Charlie Standley shines for the Vets as they beat the 2nds but the real star was a young colt Fraser Smith

Harborough seconds plus 4 Colts took on Harborough Vets plus a couple of Stoneygate players at Northampton Road last Saturday in what proved to be an entertaining game of rugby. The seconds were bolstered by that young Colt (coach) Jon Stamp and Big David Henderson in the pack but the stand out player was a young colt playing his first senior game for the club, Fraser Smith. He is clearly a star of the future and one to be watched. Playing second row but equally at home in the back row he continually took the game to the opposition and deservedly got the first try which was converted by Jake Thornton, a new role for him, 7-0 to the seconds. The game was even with the Vets using all their experience at the breakdown and successfully causing mayhem and slow ball for the twos without getting caught by the referee. The seconds should have extended their lead when they twice pushed the Vets almost over the line from 5 metre scrums only to be stopped by blatant foul play. (Reminded me of my playing days) But incredibly instead of taking a 3rd scrum which would likely have resulted in a penalty try they opted for the quick penalty, stretched it wide and knocked it on! This seemed to spur the Vets into more concerted action with Dave Sheppard and Charlie Standley running great lines. The 2nds backs initially held firm despite a number playing out of position but on the stroke of half time Phil Beech powered over in the corner for the Vets to reduce the deficit to 7-5. The second half saw the Vets improve further with Will Cropper (Stoneygate) calling the shots at scrum half and it was he who got their second try before Standley carved through the defence to touch down. A 4th try was added by Jason Stanbridge and with one conversion the Vets were leading 22-7. Perhaps the Vets chosen man-of-the match, Charlie Standley was feeling guilty for swapping sides as he then gave an assist to Jamie Thorpe who needs no second invitation to stretch his legs to run through and touch down. The conversion was missed and the final score was 22-12 to the Vets. On this occasion experience overcame youth although that may not be the case with any return match.