Tows a Tough Test for Twos

Harborough made life difficult with the early exchanges all falling Towcestrians way. Good driving Harborough runs were twice turned over and the slick speedy visitor's backs made it 0-12 with less than ten minutes on the clock. Harborough were facing a different class of opposition than in recent weeks and needed to step up to the mark.

Harborough's forwards did begin to lift their game with fine runs from Ryan Gibson , Mark Watson and Charlie Foskett punching the home team deep into the opposition half. However at pivotal moments Harborough failed to cross the opposition try line. Jamie Thorpe caught the eye with some scorching runs into the Towcestrians half. With all this pressure it was disappointing to see Towcester score again.

Finally Harborough did get on the score sheet when Luke Riordan pounced on a loose ball. The half time score of 5-17 was frustrating for the home team, but this was a tough test against a fine Towcestrian back line.

The introduction of Aaron Lyle just before half time gave Harborough a robust 'wrecking ball' midfield and after three of four pulsating runs Lyle crossed the try line with several defenders hanging on and a trail of destruction in his wake. Stef Ziemelis put in some great charging runs throughout the game, but a twisted ankle truncated his game.

With the score at 10-17 it looked like Harborough would close in on the Towcester score. It was not to be as a poor period of tackling allowed two quick tries to confident counter attacking backs. Harborough did get a final score through Jake Abblett, crashing over near the posts after good work by the forwards. Iain Barnett converted and Harborough closed the gap to 17-34.

Although at periods it looked like Towcestrians would post a cricket score there is a new resilience amongst this group of players. A month ago this game would have been lost by a margin of more than 50 points. With a little more defensive organisation Harborough could have won this game. Finishing off try scoring moves and better ball protection are the next areas to concentrate on. Well done lads.