Colts win for Fin

This game had everything, not all of it good unfortunately,
With the kick off brought forward so it could be played on the plastic pitch we dislike following previous serious injuries there, it looked for a time to be heading in a very different direction.
It become obvious very quickly that Forest had some fast running backs who enjoyed the plastic surface for its sure footing and Harborough were soon behind, with Forest cutting through Harborough's defence with ease to take a 7:0 lead.
Almost immediately Harborough hit back, a good kick through from Eric Harker was chased and Will Colman was on hand to score, 7:5
That was where the good news ended for a time. Another Forest score soon followed, then as Harborough started to try to get back into the game an intercepted pass saw Forest again break clear to score unopposed under the posts. 21:5 and one way traffic at that point.
Then came a game defining moment. Fin Colman, not long back after a serious knee injury had cost him well over a season's rugby, was injured in an attempted tackle. He couldn't be moved so the the referee took the players off the pitch to the changing rooms. After a few minutes with the plastic still busy with Fin's treatment, the game was moved to the nearby grass. Before we describe the rest of the match it is important to say that all the Harborough players and spectators know what a blow this is for Fin and his family and we wish him all the best for a full and fast recovery. We also thank Forest for their words of concern and support. The playing squad however now had extra motivation, let's do it for Fin.
It was a different match on grass. Harborough started the remainder of the first half up the hill. It wasn't long before Harley Wiiliams pulled one back, 21:10. The normally reliable George Williams boot was finding it hard today though so no extras from the conversion out wide. Half time came and the momentum was now firmly with Harborough, although there was still a sizeable gap.
Another score for H Williams followed, G missing the extras but soon George made up for it by a great run down the wing, holding off defenders until Harker was on hand to score. Conversion agonisingly missed again so it remained 21:20
With about 5 minutes left, another period of Harborough pressure resulted in a try for Harry Slaughter, converted by George Williams to take the lead for the first time, 21:27.
As the clock ticked down, Harborough defended brilliantly, repelling several attempts from Forest to break through. With the clock in the red, they very untidily kicked the ball into touch to the relief of the travelling support.
This was a fantastic game of rugby, a bad injury to Fin, but a demonstration of what great team spirit can do when the chips are down. Congratulations boys, you did do it for Fin.
We welcome Forest to the grass of Northampton Road next week. Long may it be lush, green and muddy.