MHRUFC Sharks – Leicester Forest – U12’s 09-12-2018

Game 1:
Leicester Forest East (LFE) had won the Land Rover Cup and so this was an opportunity for Harborough to match themselves against one of the best sides in the county. The game started fast and furious with LFE having the downhill advantage. Despite this, strong pressure from the kick off took LFE by surprise and resulted in a good team try by Sharks in the corner. This shook LFE out of any complacency and the game became highly competitive, fast paced and evenly balanced. There was good movement along the line by both sides, although Sharks were perhaps guilty of occasional overambition in their attacking moves and after a period of strong pressure and smooth handling LFE managed to equalise. 1-1 at half time. Both sides came out full of energy with determined tackling and rucking from Sharks. However constant pressure from LFE with their very good passing game led to a second try. Sharks were not discouraged and responded with strong rucking from the forwards and some good individual runs. Defence was excellent with barely a tackle missed. A lovely individual try from the base of the scrum resulted in a well-deserved equaliser by Sharks. Final Score 2-2 which was a fair result. An excellent game with a brave and determined performance by Sharks, which, with a little more confidence and fluency in their passing, could have resulted in a famous victory.

Game 2:
In the second game Sharks were slow to start and had an immediate setback with a soft try from a swerving run by a LFE player. Sharks responded with a good run through the middle from the re-start, but they didn’t manage to recover the rhythm of the first game with uncertain passing along the line and a failure to clear their lines. Sustained pressure from LFE resulted in a second try despite fierce defending by Sharks. 2-0 to LFE at half time. Some good rucking by Sharks at the start of the second half together with improved movement along the line almost resulted in a try, but LFE responded with a lovely passing move supported by good possession from the ruck which led to a third try. Further pressure from LFE followed but Sharks didn’t buckle despite losing Fergie to injury. A couple of good clearing kicks relieved the pressure and Sharks began to show better movement in the backs, but were unable to get over the line before the final whistle. Final Score 0-3. Sharks didn’t have quite the same urgency in the second game, but there wasn’t much of a difference between the two sides.