A top of the table clash that did not disappoint. A large crowd, many who had been royally entertained for lunch, headed out into the winter sunshine to watch the battle commence.

Harborough started at speed, playing on the all-weather surface which is not to everyone’s liking. We opened the scoring with a smart move and link-up with the reliable Harry Durham going over after four minutes. Monty Maule converted 7-0 to the Black Cats.
It was all Harborough, and the second try came after the ball moved through a number of hands and Tom Claffey, playing at 10, dived over. With a missed conversion, the score was 12-0 after 26 minutes.
As expected, Bedford Ath were not going to lie down, and with a well worked move, at pace, Archie Duncan scored in the corner. Leo Mortimer converted, 12-7 as the half time whistle approached.
This was a fine contest between two committed sides. Harborough’s pack were in a real battle. The Black cats defence was being stretched. As we have seen all season the tackling was outstanding. Timmy Waterfield was setting a fine example and later in the game made several try saving tackles.

As in the first half the Harborough backs and forwards combined to get off to the perfect start and Josh Purnell broke through to score in the 3rd minute of the second half. Monty Maule did not convert the try. A rare off day for our captain, perhaps his evening wear for the ABBA function was on his mind .. 17-7
Another try was now needed to take the pressure off and secure the bonus point. Up popped the reliable Olly Spokes to get the ball down on 48 minutes. 22-7
A penalty for offside gave Harborough the chance to extend the lead. Up stepped Monty to take the three points 25-7
This was not over by a long chalk. Back came Bedford with a try by second row Lewis Sharp which was converted by Leo Mortimer. Game on 24 minuets left and 25-14
The Harborough defence went up a level as both sides were fully committed. An infringement at the breakdown game Monty Maule another penalty slot. He didn’t disappoint, with 5 minuets left Harborough were winning 28-14
The final whistle ended a solid game of Rugby by two fine teams. All of the Harborough lads put in a massive shift but man of the match was the outstanding Timmy Waterfield. He was also building up a lovely relationship with the local support, a true hero on the day
(apparently he was a hero earlier in the week repairing our fixture secretary Dick Halls heating system).

Next week we are at home for our rearranged fixture against Wellingborough. The game will be played on 23rd January under lights with a 7-30pm* kick off.
Friday night rugby is always a good evening. Please get up to Northampton Road to support the lads.

Tony Cochrane

* time to be confirmed