This game was not for the faint of heart and Fullers produced a massive effort to reach the final of the Herts Presidents Cup. Hertford 2nd XV had a number of players used to playing national league rugby and have only lost three games all season. They expected to win but Fullers had other ideas and deserved their win and day in the final at Allianz Park on the 29th April.

Fullerians started well and stopped Hertford gaining some rhythm. Fullers dominant scrum earned a penalty which full back Dan Evans stepped up to convert. Hertford then started to produce some gaps and scored twice in quick succession for a 12-3 lead. Before the break Evans converted another penalty as Hertford began to get frustrated. 12-6 at the break and Fullers were in this match.

Shortly into the second half Evans converted another penalty as Fullers began to apply the pressure in the scrum and were rewarded a penalty for a 12-9 score. Fullers went in front when second row Liam Boyd crashed over to edge Fullers narrowly ahead at 12-14.

They extended their lead further as ill-discipline cost the home side and Evans converted brilliantly for a 12-17 score.

Hertford not losing much this season showed great strength to score for a 19-17 score line with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.

Fullers ball retention was much better this week and they went through the phases to march up field and once again were awarded a penalty which Evans duly converted.

Hertford tried to get up field but this young Fullers side showed great character and discipline to win the game and progress to the final of the Herts Presidents Cup.

“We had a number of changes this week and the guys coming in played really well demonstrating our strength in depth at Fullers. We hung onto the ball and dominated up front and denied Hertford the space. We have 6 more league games and now a cup final (where we haven’t played in the Presidents Cup final since 2003) to finish off the season.” commented Fullerians head coach Rich Hoskins.

Team. McPhail (Barson 40), Williams (Horne 40), Maclean, Boyd, Kerr, Murray, Barrett, Harvey, Espin, Jacobs, Alexander, Beeston (M. Toon 40), Maher, Cavanagh (D. Toon 50), Evans.

Man of the Match: Dan Evans