First loss in 2015 for the 1st XV.

Before the game, there was a minute's applause for DAVID BIRD, the former Cheshunt RFC and Hertfordshire RFU Past President, who died on 8th February. After that, BE had a very impressive start with a lot of possession and territory although never really threatening the home team. When Cheshunt settled into the game, they showed a well drilled team who worked well to stop BE and then turn over possession whilst the home side were the more disciplined side. Despite that, MATT NICHOLAS intercepted a loose pass and seemed destined to run over 65 metres with no one to stop him: the referee's whistle did as he was deemed offside with Cheshunt's kicker slotting the penalty, the only score of the first half.

Trailing by only three points, BE were hoping to get back into the game but that all changed inside the next ten minutes: firstly, they lost possession at the back of their scrum, quickly picked up by Cheshunt who swiftly passed the ball to send them over for a converted try. This was followed by another penalty so that BE were 13-0 down after fifty minutes. Their line-out was working well with JAMES ORAM, CHRIS BROMILEY and PETER MOULTON winning all their line-out ball although so, too, did the home team's jumpers. The scrummages were almost even but Cheshunt won the cleaner ball whereas BE's possession was often untidy and gave them little to work off. In the final quarter of the match, BE went on the scoreboard when their line-out saw the forwards drive MIGUEL GOMEZ over for a try although too far out, against the wind, to give HARRY EADE any chance with the conversion attempt. Cheshunt forced BE back in the closing ten minutes and there were several wobbly moments in the BE 22 before the home side were awarded another penalty kick to seal the result.

The 1st XV are at home to London Welsh Amateurs this Saturday (2.30pm) with a Lunch beforehand - if you have not already booked your £15 place, contact Alastair Milne on 0208 449 3754 or alastairmilne@talktalk.net

PGY