Dave Coe informed the Guests from Cambridgeshire that
this was not the first time the club had played Shelford. Apparently, he took a team to their
ground many years ago. Possibly not long after William Webb Ellis thankfully picked up the
round ball and ran in under the posts.

The pitch was looking in fantastic condition yet again. A home game for the first time in four
weeks. An early interception by the Shelford Full back who left the Harborough defence in
his wake to score a try against the run of play. The try was converted. 0-7.
This young Harborough team came back from this setback and drove deep into the
opposition’s half. Harley Williams who was to have a fine game drove over for the first of his
Hatrick of tries. With conversation missed the score was now 5-7. With some slick handling
and interaction with the forwards Ethan Shewring followed up his try of last week with
another this week. The Harborough forwards were on top at this stage. Converted by Tom
Claffey the score was now 12-7. Shelford have a fine set of backs with the 10 and 13 and 15
appearing in attack at every opportunity. The back line had been together since mini and
juniors. A searing break by Shelford’s outside centre showing great feet went over. The
conversion was successful 12-14.

As the half time whistle approached the away side broke through once more to score their
third try. With the Shelford kicker in fine form the conversion went over .12-21. A penalty for
a high tackle resulted in another three points from the tee. 12-24. This new Harborough team
will not lie down. Back they came with a great offload from prop Shea Harley to his front row
colleague Harley Williams for his second try. Half time score 17-24.

The supporters were being entertained to a fine game of rugby from two committed and
talented sides. Pat Grady had received a yellow card towards the end of the first half. The
men in black were attacking and defending with great courage. The captain and his great
mates vice captains Tom Herdman and Joseph Lafferty were having an influence on
proceedings. Fullback Ollie Stanbridge came off with an injury, Lafferty went to fullback and
Jake Dowling went into the scrum half berth. Jack Brown came off complaining about getting
too old, sore ribs and some ACL issue. No sympathy was forthcoming. This stalwart of the
backrow will rest next week and be back refreshed. And he certainly is not too old. Mason
Blyth came on to add fresh legs.

The second half was a very tight affair. Good rugby was being played by both sides.
Harborough drove towards the Shelford 22. A great move through the hands of the backs
resulted in Harley Williams going over in the corner for his third try and Harborough’s bonus
point. A difficult touch line kick by Tom Claffey was missed. 22-24.

Were Harborough going to find a way to win this great game. Back came Shelford moving
the ball through hands then getting there forwards involved. After some heroic defence the
talented backs of Shelford had the ball moving at pace through the hands for the winger to
score in the corner for their fourth try. A great conversion from the touchline took the score to
22-31.

As the clock wound down both sides were still playing attacking Rugby.
Harley Williams was rightly named as man
of the match. Overall, an excellent performance by the lads. It could have gone either way.

The visitors kicking from the tee proving to be the difference. The ladies and gentlemen who
had enjoyed lunch certainly were entertained. Coach Joe Hill and Chris Bale stated that they
were delighted with the performance and this young side is improving every week. There will
be bumps along the journey. However, we are six games in and improving and the pre-
season plan is on target.

Next week 1st XV was due to play in the County cup. We have been awarded an away walk
over. The 2nd XV we’re also due to play in the County Cup. They have been awarded a Home
Walk over. We will let you know if there is any rugby at Northampton Road next Saturday
Unfortunately, this is happening a lot now. Our great game is struggling to find enough
players. We cannot allow this to happen to our wonderful club. All players from M&J all the
way up to the 1stXV are vital to the future of our club. Please get behind the whole club. The
200 club needs your support as does the bar and functions. so that we can plan for a strong
future.

One final report following last weeks trip to Warwickshire. The real Mr President has been
found and returned to the club. He was last seen in the clubhouse with a pint in his hand
holding court. Welcome back mate. Home bar profits are up this week.