The driving wind and rain at Market Harborough’s Northampton Road ground were always going to have an effect on this match. Recently promoted Stamford were certainly up for the battle.

A brace of Stamford penalties brought Dick Hall into action, making his debut on the scoreboard.
Harborough then worked the ball left after good work by the forwards for Joe Lafferty to score in the corner. Josh Purnell took on the kicking duties in Monty Maule’s absence and slotted from out wide. Josh had a very sound game from the tee all afternoon, in difficult conditions. Back came Stamford with a well-worked drive from a line-out to score and take the halftime score to 7-13 to the visitors. The Stamford fullback was having a particularly good game. With control of the ball and accurate kicking to touch, the visitors went into the changing room with a deserved lead.

Harborough then came alive in the second half. The three forwards on the bench were introduced early in the half. The mighty frame of Jack Digby was seen on many occasions driving into the heart of the Stamford defence. Tom Claffey dived over for the first of the four second-half tries. The weather was making handling difficult for both teams. The home team were being driven forward by captain on the day, Sam Staff, and Josh Purnell would go over for two tries.

The power of the Harborough forwards took its toll on the opposition. A good all-around performance from the Black Cats, who remain top of the league. Another home game next week against Broadstreet will be worth watching. Final score 36 : 13

Mr President today had the job of picking the man of the match. For his all-round tenacious play, Timmy Waterfield was presented with a club tie.

Tony Cochrane