This Sunday saw an excellent match between two teams with very contrasting styles. Rushden & Higham with a much the bigger forward pack and were able to really assert their dominance in the scrum from the outset. However, despite the wet conditions, St Neots were very wise to play the ball into space when they could and took the first score with an excellent run from Centre Benjamin Kennedy. Matt Needham then added the conversion.

There was never any doubt that Rushden & Higham would come back strongly though, and they scored a well worked try just before half time which was duly converted.

With both teams going into the second half at 7 all, the match was perfectly poised. It did not disappoint! The standard of rugby, from both an attacking and defensive perspective, was outstanding from both teams. St Neots were very quick out of the blocks with three excellent tries in quick succession. No 8 Eddie Spencer found himself at the back of a very strong forward drive and was able to dive over for the first. Flanker Josh Loughnane, a constant thorn in the Rushden & Higham side, took advantage of a loose pass as Rushden & Higham tried to play it out of their own 22. His intercept under the posts took the score to 17 -7. More pressure from St Neots led to Eddie taking his second with a rampaging run down the right wing, for a score in the corner. 22 -7!

All the talk in the St Neots players huddle was to keep playing with maximum effort and energy. They were absolutely true to their word, however Rushden’s come back was extremely impressive. In the last quarter of the match, they really began to assert their physical advantage and – despite excellent defence from St Neots – took two tries themselves in quick succession. It was a better day with the boot for Rushden & Higham and both scores were converted. 22 -21!

In what was an extremely exciting match, the twists and turns along the way kept all guessing right to the very end as to which team would take victory. St Neots winger Archie Simmonds showed a great turn of speed to beat several defenders, although in an attempt to put the ball down under the posts, had the ball knocked out of his hands from a very strong last-ditch tackle. Equally, Rushden & Higham were held up over the line twice towards the end by some hugely spirited and clever defence from St Neots.

Despite being in a very good attacking position in the last minute of the game, St Neots were smart enough to kick the ball out to end the game. This was a hugely entertaining game and a win for every single player in the St Neots team to be extremely proud of.