The delayed start to the season is finally over. The Black Cats travelled to Wentworth Drive to take on Bedford Athletic. It was always going to be a tight affair. Both sides being in play-off places last season. A new-look Harborough team with many new combinations was certainly up for the challenge following an extended pre-season. A good-sized crowd basking in warm weather was anticipating a great game of rugby. They were not to be disappointed.

On the 3G pitch, this was always going to be a fast and competitive game. Athletic started on the front foot with several drives and slick handling, resulting in a break of the Harborough line on 10 minutes. The home side went over and converted, 0-7. With only 13 minutes on the clock, Jack Rowlatt left the field with an injury and the backs had to realign.

Jake Dowling came on at scrum half, with vice-captain Joe Lafferty moving out onto the wing. Back came Harborough in the 20th minute: a fine break by Joe Liggins, making his league debut, on whose shoulder the reliable Jack Brown went over 5-7. Again, the interplay between backs and forwards was gaining ground; good interplay between captain Sam Staff and Joe Lafferty released Max Dalby at pace to score. Ollie Stanbridge converted 12-7. From a drop-out under the posts on the 28th minute, Harborough attacked again and over went the impressive Pat Grady: 17–7. On 35 minutes, a Line break by Harborough was intercepted by Athletic, resulting in a converted try: 17–14. Half time brought a much-needed break in the heat for both teams.

Athletic again started on the front foot. A series of driving mauls pushed the defence back. The Bedford forward drove over the line in the 3rd minute. With the try converted, the score was now 17–21. Back came the men in black. A series of drives following the home side’s ball being stolen resulted in the ball working its way out to Max Dalby, who went on the outside down the touchline to score a great try. 22–21. Harborough were now looking to increase the score. Pat Grady made another powerful drive into the heart of the Bedford defence and over went Henry Moss 24 min into the second half. Converted, the score now 29–21.

With 10 minutes to play, this game was still going to the wire. On 35 minutes, the score was reduced to 29–28 with a drive by the Athletic forwards resulting in a converted try. The Harborough defence was being stretched. Following a drop-out under the posts, Athletic worked the ball back into attack and went over with only the restart allowed. The home side collected the ball and kicked off field. The referee blew for ‘No Side’, 29–35.

A wonderfully entertaining game of rugby. Bedford Athletic will be in the mix at the end of the season, a good team and it’s a tough ask to play away on a 3G pitch. This was a very impressive performance by the lads from Northampton Road. Head Coach Joe Hill commented after the game that there were many combinations of players that had not played together before. He was happy with the way the team had played. This new, young team will grow as the season progresses. Exciting times ahead. Bring on next week at home for a local derby against Kettering. It’s also sponsors’ day so please get up to cheer the lads on and enjoy the new bar and beers.

Tony Cochrane