Match report

Market Harborough 2 ndxv 41 Market Bosworth 2 ndxv 10

A ‘new look’ Market Harborough 2nd XV were back on to winning ways this weekend with a convincing 41-10 victory over a young and enthusiastic Market Bosworth squad. Recently appointed Captain Dave Shepherd and Manager/Coach Billy Blair have got this year’s 2nd XV much more focused and structured than previous years and it’s showing in their spirited performances.
Joe Whitworth opened the Market Harborough account with a penalty within the first few minutes. The first 10 minutes saw both sides testing the other in a series of rucks and mauls and it was a strong line break by Tansley Naylor and subsequent strong drive by Aaron Lyle which set up a run- in for Paul Percival out wide.
Within 5 minutes the home side had put another 7 points on the board, thanks to a powerful maul by the Harborough pack, resulting in a breakaway sprint to the line for Luke Riordan, converted by Joe Whitworth.
The young Market Bosworth side were not going to roll over and pushed hard as the game entered the second quarter and scored a good try out wide after some impressive interplay.
One of the notable attributes of this year’s Harborough 2nds is their team spirit, George Lee’s approach being a great example of this. This was in evidence as they immediately responded by putting another 7 points on the board, thanks to another devastating rolling maul, resulting in a try for the ever ‘workman- like’ James Lee, converted by Joe Whitworth, ending the half 22-5.
The second half saw a change to the style of play with the addition of Ben Spowage into the back row and Chris Brown to scrum half. Harborough played a combination of open, expansive play with their back row in evidence on many occasions, together with a tighter mauling game when required.
Two early second half tries by the marauding no 8, Charlie Foskett and Captain Dave Shepherd, looking as sharp as ever in the centre, put the result beyond doubt. Nevertheless, the young Market Bosworth team never gave in and their persistence was rewarded by another try midway through the fourth quarter.
But the Harborough 2nds were just too strong, and a final and most impressive finish by the talented newcomer, Miles Marlow-Thomas put the final try on the board, converted by Whitworth to close the game 41-10.
As observed on the side lines by a number of the regular followers of Harborough rugby, this year’s 2nd XV has a new look and feel. They can and do play some attractive rugby and are a team to keep an eye on this year for future 1st XV talent.