Seconds Prove their Steel at S & L

Harborough kicked off against the wind and with the sun in their eyes. Squally light showers swept across the pitch on the strong breeze. The pack got into the game from the word go and two early missed kicks at goal should have penalised S&L for infringements at ruck and maul.

However, Harborough never afraid to attack from deep inside their own half launched Aaron Lyle and Harris Medwell to penetrate deep into the home team's territory. A Tom Bale break was finished by the impressive Medwell who also converted to put Harborough in front 7-0. Pictured; Chris Robinson and Sam Blades in the thick of the action against S&L. Within minutes the visitors doubled their lead when Tom Bale darted over after good interplay by the forwards. Harris Medwell converted and Harborough led 14-0. Butler, Foskett and Ablett were constantly in the action throughout the half.

With the wind behind them in the second half Harborough could have expected to play their rugby deep in the S&L half. The home team had different ideas and concentrated on disrupting Harborough supply of ball. Throughout the second half they frustrated Harborough with aggressive intent and the game descended into a scrappy affair.

S&L's scrum half, who had a fine game, was rewarded when he nipped through Harborough's defence to bring the score to 14-5.

The rest of the game saw S&L threatening to score on numerous occasions, but Harborough's scrambled defence eventually thwarted the attackers. Sam Blades, Mark Watson and Sam Hiner defended gallantly throughout the half. The 2nds continued to show great resolve by not retaliating to a number of provocative incidents and finally established field position deep in the home team's territory. With the game nearly over Chris Robinson broke clear and thundered over the line to seal the game 19-5.

Harborough will have learnt a valuable lesson about standing up together in the face of adversity and the final try showed great team spirit.