Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead RFC (19) v. (20) The Old Ashmolean RFC

The recent fortunes of these two clubs have been in stark contrast, while Ashmole have won two successive league titles, Hemel will be trying to start strongly in order to bounce straight back to Herts/Midd 1, from where they were relegated last season. As two of the favoured teams in the league, this game offered an early opportunity to gauge the title chances of these two sides. However, with the Ashmole squad suffering a number of injuries to key players, including player/coach Emile Hertz, No 8 Kevin Selvester, centres Dan Doherty and James Morgan and utility back Gavin Harbour-Cooper, this game would test the squad's depth and require players performing out of position to really step up.

Hemel started the game strongly, with their pack winning good ball and their scrum half looking to snipe the narrow channels. Ashmole's defence held although a number of missed tackles would have given Hemel reason to expect an enjoyable afternoon. It was several of these errors that lead to two Hemel scores from wide players, as a missed tackle allowed them behind the moles and their finishing proved to be a cut above that of Hendon. Ashmole needed to respond, and they began to pick up the pace. Their rucking game was supplemented by some “out of the tackle” play. This lead to a close range try after a typically abrasive finish from Johan van Dyk (Dronke). Throughout the first half, possession seemed to be equal although Hemel seemed the more likely. Their backs looked exciting and were offering a real threat and it was often left to covering defenders to make 2nd up tackles on the outside backs.

In the second half Gielle Viljoen (Rollie), playing at scrum half, ensured that the Ashmole backs got improved quick ball and the forwards rolled their sleeves up and offered more of a threat to the Hemel defence. Although Hemel still looked dangerous and often the more effective side, Ashmole kept themselves in contact with tries from Skipper Neal Grainger and a close range effort from Viljoen, who went close to the ruck and muscled over.

This made the score 19-17, with minutes left. Despite a generally disappointing place kicking performance from Ashmole, a penalty gave Andy Martin the chance to exorcise demons and win the game. He took this opportunity. Although in the final stages Hemel threatened again and again, the cover defence which had bailed the moles out of trouble over and over continued to do so.

In summary, Hemel will be very disappointed to lose this encounter. Ashmole have made winning a habit recently and on this evidence they know how to do so even when it looks unlikely.

Ashmole scorers

Tries: Johan Van Dyk, Neal Grainger, Gielle Viljoen

Con: Johan Van Dyk

Pen: Andrew Martin


	Hendon \| Mill Hill \| Hemel Hempstead \| Chess Valley \| Grammarians \| Old Haberdashers \| Royston \| Chelmsford \| Old Haberdashers \| Chess Valley Semi Final \| HERTS TROPHY CUP FINAL \| Mersea Island Hemel Hempstead Hemel Hempstead RFC (19) v. (20) The Old Ashmolean RFC The recent fortunes of these two clubs have been in stark contrast, while Ashmole have won two successive league titles, Hemel will be trying to start strongly in order to bounce straight back to Herts/Midd 1, from where they were relegated last season. As two of the favoured teams in the league, this game offered an early opportunity to gauge the title chances of these two sides. However, with the Ashmole squad suffering a number of injuries to key players, including player/coach Emile Hertz, No 8 Kevin Selvester, centres Dan Doherty and James Morgan and utility back Gavin Harbour-Cooper, this game would test the squad's depth and require players performing out of position to really step up. Hemel started the game strongly, with their pack winning good ball and their scrum half looking to snipe the narrow channels. Ashmole's defence held although a number of missed tackles would have given Hemel reason to expect an enjoyable afternoon. It was several of these errors that lead to two Hemel scores from wide players, as a missed tackle allowed them behind the moles and their finishing proved to be a cut above that of Hendon. Ashmole needed to respond, and they began to pick up the pace. Their rucking game was supplemented by some “out of the tackle” play. This lead to a close range try after a typically abrasive finish from Johan van Dyk (Dronke). Throughout the first half, possession seemed to be equal although Hemel seemed the more likely. Their backs looked exciting and were offering a real threat and it was often left to covering defenders to make 2nd up tackles on the outside backs. In the second half Gielle Viljoen (Rollie), playing at scrum half, ensured that the Ashmole backs got improved quick ball and the forwards rolled their sleeves up and offered more of a threat to the Hemel defence. Although Hemel still looked dangerous and often the more effective side, Ashmole kept themselves in contact with tries from Skipper Neal Grainger and a close range effort from Viljoen, who went close to the ruck and muscled over. This made the score 19-17, with minutes left. Despite a generally disappointing place kicking performance from Ashmole, a penalty gave Andy Martin the chance to exorcise demons and win the game. He took this opportunity. Although in the final stages Hemel threatened again and again, the cover defence which had bailed the moles out of trouble over and over continued to do so. In summary, Hemel will be very disappointed to lose this encounter. Ashmole have made winning a habit recently and on this evidence they know how to do so even when it looks unlikely. Ashmole scorers Tries: Johan Van Dyk, Neal Grainger, Gielle Viljoen Con: Johan Van Dyk Pen: Andrew Martin