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Sat 25 Feb 2017 · Merit A
South Leicester II
2nd XV
15
22
Gibson leads from the front as Harborough overcome South Leicester
David Nance27 Feb 2017 - 10:19
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Harborough’s 2nd XV overcame their opponents in a hard-fought game which although high in errors was also high in commitment from both teams in difficult conditions at South’s Welford Road ground.
Harborough’s 2nd XV overcame their opponents in a hard-fought game which although high in errors was also high in commitment from both teams in difficult conditions at South’s Welford Road ground.
In boggy, windy conditions both teams tried their best to play open rugby which resulted in lots of handling errors but also a handful of excellent tries! South Leicester took the lead early in the game with a try scored by their electric winger who ran in from his own half following a turnover during a Harborough attack. Kicks at goal were always going to be difficult in blustery conditions and the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Playing in to the wind was always going to be difficult for Harborough, especially when trying to escape their own 22. Trying to play an offloading game near their own try line wasn’t the ideal alternative and a plethora of errors kept them on the back foot. Excellent defence in midfield kept South at bay though and the set piece worked well, especially for a team which included a mix pf players who hadn’t played together before.
At half time the hosts were in the lead 10-5 following another score from them and some excellent work from Harborough’s Gibson in the opposition 22. With a South Leicester clearance kick charged down Gibson strode through to touch down to keep the visitors in touch after 40 minutes.
The main instruction at half time was to use the wind to gain territory, play percentages and to stop the forced off loads. Fortunately the players totally ignore this and not long after the break they scored a great try which included great inter play between the forwards and backs and several off-loads! The try was well finished by Lewis Townsend whose partnership in the centre with Lee Butler was proving to be a dominant one over their opponents.
By now the game had moved pitches whilst Harborough’s James Green received attention for a neck injury. Fortunately it transpired that it wasn’t serious but no chances were taken and an ambulance was called to ensure James received necessary checks.
By now Harborough were well on top and only the continuation of little mistakes in handling allowed South any respite. Pleasingly Market Harborough decided to use their superior size and power in the pack to score their third try through a driving maul which took them well over 20 metres over the line. Ryan Gibson again the scorer capping a great comeback performance.
A penalty late on kicked by Henry Davis, who also kicked two conversions sealed the game, although it took a great covering tackle from Charlie Beard on South’s speedy winger late on to ensure the points.
It was a tremendous effort from Harborough’s players and a thoroughly deserved victory, in what has been a difficult season for the second team. Also a massive thank you to the South players who helped transfer James Green on to the stretcher and then carry him to the ambulance at the end of the game. The true spirit of rugby!
In boggy, windy conditions both teams tried their best to play open rugby which resulted in lots of handling errors but also a handful of excellent tries! South Leicester took the lead early in the game with a try scored by their electric winger who ran in from his own half following a turnover during a Harborough attack. Kicks at goal were always going to be difficult in blustery conditions and the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Playing in to the wind was always going to be difficult for Harborough, especially when trying to escape their own 22. Trying to play an offloading game near their own try line wasn’t the ideal alternative and a plethora of errors kept them on the back foot. Excellent defence in midfield kept South at bay though and the set piece worked well, especially for a team which included a mix pf players who hadn’t played together before.
At half time the hosts were in the lead 10-5 following another score from them and some excellent work from Harborough’s Gibson in the opposition 22. With a South Leicester clearance kick charged down Gibson strode through to touch down to keep the visitors in touch after 40 minutes.
The main instruction at half time was to use the wind to gain territory, play percentages and to stop the forced off loads. Fortunately the players totally ignore this and not long after the break they scored a great try which included great inter play between the forwards and backs and several off-loads! The try was well finished by Lewis Townsend whose partnership in the centre with Lee Butler was proving to be a dominant one over their opponents.
By now the game had moved pitches whilst Harborough’s James Green received attention for a neck injury. Fortunately it transpired that it wasn’t serious but no chances were taken and an ambulance was called to ensure James received necessary checks.
By now Harborough were well on top and only the continuation of little mistakes in handling allowed South any respite. Pleasingly Market Harborough decided to use their superior size and power in the pack to score their third try through a driving maul which took them well over 20 metres over the line. Ryan Gibson again the scorer capping a great comeback performance.
A penalty late on kicked by Henry Davis, who also kicked two conversions sealed the game, although it took a great covering tackle from Charlie Beard on South’s speedy winger late on to ensure the points.
It was a tremendous effort from Harborough’s players and a thoroughly deserved victory, in what has been a difficult season for the second team. Also a massive thank you to the South players who helped transfer James Green on to the stretcher and then carry him to the ambulance at the end of the game. The true spirit of rugby!
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