Cheshunt 45 Barnet Elizabethans 5

The Barnet Elizabethans team was short of a few established players but they were unable to cope with a vibrant Cheshunt team which included a few first team debutants. All in all, quite a few holes in the BE defence saw Cheshunt run in seven tries, with five converted, against a solitary try for BE.

Cheshunt dominated most aspects of play in the first half - their forwards won quick ball which was too quick for the BE defence. A home player ran from 30 metres out with no BE cover defence so it was an easy try under the posts for the hosts.
Although BE rarely ventured into the home territory, it was not until the half-hour mark when the hosts scored again, two of their debutant players linking to create the break and then an inside pass let in another player for try and conversion No. 2. Two more quick tries, before half time, ensured a home win, the first coming from a mix-up by BE in midfield with Cheshunt tidying up and getting behind the BE defence before releasing one of the earlier try scorers for his brace. Just before the break, BE desperately tried to clear their lines with a deep kick into the home half where it was returned, with interest, with the fourth try (and third conversion) to make the score 26-0 at half time.

BE replied soon after the restart with a try, only for the conversion attempt to rebound off the upright. Thereafter, the visitors rarely threatened again and Cheshunt, without completely running away with the game, regained their control at the scrum and break down.: their two half backs had plenty of time to set up attacks and take their team forward and downhill. Another attack, from a quick free kick, saw the home team advance into BE's 22 before more quick ball released another back to score his brace and put Cheshunt 31-5 comfortably ahead. The home crowd was entertained, more, when a three-quarter's move saw their full back burst into the line and score. The same player was immediately back on the score sheet, with the help of dummy runners, and he, too scored his brace of tries.

Next up for BE is Royston away, on Saturday at 3pm, when the Leaguie season starts. That is when the season really starts.

PGY