Cup Run Ends with Extra Time Woe

This game was a scrappy, tense and error strewn affair in which the youthful Harborough team fought valiantly to the bitter end.

The early exchanges were dominated by Lutterworth who were full of intent and enthusiastically took control of ruck and maul. Slowly Harborough gained parity, mainly due to the barnstorming runs by Harry Hollis and some thumping tackles from Marcus John-Charles. With twenty five minutes on the clock Josh Haynes slotted over a penalty to give the visitors a 3-0 lead. Harborough forwards in action on Saturday, picture courtesy Jo Williams, Lutterwoth RUFC.

There was nothing between the sides for the remainder of the half, but a Lutterworth penalty levelled the scores shortly after the break. Within five minutes the home team took the lead with a try out wide and now led 8-3.

Erratic passing and kicking slowed Harborough's progress and they struggled to establish a bridgehead in Lutterworth's territory.

As the game moved into the last quarter, Harborough's forwards began to dominate the scrum and finally drove deep into the Lutterworth 22. Tom Dyke, Harry Hollis and Foskett led the charge into the home team pack. Andrew Jarvis finally got over the line but the try scoring pass was adjudged to have gone forward. It was one of many strange decisions during the afternoon. The next play saw Charlie Foskett touch down after a battering ram charge. Josh Haynes couldn't add the conversion and the score was tied at 8-8 as the final whistle blew.

A short period of confusion then ensued as the teams tried to establish the 'drawn game rules'. In the end it was agreed to play two ten minute periods of extra time.

Harborough took advantage with an early Josh Haynes penalty, Lutterworth replied with their own penalty and tie was once again level at 11-11. Both sides threw themselves whole heartedly into the contest with no quarter given. Rob Brownlee and Haynes battered and stepped and went close to scoring. Harborough's Josh Haynes,who had moved to scrum half, slotted another penalty to give Harbrough a 14-11 lead.

With only four minutes left Harborough failed to to clear their lines and Lutterworth punched into the weary defensive line. Eventually they gained an overlap and scored out wide.

Harborough battled right to the end but Lutterworth's defence was supreme. This was a gripping tie and there will be many tired body in the shires tonight!!

Photo Gallery click here by Jo Williams, Lutterworth RUFC