London & SE Div III NE

HARLOW recorded an important win over third placed West Norfolk on Saturday; the first time they have ever won against this side. With promotion now out of reach Lee Harron took the opportunity to try some changes in terms of team selection and position. This included giving Jack Christy and Mitchell Hodgkinson from the colts squad the chance to make their first team debut. The outcome was an exciting game of rugby where, as it progressed, Harlow became progressively stronger. Having very experienced players in the numbers 1 to 5 shirts gave Harlow an edge in the pack allowing the backs to move the ball out and put the visitors under pressure.

Harlow started playing up the slope and after a few minutes the Norfolk backs mover the ball wide and took advantage of a couple of missed tackles to score a try which was converted for a 7 point lead. For the next twenty minutes it was a cut and thrust game where Harlow had to face some pressure. As they settled however their defensive play improved. When the visitors conceded a penalty Ross Stalley put the ball between the posted to cut the deficit to 3 – 7. Almost immediately West Norfolk hit back with an unconverted try leaving Harlow facing a 3 – 12 deficit. An immediate response from Harlow put them back into the game. The backs moved the ball wide to Scott Whitby on the wing. He still had work to do but evaded one defender and drove past a second to score the first Harlow try. Harlow went into the interval with a deficit of 8 – 12 an acceptable position given that they had the advantage of the slope in the second half.

Almost immediately at the start of the second half Harlow were awarded a penalty and took the safer option to go for the goal. Ross Stalley was on target to cut the margin to 11- 12. Ten minutes into the half Harlow won line-out ball deep into the visitors half. They set up the rolling maul and drove over the line where Dan Evans touched down for the try. Dan Smith converted to give Harlow the lead 18- 12. With about 20 minutes to go the Harlow backs made another good break and again it was Scott Whitby who finished off the move for another try taking the score to 23 – 17. Harlow dominated most of the final quarter and with a little more luck could have added to their scoreline. They suffered a setback in the closing minutes when a missed tackle let the visitors in for another try. Harlow however regrouped and held on for a deserved win.

The next Harlow 1st XV league match is on the 19th march against Lowestoft and Yarmouth.