Hatfield beat Biggleswade in Frustrating encounter

HQE Rugby Club brushed aside Biggleswade 35-12 in a game that flattered the opposition but was hindered by a referee that the players felt wouldn’t let the game flow.

Biggleswade looked to be a tough opposition as although they had only played four league games this season, they had only lost once. Hatfield arrived at Biggleswade’s ground and discovered that out of their five vacant pitches, they would be playing on the smallest one. This seemed to be the home side’s attempt to stifle HQE’s backs.

The game started quickly but the referee made the players aware of his presence by constantly blowing up for infringements that the players felt weren’t there. Both teams appeared frustrated at his decisions not to letting the game flow as they would have liked.

Biggleswade had an early opportunity to take the lead with a penalty in front of the posts, but a poor kick meant Hatfield gained back possession. They managed to get out of their own area and with some fantastic passing amongst the forwards and backs, Charlie Gibbs broke through and crossed the line in the corner. Fly half Owen Doyle converted.

A similar thing happened in the second try for Hatfield with winger Jago Penrose crossing over. Penrose was involved in the next try when lock Damien Poulter launched a cross-field kick for Penrose to run on to which he did, to take the ball over the line.

Biggleswade fought back throughout the half but were unable to break through Hatfield’s defence.

With the referee taking an increasingly vocal role in the second half Biggleswade cleverly used this to their advantage and kept quiet making sure they kept the referee onside.

Fly half Doyle and replacement scrum half Richard Stringer combined effortlessly to produce some excellent passages of play, which eventually saw both full back Rob Jack and Stringer himself score tries. Doyle kicked every conversion.

Biggleswade were determined to not to be shut out of the game and battled on to score two late tries by mauling their way over the line.

The result sees Hatfield remain unbeaten in the eight league games and remain top of the Herts Merit Table three. They have a three week break before their next league fixture where they face Hendon 2nd XV at Roe Hill on Saturday 09 December.