Following what feels like weeks of rain, Pitch 1 was comfortably playable. It was, however, a bit sticky in places.
The game was to be dominated by the half-back pairing of Tom Claffey and captain Monty Maule. With our two regular scrum-halves unavailable this week, Tom Claffey, who has played full back and fly-half this season, stepped up to 9. At this level, having players who can play in multiple positions is a necessity.
The Harborough pack were on top early, that would remain the case for the whole game.
Over went Mony Maule for the first of his four tries. He converted his own try. Almost straight from the kick-off, the ball was worked up field where Josh Ford, with a robust drive from some way out, took several of the Daventry tacklers with him. A fine try again, converted.
At this stage, it was all one-way traffic. The reliable Timmy Waterfield went over to score. Monty stepped up to add the two points. Tackles were being missed, and the Men in Black did not hold back. A fine chip and chase by Monty Maule took the try count to four. The vital bonus point was scored within the first thirteen minutes. Harborough were certainly in a hurry.
Over went the captain for two more tries. One with his trademark dummy sending the Daventry defenders the wrong way. One of the tries was converted.
With the half-backs in perfect harmony, as the half-time whistle approached, Sam Staff, as he has done all season, broke a number of tackles to barrel over for the 7th try.
With the conversion completed, the Harborough side went into the changing room 47-0 in front.

After the good-sized crowd had got its breath back, the second half started with the hope of a massive score. Often in these situations, that does not happen. In fairness to the Daventry lads, they never gave up and put in a good shift in the second half.
Tries from the powerful Will Marriott and a second for the eight, Sam Staff, brought the final score to 61-0.

Mr Rennie, the referee, blew for no side. A nine-try, very efficient performance. With a number of regular players out injured, this shows that the Senior Men’s squad has some depth. This may be needed before the season is out.
The man of the match should have been a straightforward decision for Daniel Hall.
Thankfully, elder brother Peter was over from Barcelona and convinced him that there could only be one. Monty Maule received a Club Tie. A fine performance by Tom Claffey was also noted.

It’s been a very difficult few weeks for the Grounds team. To get games on, we have had to make some difficult choices about cancelling training and rotating pitches. The Grounds Sub Committee is doing everything possible to get pitches protected. This is not ideal. However, we have over three months of rugby left. With the forecast for the next 14 days showing as nonstop rain. Please bear with us.
Next week, the 1st XV have a well-deserved rest. On Saturday, the 2nd Team are at home in the semi-final of the County Cup. The Colts are also at home. Both teams are kick-off. After the matches, we will be showing the England v Wales clash on our new clubhouse screens and will also be using our newly installed sound system.

Please get down and fill the clubhouse.

Tony Cochrane