Frustrating day for Hatfield but they keep perfect record intact with Biggleswade win

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 instantly made the players aware of his presence by constantly blowing up for infringements that weren’t there.

Both teams were frustrated at his lack of effort to let the game flow.

Biggleswade had an early opportunity to take the lead with a penalty in front of the posts, but a poor kick meant Hatfield gained possession back.

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.

He 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 controlling the game more so 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.

Hatfield are next in Merit Table League Three action on Saturday, November 25, when they host Amersham & Chiltern 3rds.