Welwyn took to the field depleted in numbers but confident in their ability to beat a young Harpenden side. Harpenden in turn, were unable to field a front row so the front row debutants Sam Bunce and Amber Parker have yet to claim their front row union cards.

In the first few minutes Hannah Lloyd gave an early glimpse of her running ability when she scythed through the Harpenden side and unfortunately then decided to impersonate Forrest Gump and just kept on running……… and running……… and running, sadly passing the dead ball line in the process.

Despite this set-back it was obvious a try would come soon from the hard running Welwyn side, Kirsty Gavin was creating mayhem with her abrasive style, and Hannah soon made up for her early faux-pas when she scored and the try was converted by Captain Emma Waddup.

The ladies were playing smart rugby with good hits from Tam Evans, Michelle Graham and birthday girl Lynne Soloman. Then we hit what is known in the mens sides as the 'Welwyn snooze' and we allowed Harpenden back into the game. Their best player was their full back and Welwyn gave her far too much time and space, our tackling fell away and not only did they score but looked like they might run away with the game.

Time for the grafters to step up and Sarah Cardell-Spawforth wasn’t going to allow any young upstarts to steal the game. Whenever there was a breakdown Sarah was there and Amber joined in with crucial tackles. Alicia Barnett put in some big hits around the midfield and the turned over ball allowed Chloe Olliffe to show not only is she a very adept scrum half but also has some very useful running skills.

Not to be out done Sam Bunce turned up on the opposite wing and showed that all the time spent with her PT was not wasted with strong runs that almost brought her a try.

Around half time the big hits were starting to take their toll and both Tam and Alicia were forced to take a break from the action, in true sporting style Harpenden lent us 2 players so that it remained at 12 a side and the game continued at a pace. Tries were being scored at a regular rate by both sides. For Welwyn Kirsty, Chloe, and Hannah all got on the score sheet.

In the second half both Tam and Alicia returned to the field and this gave the team the lift it needed to come back hard into the game. Importantly for Welwyn the tries were scored near the posts allowing a good opportunity to convert them.

Hannah had saved the best to last and with the clock in the last minute of the game she broke through from half way to run under the posts and level the scores at 36 all. Step forward captain Emma to dutifully slot it over and seal the victory with the last kick of the game.

Final score Welwyn 38 Harpenden 36.