Stevenage Town surpassed all expectations by reaching the final of the Herts Sevens rugby competition for the first time in their history. Sunday s competition, hosted by near neighbours Hitchin Rugby Club, was played in blistering heat. Town fielded a sq

Stevenage Town surpassed all expectations by reaching the final of the Herts Sevens rugby competition for the first time in their history.

Sunday's competition, hosted by near neighbours Hitchin Rugby Club, was played in blistering heat.

Town fielded a squad mainly comprising youngsters and they rose to the occasion as Black Horse were blown away in the first round by 67-0.

In the second round, Town were paired with Bishop's Stortford and with the scores even at the end of full time, they were the first to score in the sudden death play-off.

Round three against Welwyn saw a couple of late tries end in a 31-19 win.

Town won their semi-final against high-flying Tring 27-19 to win a place in the final against Old Ashmoleans.

Stags never really performed in the final as the fatigue of playing five games of sevens in intense heat took its toll.

In addition, Adam Amos and Ian Crompton played a gruelling 15-a-side game the day before for Herts, also played in intense heat, as they defeated Cornwall in the County Championship Shield.

Old Ashmoleans had the distinct advantage of having played two fewer games leading up to the final, due to the non-appearance of three clubs, with the resulting last-minute reorganisation of the draw.

The old boys still fielded an excellent sevens team and ran out convincing winners in the final by 54-0.

Crompton, Michael Wilson, Kyle Lemon, Gareth Lewis, Ed Burrell and Rob Carter all got on the scoresheet and they were ably supported by Amos, Gareth Wall, Richard Penny and colt Pete Moore.

Nineteen clubs took part in the competition with the standard of rugby, by general consent, improved from previous years.

Hertford beat Harpenden in the final of the plate competition 22-17.

Hosts Hitchin lost to Tring in the opening game of the afternoon, and lost controversially to Barnet in the first round of the plate.

Hitchin ladies took part in a mini competition, beating Tabard, but losing in the final to Old Albanians 'Saints' by 33-7.

Hitchin have been promoted back to the London leagues after another reorganisation from the RFU was confirmed. Full story in next week's Comet.

* Herts recorded a magnificent 31-26 victory at Hertford's Hoe Lane on Saturday to throw the southern pool of the RFU County Shield wide open.

They can now look forward to their home match against Oxfordshire this Saturday at Old Albanian RFC (3pm ko).

As well as the Stevenage Town trio of Ian Crompton, Tavita Faamausili and Adam Amos, Ryan de la Harpe from Letchworth Garden City was one of the try scorers.