STEPHEN RENNY, the Enfield Ignatians’ president, made his third appearance for the Hertfordshire Super Vets, with the men in green suffering an agonising last gasp away defeat against their Essex counterparts at the home of Harlow RFC (Sept 5).

In a game which hung in the balance until death, it was Essex which made early in-roads following a fluent attack which resulted in a try under the posts.

Hertfordshire hung-in there with some great defence and they rebounded in the final five minutes of the half by claiming a converted try on their own which evened matters 7-7 at the break.

Both teams had plenty of attacking momentum in the second-half without necessaily capitalising, but it was Hertfordshire which again laid down the gauntlet to Essex by re-taking the lead after some good handling, and successful conversion, forged a 14-7 lead.

However, Essex weren’t about to roll over and they claimed neat try in corner. The conversion was missed but it made for an exciting finale after Hertfordshire’s lead was trimmed to two points.

Hertfordshire continued to weather some intense pressure but, with less than a minute on the clock, they conceded a kickable penalty which the kicker duly potted, as Essex turned the tables at the death 15-14.

Steve Renny said: “It was a very close game but [it] wasn’t to be for the Hertfordshire Super Vets despite [the team’s] valiant efforts.”

Super Vets rugby is open to players aged 50 plus.