Welwyn 3's 15 v 18 Stevenage 3rd XV (At Alleyne's school Stevenage)

The development team went for an even younger look this week with current U17s James, Ali & Josh (all making their debuts) Rory and Chris together with Colts Andy, Austen, Heskey and Jason. This left the likes of Si (hanging judge) Lynch, Len (The Role Model) Cleary and Jon (watch my nose) Humphries to keep the average age up, ably assisted by Neil, Bill, Dan, Steve and Craig.

We travelled to Alleynes school as the Stevenage pitch was unplayable. The ref did the pre-match checks, studs, front row talk and 25m breastroke certificates as most of the Alleyne's pitch was under water!

Welwyn started well and should have exploited a couple of overlaps before James Lynch slotted an early penalty for 3-0. Soon after a nicely channelled Welwyn scrum ball shot out the back for Stevenage to pounce on and put the ball through several hands for a score by the posts. 7-3.

Good pressure by Welwyn then led to a well weighted kick from Lynch (jr.) into the corner and Jon H held up the full back for Neil Smith to rip the ball clear and score - that's what comes from 'hanging about on the wing' said Neil - something some people have built a whole career on!

James duly slotted a difficult conversion and we turned around at 10-10, Stevenage having kicked another penalty.

The second half was very disjointed and the pitch started to get the better of the players. Ali switched to 10 and played very well in the conditions and several trademark 'arm up' drives by the role model kept us moving forward but eventually Stevenage forced a couple of errors and drove over by the posts. 15-10.

Welwyn fought back strongly and the young team showed real character for Andy and the backs to work an overlap to put the old man away for a try on the right wing (which even he couldn't mess up) which went unconverted. There was nothing in it when, with 1 minute to go the ref. awarded Stevenage a penalty in front for them to snatch victory with virtually the last kick of the match. A good start for several debutant senior players who showed great promise in difficult conditions.

Man of the Match - Neil Smith - well deserved.

And finally.....................the showers at Alleynes were sh** 25 years ago when I was there and I'm pleased to report nothing has changed..............................