Barnes’ bid to escape relegation from National Two South has gathered pace after they put Hertford to the sword at Barn Elms to record their second league win on the bounce.

Roared on by the biggest home crowd of the season, it took the Green and Golds just five minutes to take the lead when Ant Wilde, was put in by James Hersey’s outstanding break for his fourth try in the last two games.

Gower’s attempted conversion missed.

Just minutes later, Hertford’s fly half Olly Forrest was more successful with a forty metre kick at goal to cut the home side’s lead.

Barnes, buoyed by an eye-catching win at Southend last week, hit back in determined style and some deft footwork by Gareth Williams-Davies saw him touch down for his sixth try of the season. Gower’s conversion was successful.

Just before the mid way point of the half, home skipper Gary Holmes was dispatched to the sin-bin for the second week in a row, but Hertford only managed another Forrest penalty during the time that they had the man advantage.

This inability to punish Barnes proved to be the visitors undoing as, just before the break, scrum-half Hamish Reeves sent out a pass to James Hersey, who had the freedom of South-West London to dive between the posts.

Gower’s conversion sent Barnes in 19-6 ahead at the break.

Over the course of the season, Barnes have struggled to turn comfortable half-time lead’s into big wins, but on this day, it appeared they had learned their lesson.

Within three minutes of the re-start, Gower kicked a penalty, and six minutes later, a poor Hertford clearance hit Simon Givens on the head, which caused the ball to rocket forward into the hands of Gary Holmes who dotted down to claim the all-important bonus point.

Gower’s kick extended the lead to 29-6.

Two tries from Khrys Speed and James Lewis in eight minutes gave Hertford some hope, but a penalty from Gower, and a try from Simon Givens gave Barnes a vital win.

Another success on the road at fellow strugglers Taunton next week could see Barnes out of the relegation zone.