Nuneaton U11 v MH U11 Meteors

The Meteors travelled to Nuneaton where they met a forward dominated and large side as their hosts. In perfect weather for rugby, ground with a bit of give in it, sunshine and little breeze both teams suffered handling errors and the first game was consequently dominated by set piece play. Harborough at first struggled to come to terms with the larger opposition but later on did get the measure of them. A scrappy first half saw Harborough on the defensive for much of it, conceding one try. Jack Wilson showed his resilience by popping straight back up after a crunching but legal double hit from two big opponents.
In the second half, Theo Hall was enjoying his best game in a Harborough shirt with some strong runs up the left wing. Despite this, Nuneaton doubled their lead. Then came the fight back.
From solid rucking the ball was fed out to George Hooper who jinxed through to score and halve the deficit. Hoops soon broke through again and as unlikely as it had seemed early in the half, Harborough were level. They were unfortunate not to break through again but were pushed into touch close to the Nuneaton try line. From the ensuing line out, George Hallam took control and charged through to place the ball down. The home touch judge was unsighted and whilst there was some doubt over a knock on, the try was allowed and Meteors held on for a 3:2 win.

The second match again saw Harborough concede first but the performance was much better in response. Harborough twice went behind but twice Thomas (TK Turbo) Kemp levelled from fine passes out from Stanley Cockerill who had been fed by quick ball from Ollie John at scrum half. From then on it was TK's show, demonstrating his fantastic pace and mesmurisng side step to complete his hatrick and then his fourth. From a line out at the half way line, Ewan Jenner received the ball from Harry Fordham, ran infield and the ball passed through the backs' hands to TK. He had so much to do still but turned the defenders inside and out to score his fifth try of the game for a fine 5:2 win.
Ever since the defeat at Hinckley, Meteors have been playing great rugby, clearly enjoying their success and coming together as a team. Bedworth Blues will be a tough test next week...