Seconds dig deep to overcome a strong S&L team

Harborough Seconds travelled to Corby to face a strong S&L team featuring a majority of first team players. On a wet and windy afternoon Harborough had first advantage of the slope and the wind and it did not take long for the ever industrious Loz Plant to cross the line to put Harborough 5-0 in front. The conversion was missed but shortly afterwards Joe Whitworth slotted a penalty, 10-0 to Harborough which became 17-0 when captain Nick Airey sold a dummy and glided through to touch down for a try converted by Whitworth. But Harborough were not having it all their own way, notably in the scrums where they were under a lot of pressure and S&L eventually made the breakthrough with an excellent break and touch down under the posts for a try that with the conversion reduced the deficit to 15-7. That was the final score of the half and an 8 point lead did not look enough as Harborough turned around to face the elements with the weather taking a turn for the worse. This became a reality as S&L kicked for territory and it was not long before they crossed the line to make it 15-12 to Harborough. Not to be outdone Harborough managed to make their way upfield and following yet another infringement at the breakdown Whitworth added a further 3 points from the resultant penalty. S&L came straight back and reduced the deficit to a single point. 18-17 to the visitors. Harborough then dug really deep showing real determination to hang on to their slender lead frustrating S&L who continually lost their cool and although much of the foul play went unnoticed by the referree they soon lost a player to a yellow card. This player had not long returned before a second S&L player was yellow carded for a clear punch to the face that would normally result in a red card. Harborough however, were not going to be intimidated and held on for an excellent, well-deserved win in a performance that showed that there is strength in depth in the club with a number of players showing that they could push for a first team place.