Barnet Elizabethans 9pts Fullerians 14pts

There was no "first day nerves" for the 1st XV under their new Coach, BOBBY GRAHAM, who had selected a mixture of new debutant players with a sprinkling of seasoned campaigners, based on pre-season training attendance. Despite the narrow defeat - there were late opportunities to win the game - there were several good performances although possibly the need to beef up the scrum.

This is the earliest start of the County's intermediate Cup competition (usually disrupted by poor weather and pitch conditions in the winter months) although Fullerians provided good opposition as a starting fixture. The visitors started strongly, especially in the forwards, and pinned BE back in their 22: the home defence held firm until the 12th minute when they could not stop the away pack rolling a maul over for a second-row try, well converted. There were further moments to defend until BE rallied and put together some attacks of their own, partly through strong runs by SAM MARKS on the wing, whilst MATT GREENWOOD was held up over the try line (a replay might have shown he actually did get a clean touch down until an away player dragged him back just as the referee was ruling on the matter).

This did not matter, in the end, as CHARLIE MAYS, who kicked well throughout from hand and ground, landed two penalty goals, one right on half time, so the score was 6-7 at the interval. Shortly after the restart, CHARLIE MAYS kicked a further penalty goal to put his team two points ahead. This spurred Fullerians into further attacks, most of which BE's defence coped with although they could not stop a move off the back of the scrum which gave the visitors a second converted try. The game started to flow both ways although BE looked the more likely to score again: MATT HARRIS had a storming run from full back but could not quite get the required support from his pack: ADRIAN TODD had a blistering break through the centre but could not link up with any support, with only the full back in the way. There were other opportunities to score although both teams defended well.

The 1st XV's next match is at home on 14th September against Imperial Medicals in the first League game. This Saturday,(7th), a combined 2nd/3rd XV are at home against opponents unknown as yet.

PGY