Welwyn 3rd XV 19 UCSOB 2nd XV 22

UCS Old Boys were the visitors on Saturday for the merit table cup semi-final. This had been made possible by an abberation the previous week when Welwyn 3's completely misread the script and beat Hampstead thereby missing out on a bye to the plate final and a rematch with Fullers!

UCS had several Old Boys who showed real commitment by returning from their new homes in the southern hemisphere specifically for this high profile match. They were obviously worried by the easy manner of their victory over us in the early weeks of the season....................

The match was close the whole way through and an early try by Andy Smith following a good break by Frankie was converted by Mark Smith (Andy's identical twin brother).

Jamie almost went over in the corner shortly after following good hands by Steve bell and the backs and Cullen made some good breaks and big tackles around the fringes to repel the UCS forwards who were their most effective weapon (that together with the chap who seemed to like tripping people up like a big girlie footballer).

UCS replied with a try on the right following a maul and converted and each side kicked a penalty goal before half time (10 - 10).

The second half started with Welwyn running back as much ball as they could only for UCS to then score a try on the right and both sides swapped penalties (Ant Newsom now doing the honours for Welwyn) keeping the scores pretty even throughout - and then the key moment came. A fly hack through by UCS led to the old man diving for the ball only to be deliberately kneed in the face by Deano who was covering thus allowing the ball to bounce free and UCS to touch down. I expect a cheque for £250 shortly after it appears on 'You've been framed' next week.

Good work by Boomer (including looking after his little mate Austen!), the two Austens, the 'role model', Long Tom, Dan and the rest almost lead to a winning try but it was not to be and UCS held out for a hard fought win.

And finally......................we wish UCS all the best in the final. We are not in any way envious that whilst they are playing on rock hard, dusty pitches in the blazing sun against the league winners we will be sipping a small half in the shade of the club house in training for Tour.....Leonard - more Port please.............cheers!!!