Parker’s pace too much for Olney
Harborough returned to League action away at Olney and came away with their second bonus point win to keep them joint top of Midlands East 2 (S). Playing into the wind Harborough had to sustain a lot of early pressure and territorial advantage to Olney but Harborough’s defence is excellent with Timmy Waterfield once again outstanding and the score remained 0-0 after 20 minutes. It was from then that Ed Parker showed his class by running in 3 tries before half-time. He was helped by quick ball from scrum-half Josh Purnell which allowed the backs a lot of room and number 10, Joe Whitworth’s excellent interplay with centres Ed Sumpter and Parker who ensured that his opposite number had a very uncomfortable afternoon. The second half saw much of the same with Harborough’s set piece really strong and the line-outs very good with excellent throwing from Steph Ziemelis and catching from Henry Moss and Ethan Godefroy. Such was their dominance that Harborough added 2 more unanswered tries through Ziemelis and a 4th for Parker. Whitworth added 2 conversions to ensure a 29-0 final score and it could have been more as Harborough twice dropped the ball having crossed the line.
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There is a long season ahead but Harborough’s young side are showing that they have the potential to improve on last season’s league position.