Valiant 2's Run Out of Luck in Bucks

Harborough 2nds spent the pre-match period shaping their lineout and back line and it paid immediate dividends as they found themselves 12-0 up within 15 minutes. A clash of heads in the early exchanges saw veteran Phil Jarvis shaken, but a number of players said his performance improved to 'indifferent' !!

Laurence Plant finished off a fine driving scrum to push Olney back over their own try line, the engine room of Gibson and Abblett was instrumental in moving the pack forward . Then a shimmy and powerful acceleration saw Harris Medwell scorch across the turf to score from 60 metres. However Olney struck back driving Harborough 15 metres from a lineout to make the score 12-5. They followed this up with strong backs move to level the score at half time 12 -12.

Harborough began to tire in the second half as the better drilled Olney side attacked with strong runs from their centres. Strong tackling from Luke Riordan kept the home side at bay, but eventually the try line was breached. Leading 19-12 it looked like Harborough heads would drop, however the tireless Laurence Plant drove over after good work from the forwards and Harborough were back within 2 points.

A number of injuries weakened Harborough's resolute defence and a strike by Olney put them 26-17 in front. Harborough thought they had a third Plant try, but it was disallowed as Olney failed to compete at the lineout on their own five metres and the referee blew for obstruction. Young Fin Clarke put some tremendous box kicks to move the team up the pitch and the booming boot of Medwell got the visitors within striking distance of Olney's line on many occasions.

Phil Jarvis, the stand in skipper on the day said ' This was a mighty fine effort from our scratch side, from young colts to a few returning 1st team players ,we all put in a shift and the players should be really proud of their efforts. The experience of Luke Riordan and organisation of Tom Dyke helped round off a cracking game and we look forward to next week's league encounter at Loughborough'