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Rugby: Big win for Berkhamsted at Allianz Park
Berkhamsted School’s 1st XV have convincingly defeated Tonbridge by 53-19 at the showpiece game under the lights at Allianz Park.
Two coach loads of supporters had travelled to the home of Saracens to see what turned out to be a premier standard rugby performance at the Aviva Premiership stadium.
On the back of a 64-0 victory against London Oratory, Berkhamsted went into the game with optimism and with their three-year undefeated run at Chesham Road Fields still intact. But their formidable opponents, Tonbridge had lifted the NatWest Champions Trophy just a week earlier, winning the final at the same venue.
Tonbridge controlled possession in the opening minutes, and only the sterling Berkhamsted defence kept them for scoring. Then a desperate inception from Mark Williams before a 50m run to the line gave Berkhamsted the lead from the counter attack.
A remarkable 20 minute period saw Berkhamsted score five further tries to take an unassailable 36-0 lead at half time.
Tonbridge improved in the second half, but further tries from Ethan Bussell and Mark Williams took Berkhamsted to over 50 points. A magnificent touch-line conversion, and a personal hoard of 18 pts for 15-year-old Josh Barton, brought the evening to a thrilling conclusion. Final score 53-19.
Berkhamsted School’s Head of Rugby Ben Mahoney said: “Our organisation in defence and execution in attack was as good as I have seen from a Berkhamsted team. Every one of the boys played out of their skins, which was required against such high quality opposition. I am very proud of them.”
Tries: Mark Williams (3), Ethan Bussell (2), Matt Harris, James Lewis, Josh Barton
Cons: Barton (5)
Pens: Barton (1)
