The Black Cats travelled to Binley Woods on a lovely spring day, and a large contingent of Harborough supporters had also travelled for this eagerly anticipated fixture. In the impressive clubhouse, the talk before the game was one of expectation in what lay ahead.
Sport is like life in many ways. A great learning curve. Nothing is forever, and after a fantastic undefeated run of nineteen games, Harborough were second best on Saturday against a well-drilled, quicker, and better team in Broadstreet.
Broadstreet from the start were utilising their wide pitch. Their winger was causing all sorts of problems out wide. In a first half that, apart from scrum time, Harborough were chasing shadows. Three tries from the hosts put the score at 22-0. A penalty from Monty Maule and a late try for Harborough against the run of play, converted by Monty, brought the first half to an end. The score was 22-10 to the men from Coventry.
Harborough needed to find the perfect start to get back into this contest. Broadstreet had other ideas and went over for their bonus point try. A penalty followed, and the score was now a menacing 32-10.
Harborough, as is always the case, did not give up. It was one of those days where things just did not work. A second try, from Jack Rowlatt, brought some hope. 31-15. Back came Broadstreet to take the game completely out of sight.
Harborough were now chasing a bonus point. Joseph Lafferty cleverly got himself over the line for the third try. With both teams now down to 14 players, the game drifted towards its conclusion. The referee blew for no side. The home side with a thoroughly deserved victory. 39-22.
This great season will not be defined by one game. This group of players is a talented and resilient bunch. The season now takes on a different slant. Next week, the President’s lunch is fully sold out. We expect a massive crowd at Northampton Road to cheer the lads on against Old Coventrians. A win next week would mean we would head to Northampton Old Scouts after the Easter weekend for a league decider. It’s going to be a great few weeks. Don’t forget to put 28th April in your diary. The County Cup final at Welford Road.

Tony Cochrane

Our U17 boys are in the County Cup final against Melton Mowbray on Wednesday night, kick-off 7:30pm at Leicester Lions (this comes after a surprise withdrawal from Lutterworth).

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