This highly anticipated local derby, played in front of a large crowd, saw Lutterworth deservedly take the match points.
The teams were greeted with an overcast day and a slight breeze with relatively mild temperatures for February,

It was the visitors who got off to a flying start gaining field position deep in Harborough's half and a powerful catch and drive saw them establish an early 0-5 lead. Harborough released the effervescent Joe Lafferty who zipped into overdrive, kicked ahead and was just short in the run chase for the line.

Harborough did have opportunities to level the score with periods of play in Lutterworth's half but unforced errors and strong Lutterworth defence, thwarted efforts to move the scoreboard along. Eventually Harborough took advantage of some indiscretion from the visitors and popped over a long distance penalty to close the gap to 3-5.

As the half progressed Lutterworth started to gain good ball from their forwards and fly half Luke Ball controlled both territory and tempo of the game. Full back, Justin Trombas, had a fine afternoon with some penetrating runs and caused the home team defence 'problem after problem'. This dominance saw Lutterworth knock over a central penalty (3-8) and Trombas completed the half time scoring with a try out wide.

HT Harborough 3 Lutterworth 13

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first with an early try for the visitors and the score moved out to 3-18. There was a danger that Harborough's below par performance might allow Lutterworth to overwhelm them. To their credit they rallied to the cause and the introduction of Jack Digby and Sam Staff began to see Harborough drive through the Lutterworth defence. Indeed a drive for the line resulted in a Sam Staff try and closed the gap to 8-18. A Tom Claffey penalty gave the home supporters hope a a comeback, 11-18.

However, once again good field position and two costly infringements from Harborough, saw Lutterworth score two more penalties to put the game out of reach at 11-24. A late score from a driving Jack Burrows, saw the final try action of the match. It rather summed up Harborough's afternoon when the bonus point conversion glided past the post.

Full Time Harborough 16 Lutterworth 24

It was difficult to put a finger on why Harborough's performance seemed a little below par, far better to congratulate Lutterworth on their game plan and execution. Joe Lafferty once again provided some wonderful moments and the second half was an improvement on the first. It should also be put in context that this is only the second loss in 18 games this season. Whilst Harborough drop to fourth in the table, they will brush themselves down and return to League action on the March 2nd, away at Towcestrians.

A reminder that after todays successful President Lunch (where we had to turn people away), our final home fixture lunch is on Saturday 23rd March 2024. It will also be our former players and Kibworth reunion. Please contact Adey Neal to book your space M: 07808 951256
E: adrian@berry.uk.com