24 Hertford 26

Ben Lloyd came back to haunt his former club as CS again let slip a strong home position. On this occasion they had developed an early first half lead of 17-0, with an opportunity to make it 20-0, and indeed enjoyed a favourable first half penalty count of 7 – 2.

CS started well, kicked off and within three minutes were awarded their first penalty, in front of the posts, which fly half Liam Cleary converted 3-0. With less than ten minutes on the clock, prop Craig Bellringer made a penetrating break, which team mates carried on deep into Hertford territory.

Hertford were only able to defend the position by conceding a penalty close to their own line. CS took the scrum option, and No 8 Tom Williams broke and headed towards the right corner. When the ball was recycled it was fellow back row Will Scott who scored. 10-0. Via a penalty of their own Hertford took play into the CS half. However, following a line out, play was held up for15 minutes whilst the Hertford No 8 received treatment for an injury.

When play resumed CS had a break instigated by centres Ryan Martin and Conan Osborne. They headed towards the left corner and hooker Josh Forrester crossed the line. Initially it was not clear whether or not a try had been scored, or a penalty conceded but after the referee had spoken to one of the Hertford players, she awarded the try. 17-0. CS continued to dominate and from a kick chase received a five-metre scrum. The scrum looked promising, but after a Hertford infringement CS were awarded a penalty.

Many spectators were left wondering what would have happened had CS taken a more measured three points on offer rather than a speedy but profitless quick tap. At the next penalty, 22 metres from the posts the Stags at least opted to try and claim three points but the kick was unsuccessful. With half time in sight CS received yet another penalty. They decided to kick to the corner to keep Hertford under pressure until half time, but the kicker missed touch, from which the Hertford centres combined to race to the other end and score their first, but a very important try 17-7 was therefore the half time score.

On 55 minutes Hertford’s fly half, a former CS player, made an interception to stop a promising CS break. However, nothing accrued to Hertford, although it should have been a warning to CS. Stags then had the benefit of an attacking scrum, but on being awarded a penalty Hertford cleared their lines. From the line out Hertford developed a two on one and successfully put their right wing in at the corner. 17-12. On 70 minutes Hertford benefitted from an attacking scrum. Stags had been strong in the scrum in the first half but the ascendancy was now with Hertford who drove the scrum over the Stags line 17-19.

CS had been aware that Hertford’s Ben Lloyd was looking for interception opportunities, having already made one. Now he watched CS very carefully, saw the potential fly half’s pass, claimed the ball in mid-flight and sprinted to the far end, and to complete the misery of his former team mates converted his own try 17 – 26. To their credit he Stags did not give up, and went in search of a point, and with one of the last moves of the match back row Ollie Roberts scored 24-26

The next fixture is 17 November when CS are away to Tunbridge Wells, and hope that by then their injured players will have returned to full fitness.

November 10, 2018