Shelford suffer under lights

SHELFORD couldn’t back up last week’s outstanding win over leaders Westcombe Park as they fell to a 29-15 defeat at Bedford Athletic on Friday night.

A high-pace, energetic encounter under the lights at Putnoe Wood ultimately saw the hosts pull away in the second half, Shelford only striking when Bedford were a man light.

Indeed, when Harry Rogerson scored for the visitors just after the halfhour mark it was the only time they would lead all night, Bedford always an arms-length in front.

Oli Petrides, Josh Cassell and Ryan Taylor scored their tries, Euan Rees – with his second in as many weeks – grabbing a consolation for Shelford.

Sudbury fell to defeat at Sidcup, losing out 22-17 at Crescent Farm.

Henry Cowling and Jake Sumner were the try scorers for the visitors, with Jon West grabbing Sidcup’s only try. They were indebted to the kicking of Josh Twyford, the win giving them a major boost in their battle for survival.

Also fighting for their lives are Hertford, and they enjoyed a sensational 29-5 win against Tring at Highfields.

Kyle Lemon was their man of the moment, the full-back scoring two tries, three conversions and a penalty in a brilliant individual showing. Christy Basra, Steffan Jones and Dom Merrett were also in on the tries, the win tying Hertford and Sidcup on 28 points apiece.

Down in the capital, CS Stags 1863 pipped Tunbridge Wells, 15-12.

Lock forward Tom Johnson and number eight Mike Ozdilli were on the board for the hosts, Max Tipping also contributing five points via the boot. Mike Doherty and Stuart Nicholls were Wells’ scorers.

The win keeps Stags above the trio of clubs marooned at the bottom of the table. Harpenden, in sixth, are three places and five points above them.