Harborough seconds hopes get stuck in the mud

However, Harborough were unable to field a front row which meant uncontested scrums and the experienced S&L pack and a pitch that quickly turned to a mud bath meant that it was not to be.

Harborough started with the wind advantage and looked dangerous in attack but it proved extremely difficult to use their back line effectively. They looked certain to score mid way through the first half only to be penalised for crossing, a decision that even confused the opposition.

The home side did take the lead on the half hour as the ever-alert James Stubbs managed to get his foot on the ball and touched down for a try converted by Nick Airey. Despite a good defensive effort they were unable to prevent S&L reducing the arrears close to half-time when they touched down for an unconverted try.

The conditions deteriorated further in the second half making the breakdown a lottery but the experienced S&L forwards used this to their advantage and eventually crossed for a try that with the conversion took them into a 12-7 lead and they added another try before the final whistle to bring the final score to 17-7.

This result should act as a wake up call that they must try to ensure that they can field a full squad if they are going to win games and return to the performances of the early season. There were positives with the return of some players not least Shaun Morris who we now want to see on a regular basis.