March saw the conclusion of the 6 Nations as Ireland made it back to back championships albeit they couldn't make it a Grand Slam to match the French side of 1997 and 1998 who hold on to that prestigious record. Despite the intrigue and some eye catching results, in particular the progress of the Italians, there is a strange feeling of deja vu again with Ireland top and France second back to where we were before the World Cup. In the community game things are equally as tense with clubs focused on the league run in before attention shifts quickly to the Cup competitions.

The Seniors - 1st and 2nd XVs
The 1st XV had three matches this month whilst for the 2nd XV there was one competetive fixture and some much needed rest for the squad. Starting with the 2nd XV they have had to settle for the runners up spot in their league after defeat away at Cuffley. Congratulations to the hosts who have been far and away the best side in the division winning the title at a canter with a gap of 24 points between them and us we were left with too much to do and not enough weekends left to reorganise fixtures that could not be played because of the weather. Despite the disappointment, its been a season that has surpassed expectations and with a long injury list post Christmas it's testament to the commitment and hard work of the core Squad to come away with second and finish above the other local clubs in the league. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Hatfield QEII who have been brilliant helping out with players to ensure fixtures could go ahead, emphasising the great relationship between the two clubs.

The 1st XV had a mixed month with an outstanding victory against Tabard in the final game proceeded by two defeats to Harrow and Barnet, the latter moved to a Friday night after the heavy rainfall produced yet more disruption to the scheduling. There is one league game left as Saints have a tough trip to recently promoted Ealing, with Barnet travelling to Harrow in a tense final league weekend. Good luck to the players who take the field and hopefully we can achieve the best outcome. Whilst the game itself was moved, we still managed to host the final pre-match lunch of the season at the start of the month. Thank you to the club chairman and kitchen staff for working to ensure this still went ahead, with thirty plus people in attendance it was an excellent day with even more people present for a weekend drink to support the bar.

The "returners"
The University of Hertfordshire returners took place last month, a week earlier than its previous position in the rugby calendar, nevertheless, it was once again a big success as the current Mens and Womens 1st XV took on the alumni of years past in a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. Post the games, the clubhouse was packed to watch England Vs Ireland in the penultimate weekend of this years 6 Nations. Thank you to the team captains in conjuction with the club for organising, long may the annual fixture continue. The fixture (as it has previously) was raising money for the chosen charities of the two teams. This year both opted to support the Jonny Wilkinson Foundation.

The minis and juniors
On to our Junior section and this month despite weather challenges they still managed to get three fixtures in and a day trip for the players and parents. Prior to our Friday Night 1st XV game against Barnet, the U13s played against Stevenage and it was fantastic to see the next generation running out in front of our supporters and a brilliant advert for the club to showpiece our senior and junior sections on the same evening. A fantastic effort from everyone involved, thank you to Stevenage for making the trip. Two weeks later the squad made the short trip across the city to Old Albanians to participate in the Herts County Festival. The Nomads came 2nd in their pool which consisted of Datchworth B, Enfield Ignations B, Letchworth Garden City and Royston. They lost out on top spot by virtue of scoring three less tries than Royston. The boys won three and lost one in an exceptional effort. Well done to all of the players involved. It’s likely the boys will be promoted from Pool E this season to Pool C where we will be playing the likes of OAs, Bishops Stortford and Hertford . It is great to see us step up to challenge the more established clubs in the County.

The minis had a full schedule in March with festivals across the age groups, starting with the John Gray Cup on the opening weekend at Welwyn where they competed against the hosts, Barnet Elizabethans and Datchworth. A week later our under 9s and 10s ventured East to Hertford Rugby Club for the County Festival before the whole squad went to Stockwood Park to play against there U6-U12s. The month concluded with the County Tag Festival at Harpenden Rugby Club for our under 6 to 8 age groups.

We also had a day trip for our mini and junior players and parents as 80+ went to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch Saracens take on Harlequins in "The Showdown". This is the second time that we have done this trip and we would like to thank the mini and junior committee for organising. We also had an official flag waver at the ground, captured on camera by TNT Sports television coverage. Saracens won convincingly to remain in position for a play off spot at the end of the season.

And finally...
Finally this month, we would like to take another opportunity to remind everyone that our club and St Albans Centurions RL will come together this summer for a memorial challenge match in honour of our late friend and teammate Toby Sweeney who passed away in September. Preparation continues at a pace with the the final details being put into place. We can confirm that prior to the main event which takes place at 3pm, North Herts Crusaders and Brentwood Eels will do battle at 1pm. Both clubs have agreed to relocate their league fixture to our club to help support our charity fundraising effort. The event will take place on Saturday 18th May and we look forward to welcoming a large crowd.

Toby represented both rugby codes during his playing career for Saints and Centurions and we will be hosting the inaugural “Clash of the Codes” game this summer with a half of league and a half of Union. The game will aim to raise money for his family's chosen charity, the "RFU Injured Players Foundation".

https://www.justgiving.com/page/toby-sweeney

We would like to thank Toby's family, who have given their full support to this event and will be in attendance on the day. We hope this will be a great occasion and a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to both clubs.