Cheshunt RFC vs Southgate RFC

Cheshunt 55: Southgate 20

A tough start for Southgate’s first match of the season against a team a league above. Southgate started nervously and though securing the kick off shipped the ball flat along the backs without making ground. Cheshunt pressure led to an inevitable mistake allowing a try to be scored. Southgate started to play some rugby, but rarely looked threatening and were regularly turned over in the contact area by the heavier Cheshunt pack. Although they defended resolutely they ended the half 29:0 down.

It could be claimed this was a game of two halves. Southgate upped their game in the second half, improved their defence slightly. Finally winning their own quick ruck ball, Matt broke through to put Ollie over in the corner. After the restart Southgate were awarded a free kick at the scrum and a quick tap saw Taff break free to score in Chris Ashton like fashion. Two tries in five minutes before the supporters had returned from the bar! Stung into action Cheshunt replied with a good rucking game through their forwards and some quick offloads to create space and score. More Cheshunt pressure through their forwards see Cheshunt go close, but Southgate manage to turn over the ball and kick it up field. The return kick sees Cheshunt forwards offside. Another quick tap by Taff sees him break free to score. Southgate are now tiring and counter ruck well to secure ball and break through the backs to score. A tired chase by Southgate from the resulting kick off sees the Cheshunt backs run the ball back to score. Southgate are not quite finished and another break by Taff sees him feed Stav to score. A much better second half sees a closer score of 26:20.