BERFC U16 vs BISHOPS STORTFORD

Be in no doubt the game against Bishops Stortford is our toughest draw to date and the game didn't fail to deliver . Both teams were missing key players but still managed to maintain their shape .

It has been pointed out that my match reports sometimes gloss over some of Barnet's misdemeanours and today was not without the usual drama so let me say first that Barnet lost the game today by giving away too many penalties and not managing to keep 15 players on the pitch for much of the game . This indisciplne must be eradicated if Barnet are to progress as a team. That said I am deeply proud of Barnet's determination and teamwork and despite 6 yellow cards and most of the game played without 15 Barnet players actually on the pitch we took it down to the wire and very nearly won it .

Thanks to the society ref who had to manage a difficult game and to Mostyn for running the line . Thanks also to the Bishops Stortford coaches and players alike who were a lovely bunch and hopefully we can join in together with some joint training sessions next year .

With respect to the match the first half was very tight with some superb tackling from Tom Watt and a great charge from Dylan Jinmi (immense all game) and Harry Joseph with Oli Collard putting barnet in front . Bishops responded immediately with a great try after badgering the Barnet line and having the choice of where to take the eventual penalty from 3 locations . There were some tough but fair decisions against an attacking barnet with Tommy Laing just fumbling the ball over the line after a lovely grubber kik through following an incredible mazy run from Thomas standing in on the wing.. Some great supporting play from George Sturley nearly allowed Barnet to score again but the try of the day came from Tom Watt who plucked the ball out of the air from a long Kick from Tommy Laing to put Barnet just behind at half time .

The second half was a bit more scrappy with more players needed time off for either yellow cards or injuries . Leevin Nigimbi shone with some great takes and trademark long runs . As the rain intensified Barnet found their way through with a superb try from Cameron McNeil and then swiftly followed by a try from Tom Watt putting Barnet Level . With just minutes to go Barnet were award a controversial penalty and elected to Kick with the ball just drifting wide .

So all in all we bow out on a draw and on reflection the solid performance from Bishops Stortford is something for our more "terrier like" players to take note of and an example of how a more experienced division one team operate. Sometimes its about playing the ref as much as the game and lets face it we are not very good at that .

Player of the day and the best player on the pitch... for all out heart , determination , superb tackling and stepping up to take some difficult conversions - Mr Tom Watt .