Forest side who had the upper hand, 2-1, in their three meetings last season. But showing great discipline they ran out comfortable winners 34-5.

Harborough showed their intent from the start by moving the ball through the hands despite the inclement weather. There was early reward as Ed Bale ran in to score after some good inter play with Ed Parker for a 5-0 lead. Minutes later it was Joe Margetts turn to touch down on the other side of the pitch to extend the advantage to 10-0. Forest asserted themselves from the start with powerful forward display. However, the home side’s pack stuck to their task and were able to provide enough ball for the backs to make telling inroads into Forest territory at every opportunity.

After twenty five minutes, it was Ed Parker who popped up to cross the whitewash for try number three with Billy Blair adding the conversion to make the score 17-0. The forwards continued to carry the game to their opposition in the loose with Michael Woodford, Timmy Waterfield and, man of the match, George Thornton to the fore.

It was Woodford who finished off the half with the bonus point try for a half time score of 22-0. Coach Sam Herrington told the players in the break that he had just witnessed the best forty minutes of rugby this season which was down to discipline and communication. He demanded more of the same in the second period. The boys needed no reminding that last season against Forest they were 17-0 to the good and lost in the last play of the game.

The visitors came out all guns blazing, putting Harborough on the back foot and testing their defence which initially stood firm. The robust Forest forwards, drove the over the line for a pushover try. Harborough found it difficult to regain their first half dominance but as the big Forest pack began to tire they reasserted themselves. In open play with their big carrying forwards making yard after yard with Jack Johnston, Thornton and Woodford to the fore again. It took until the sixty ninth minute for Harborough to add to their try tally with Ed Sumpter crashing over from a line out. Laurence Joel, taking over the kicking duties, duly converted for a 29-5 score line. The introduction of San Herrington immediately strengthened the tight and set play and Harborough established some better possession.

A thunderous Thornton run led to the try of the day! Harborough gained possession just outside their own twenty two and carried the ball through several phases and some good interplay for Waterfield to hand off one of his own players to complete the scoring for a final score of 34-5.

This performance showed a lot of maturity. This is especially pleasing given that the average age of the squad is 22. They brought discipline and resilience to give themselves the edge at crucial stages of the game. They will need all of this and more next week as we travel to local rivals, and the team in second place, Lutterworth. All support will be much appreciated.