Firstly, I apologise that there was no match report last week. This week is thanks to Milan Mrtynek, Mike King, and Joe Hill. Your correspondent has been suffering from Man Flu all week and was not able to travel yesterday. I am now being kicked out of the house for being a man. See you next week.
Harborough, with a few slight changes from last week’s convincing win over Kettering, took the field knowing that a bonus point win was a necessity. The reverse game against Stamford in November was a competitive affair, and this was going to be no different.
Harborough opened the scoring after twelve minutes with the powerful Joseph Lafferty going over. Captain Monty Maule converted. 0-7. On 21 minutes, Mr. reliable Harry Durham scored with Monty converting, 0-14. Harborough came under a fair deal of pressure. Great defence by everyone was needed. This certainly became a theme of the whole game. The dynamo that is Timmy Waterfield made a try-denying tackle on 30 minutes. Just before half-time, a break through at a ruck was thwarted by great defensive work resulting in a home knock-on. The referee blew for half-time with the score at 0-14.
The second half started in a very unusual way.
Three minutes in, Shea Harley was yellow-carded. One minute later, vice-captain Jack Burrows was also in the bin. Harborough were now under the cosh. A monumental defensive performance led by Timmy Waterfield and the captain now took place. Every player contributed to a fantastic effort. Some odd decisions were being made. This did not affect the discipline of the ‘ they shall not pass’ attitude.
As the players came back on, Harborough resumed their attacking intent. Jack Burrows opened the second half scoring, 0-19
In the 63rd minute, the ever-reliable Monty Maule went over and converted his own try, 0-26.
With three minutes left in the second half, Will Marriott went over for Harborough’s last score, 0-31.
Stamford then scored a late try to make the final score 0-31. The referee blew for no side.
An all-round fantastic performance from all eighteen Harborough lads. Days like today define your season. Special mention for Charlie Barkworth, who had an excellent league debut.
Next week, there is a break in league fixtures. The 1st XV is next in action on Saturday, 21st March, away against Broadstreet. They are all massive games at this stage of the season. We need everyone cheering the lads on over in Coventry. At the end of November, at home, we won 24-23 against the Coventry side. It’s going to be a cracker.
Next Saturday, we are not at this moment sure what games will be at home. You can always come up to the club to watch the Six Nations. Or just come for a beer and talk rugby.

Tony Cochrane