HML 2 - @Grasshoppers

Round 2 of the Herts and Middlesex League saw Team Black make the short journey to Grasshoppers RFC. Unseasonably good weather again saw the game kick off in warm sunshine.

Team Black had lost a bit heft up front with the absence of Adam and Tristan but also saw the return of Hamish from injury. In the backs, there was a lot of changes as new players were given an opportunity to show what they could do. Grasshoppers had three or four big units and had clearly built a game plan around them.

The first half was a tight affair. Grasshoppers' big runners being neutralised by some committed and effective tackling from Wasps and some messy rucking. Wasps were not able to string together many phases of play as a result of quickly losing structure and being put under real pressure at the breakdown. The half ended with a try for each team. Both tries coming from forwards keeping it tight and crossing the line at short range. Sofian scored for Wasps.

The second half saw Wasps pin Grasshoppers back in their 22 for much of the first 15 minutes. However, a powerful run down the middle of the pitch by the Grasshoppers blindside winger saw them score the first try of the second half. Wasps again regained parity through another short range effort from Max. With the game in the balance, Grasshoppers were able to bulldoze up the pitch aided by some tired tackling from Wasps. A number of penalties awarded to Grasshoppers saw them finally cross the whitewash for the winning try.

This was a game of fine margins and Wasps showed commitment and guts to get a result they can be proud of.

The traditional meal and Man of the Match awards saw Sofian nominated by Grasshoppers and Wasps nominated Josh, the try-scoring winger for Grasshoppers. Both players then had to down a can of lemonade in a race!