Jason Leonard National Under 20 County Championship Division 1

Hertfordshire 19 : 56 Kent

Kent travelled away to Cheshunt on Saturday looking for a victory that would secure them a home draw in the National Quarter-Final.

Despite a couple of last-minute changes, the Kent side were emphatic winners scoring 9 tries in the process.

A strong scrummaging performance with Noah (Brunel Uni), Galligan (Sevenoaks RFC) and Timmerman (Medway RFC) dominating their opposite numbers and the Blackheath FC pairing of O’Sullivan and Ringshall adding the power behind ensured quality set piece possession. Excellent distribution and game management from the half backs, Farrance (Brunel Uni) and Fryatt (Westcombe Park RFC), ensured the match tempo remained high.

The strong start saw Fankah (Medway RFC) and Halliday (Canterbury RFC) tries put Kent in control. Herts looked to come back but the visitors defence was sound. Fankah, Khalil (Blackheath FC) and Furneaux (Canterbury RFC) winning breakdown turnovers that saw Kent counterattack successfully.

After good teamwork from all including Leamon (Sidcup RFC) and Trew- Neville (Whitstable RFC) Taylor (Old Dunstonians RFC) scored a pair of tries out wide. A late Noah try and 2 conversions from Captain Ben Fryatt saw Kent lead 0-29 at half time.

The second half started with Kent down to 14 men. Timmerman having been yellow carded. Despite this Fryatt added an early penalty to push the score out to 0-32.

Herts battled hard in the second half scoring three tries of their own with Kent down to 14 men twice. This following another yellow card this time for the hard-working Ward (Beckenham RFC).

Kent maintained control with a brace of tries for Cohen (Thanet Wanderers RFC) and Burkett (Old Colfeians RFC). Second half replacements ensured a freshness around Kent that ensured that control. Revell (Blackheath FC), Gibbons (Sidcup RFC), McCourt-Welsh (Thanet Wanderers RFC), Bellows (Dartford Valley RFC) and Dawadu (Old Elthamians RFC) all playing their part.

Kent now faces Devon at Charlton Park RFC on 20th March kick off 2pm.