Middlesex Rugby
Middlesex County Clubs v Hertfordshire CC
County Clubs beat Hertfordshire at Harrow RFC
RESULT OF
MIDDLESEX COUNTY CLUBS v HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY CLUBS WHICH TOOK PLACE WEDNESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER AT HARROW RFC
MIDDLESEX BEAT HERTFORDSHIRE 12 - 7 AND WON THE DAVID RANSOM CUP
TEAM LIST
1) Sam Hart (Datchworth) (Ex Haringey)
2) Richard Elvery (Datchworth) (ex Mill Hill)
3) Jonathan O Connor (Finchley) (Try Scorer)
4) Dougie Stewart (Twickenham)
5) Martin Wareing (Abbotstonians) (Man of the Match)
6) Rob Franklyn (Harrow)
7) Lee Johnston (Mill Hill)
8) Nick Argent (Harrow)
9) Ainsley Ralph (Finchley) (Kicker)
10) Barry Neil (Datchworth) (Ex Harrow)
11) Scott Robinson (Mill Hill)
12) Neil Gorge (Abbotstonians)
13) Phil Astbury (Twickenham)
14) Dave Overton (Mill Hill)
15) Jermaine Coleman (Finchley) (Try Scorer)
Replacements
16) Ben Prescott (St Nicholas Old Boys)
17) Paul Goss (Finchley)
18) Duncan Campbell (Twickenham)
19) Warren Christopher (Finchley)
20) Hughton Campbell (Finchley)
Middlesex County Clubs Triumph over Herts “A”
On a cold crisp evening at Harrow RFC on the 14th November Middlesex County Clubs pulled off a victory over Hertfordshire “A” by the narrow margin of 12-7.
The game began in exciting fashion, if you were a Herts supporter, with a well worked three quarters move resulting in a try after 3 minutes, score 0-7. A large crowd, braving the elements, must have expected a repeat of the previous year when the Herts back division reigned supreme. The game settled down for a period of time and the Middlesex backs defended well and were able to prevent another Herts score.
With the game moving towards half time Middlesex began to win more and more ball through their forwards and after a period of pressure near the Herts line scored a good try. Jonathon O’Connor (Finchley) scored to make it 5-7.
The second half was a contrast of playing styles, Hertfordshire looking to run the ball, whilst the Middlesex forwards had complete control and denied them any good possession. The game, played at a cracking pace moved from end to end, but under pressure from the Middlesex pack, Herts began to give away penalties. Middlesex who had lost their fly-half early in the first half with a face injury were guilty of missing three kickable penalties.
The crowd became more and more excited as Middlesex, in complete control, hammered away at the Herts line. The Herts defence at this stage were as resolute as Middlesex had been earlier but with five minutes to full time Middlesex worked the ball free for full back Jermaine Coleman (Finchley) to score. The try being converted, the score was now in the favour of Middlesex 12-7. Herts had a couple of scoring chances but either kicked the ball away or were well chaperoned by the Middlesex back division who grew in stature as the game progressed.
This was a well deserved victory for the home side, whose forward domination was key to their victory. Middlesex man of the match was Martin Wareing (Old Abbottstonians).
Player Manager Hughton Campbell and the Middlesex coaches had a great deal to be pleased with and later on Herts returned the “David Ransom Trophy” to Middlesex for the first time. Thanks must go to Harrow RFC for a well prepared playing area and in particular to Andy Smart and his team on the night for some excellent food and hospitality. Thanks also to Sue in the “office “ for organising Hughton.
The County Clubs team is drawn from clubs at Level 7 down and anyone interested in playing should contact Hughton Campbell on 07725 509459. The next match is away to Herts at Old Albanians RFC on Wednesday 20th February.
Bill Johnston Chairman of Playing
