By Andrew Bolton

Welwyn 4th XV were away to Old Grammarians 2nd XV this week. Both teams looking to get their season on the road, Welwyn started well, matching Old Grammarians tackle for tackle and making some strong break away runs. Despite tenacious efforts from Welwyn, Old Grammarians back line proved too strong crossing the line twice and went into half time in the lead. Welwyn came out fighting, narrowly missing several attempts including a run away scrum on the Old Grammarians line foiled at the very last minute. Determination in the air, Welwyn strived forward throughout the second half with maestro half back and man of the match, Harry Atkinson, producing a first class display. Unfortunately a late try from Old Grammarians sealed their victory, 24 - 0. Welwyn hope to find their feet in an injury filled season next week at home to Cheshunt 2nd XV, while also keeping a close eye on the upcoming cup tournament.

Close match report.

By Andrew Bolton

Welwyn 4th XV travelled to Hemel Hempstead 3rd XV this week in what always promises to be a tough competition. Welwyn started well, with the forwards knuckling down to produce some first class ball at the break down and pushing Hemel off the ball in a powerful scrum. Welwyn struck first with Gareth Drew slotting a penalty through the posts early on. However Hemel came back strong crossing the line in the corner for a try. The game offered a physical contest with Man of the Match Simon Gibbs a prime example of how Welwyn's defence had improved as they racked up the tackle numbers. Another two tries for Hemel put the away team on the back foot; however Simon Gibbs crossed the line following a quickly taken penalty just before half time to enter the break at 8 - 17. An injury struck second half for Welwyn saw them lose 3 key players as they saw their Prop, Hooker and Fly Half leave the pitch. Welwyn battled on but with players out of position and an ever increasingly physical game, Hemel proved too strong. Despite some extremely strong moral from the lads and a late try from Full Back Andy Bolton, the final score saw Welwyn fall to defeat 15 - 43. Welwyn have a much needed rest next week, as they set their sights on Hendon 2nd XV away the following week.

Close match report.

By Andrew Bolton

The local derby this week saw Welwyn 4th XV clash with OAs 4th XV in a physical and testing contest. Hard ground and a blustery wind made for an interesting first half, with Welwyn suffering a blow early on with the loss of centre, Graham Carr, to injury. Despite several attempts from Welwyn to break a strict OAs defence, a well drilled display from OAs back line saw them take a comfortable lead at half time. The second half saw Welwyn stage a come back with man of the match, Bobby Dawson, utilising his trade mark side step as he sliced through OAs backline to score. A 30 meter rolling maul, gave Welwyn a huge boost, however it proved too little too late as OAs once again rampaged to close out the game. The game came to a close with a score of 64 - 12 to OAs. Welwyn now set their sights on next week's game away to Hemel Hempstead.

Close match report.

Welwyn 4th XV are narrowly pipped by Stevenage 3rd XV in a physical exchange of blows. Welwyn started the game well, crossing the line early on. Another try just before half time saw Welwyn lead at half time 12 - 7. The 2nd half saw a twist to the game with two tries disallowed for Welwyn, followed by Stevenage crossing for a further two. Despite a try in the last 15 minutes and constant pressure from Welwyn, they fell to a 23 - 17 defeat. Welwyn 4th XV look to try and kick start their league campaign at home to Old Albanians on Saturday

Close match report.

Welwyn 4th XV falls to defeat as Ruislip 3rd XV proves too strong. Despite a physical presence from Welwyn, a young development side from Ruislip produced a well executed performance running in several tries in the first half. The second half showed more potential from Welwyn, although they failed to break a strong defensive line from Ruislip. Despite losing 88 - 3, Welwyn showed strong moral and team work as well as some excellent defensive tackling, particularly from man of the match Andy (Mac) McLachrie who continued his strong form at full back. Welwyn 4th XV play in local derby away to Stevenage 3rd XV next Saturday.

Close match report.

Welwyn 4th XV fell to defeat in a physical contest away to Radlett based team Tabard 2nd XV. An exciting first half saw Tabard take an early lead, with Welwyn quickly drawing even following an intercepted runaway try from fly half, Rob Large. Following the break Tabard came out strong crossing the line for two more tries. Welwyn staged a come back with back row, Gareth Drew crashing through Tabard's back line for a try under the posts. Too little too late, following a fast paced and physical contest, Tabard crossed for two late tries to secure the win 36 - 14. Despite the loss Welwyn 4th XV showed potential with man of the match, Osmond (Ozzy) Mahere , who was competing in his first game of rugby, a prime example of things to come this season. This Saturday Welwyn 4's are looking for a home win against Ruislip 3rd XV.

Close match report.