2nd XV draw in hard fought encounter against Cheshunt
Cheshunt 2nd/3rd XV 12 vs 12 Verulamians 2nd XV
The Mighty twos returned to action this weekend with a trip east across the county to Cheshunt. The incoming winter weather was telling as the rain fell hard and the Vees brand of running rugby would be put to the test.
Young captain Lachlan McComb led the Blue and Gold into a tough start as the weather was playing a massive part in proceedings. The wet conditions combined with strong defence from the home side meant chances at the cheshunt try line were few and far between. The vees pack started valiantly holding there line at scrum time, but fast ball and good use of strong back field runners saw Cheshunt strike first with an early converted try.
The Vees bounced back. An electric 40 yard snipe from scrum half Ben Moralee allowed the visitors a precious opportunity to visit the Cheshunt 22, but the defence held strong meaning a moment of magic was needed. And up stepped Fly Half Oakley Rennie-Sivell with an audacious chip and chase try which left a Verulamians sideline in pure disbelief.
At half time the boys came in 7-5 down having being starved of possession and go forward and frustrated by an organised and powerful defence. They had a lot of work to do working up the treacherous hill and into the wind and rain but the spirits never dropped with calm and considered leadership from the likes of club legend Darren Westhead and the vocal sideline spurring the Blues on at every opportunity.
Verulamians started the half with their tails up with line breaks and slick offloading from home grown talents Daniel Williams and Matthew Feeney. They won a scrum deep into the Cheshunt half and with a intense oncoming Green wall heading the way of the back line, Oakley Rennie-sivell fed the rampaging Callum Porter on a well disguised switch move which saw him 1 on 1 with the Cheshunt fullback. A well timed pass and a never say die attitude saw Darren Westhead dot down between the sticks for a well executed converted try.
The home team would strike back, being rewarded at the breakdown and utilising a powerful driving maul.
With the score line locked at 12-12 late on in the second half, both teams emptied what little energy they had left. The mighty Twos defended their line against a much heavier and drilled pack. They could not break through despite missing back to back penalties in very kickable positions. The game would end a draw, and both teams would be disappointed as there were ample chances at securing a win.
Huge shout out to Jack Brenson on making the step up from last years Colts, which is no mean feat for a young prop at the start of what I’m sure will be a phenomenal career with Verulamians.
Shout out to our man of the match Callum Porter for his strong running, big tackling and leading from the front at every opportunity.
Quote from match day Captain Lachlan - ‘It was a solid performance from the boys, everyone gave it there all until the final whistle. We’re a bit disappointed with the result, we definitely could have come away with the win.’
Written by James Ryan
