Friday the 13th December saw around 40 u18 boys from across Hertfordshire attend a floodlit training session at Cheshunt, from which the 23 man county squad would be chosen. 6 of the hopefuls were 6 players from Fullers.

Whilst Friday the 13th is traditionally known for bad luck, all 6 of the Fullers lads turned the table on county head coach Jason Vorhees, taking luck out of the equation. With all 6 being selected for the squad.

Sunday 15th saw the boys and supporters make the 50 mile journey back to Shelford RFC to play Kent. A team that had thrashed Herts in region of 81-20 the year before.

Despite Kent having the bigger pack and a trio of particularly intimidating looking forwards, the Herts boys met them shoulder to shoulder and tackle for tackle. It was a stereotypical match with the forwards smashing each other in open play and pods flying into hotly contested rucks. Each pack gaining and then losing the hard yards in the centre of the pitch, with the backs thankfully clearing the lines with kicks upfield and releasing the more ‘mobile’ players in the squad?

The pressure from Kent eventually paid dividends, as they went 12-0 up around the 15 minute mark. Determined not to let Kent have it their way again, the Herts boys rallied and drew it back to 12-5 and then 12-10 before half time.

Asher Futerman, Alex Perry and Monty Mackney started the first half, with Jacob Thomas coming on after half an hour, to help shore up the forward pack, who were still going at it "hell for leather". The second half saw Dan Cowle and Matei Albert come on to replace tired forwards. With Asher and Monty being subbed off half way through the second half.

A try for Kent worried the Herts contingent briefly but two tries and a conversion put Herts 5 points ahead with 6 nail biting minutes to go.

Kent camped around our 22 but couldn’t penetrate and great discipline meant no critical penalties were given away. Eventually we kicked the ball into the Kent half, where it stayed until the final whistle. Both squads played some great rugby, giving it their all.

Herts are now sitting with two wins from two games and will likely be paired against another unbeaten county on Sunday 5th January. Venue and opponent TBC.