This weekend we welcomed a seriously strong side from Saracens to our backyard. And fair play to them — they clearly remembered previous encounters! This time they arrived with one combined super-squad… all the best bits rolled into one. We see you, Sarries ?

In great rugby spirit (and because we’re good like that), we let them referee the first half at their request. Let’s just say… there were a few “educational interpretations” of the laws! It took our boys and girls a little while to adjust to the different rhythm, but once they did it was game on.

And wow, did they front up.

The tackling was absolutely ferocious at times. Sulita and Marco put in textbook hits that would have any coach grinning from ear to ear. Jack, Reuben and William led the line speed superbly, organising the defence like seasoned pros and putting their bodies on the line time and time again. Brave, disciplined, and relentless.

With ball in hand, we carried like a team that had eaten their Weetabix. Shai, Max and Marco were charging through traffic all game, refusing to go backwards and dragging defenders with them for fun. And then there was Leo… lightning in boots. Every time Leo got the ball you could almost hear the Saracens defence thinking, “Oh no, not again.” Pure pace, sharp feet, and excitement every touch.

Yes, this may be our first loss but let’s be clear, this was no step backwards. This was a heavyweight contest between two very good sides, and our squad showed heart, grit and serious quality. Sometimes you learn more in one tough match than in ten easy wins and if we keep building on the positives from this performance, the rest of Hertfordshire better watch out.

Legends in the making? Absolutely.

Awards (drum roll please ?):

Player of the Week: Leo — speed kills.
Defensive Players of the Week: Reuben & William — brick walls with boots.
Team Player of the Week: Marco — carried hard, tackled harder, and never stopped working.
Result aside, we are incredibly proud coaches this week. Heads high, chests out — we go again. ??