An inspired performance from Laurence Joel helped seal a draw in Market Harborough’s first ever game in Midlands 1.

A last-minute penalty from the boot of Market Harborough’s Vice Captain, Laurence Joel, from all of 40 metres out levelled the score at 34 a piece to secure two points on the opening day of the 2019/20 league season.

Harborough started the game with 3 league debutants. Joe Lafferty started at 9 following his ‘player of the season’ performances last year for the Colts, Will Marriott and Craig Sharpe also made their bows.

Two early penalties from the boot of Joel helped to settle Harborough in to a rhythm but relentless pressure from the visitors quickly led to a try to narrow the gap in the scoreline. Harborough’s usual resolute defence was being stretched due to a lack of organisation and width which Towcestrians exploited well to score on the narrow side.

Harborough responded with some wonderful handling and lines of running and this created space for full-back Harvey Slade to breeze over the line for a well worked try.

Back came Towcestrians though and good vision from the 10 led to another try down the blind side and soon afterwards they scored another try out wide after stretching the Harborough defence which was still too narrow around the breakdown area. Laurence Joel executed a brilliant interception to race away from 60 metres to relieve the concerted pressure that Harborough found themselves under, and the halftime score looked good with the home side 20-17 to the good.

An improved defensive display for the first 30 minutes of the second half made for a tighter contest after the break. A try from No 8 Chris Bale and two penalties from Laurence Joel gave Harborough a sniff of a win in their first ever game at this level having built a a 14 point lead.

However Towcestrians were always in contention, playing good rugby which was rewarded with a try, leaving the score at 31-22 with 10 minutes to go. A decisive moment a few minutes later saw the talismanic Chris Bale yellow carded for an adjudged high tackle leaving the home team to defend a narrow lead with 14 men for the remainder of the game and under serious pressure.

Two tries not long after gave Towcestrians the lead on 76 minutes, and it seemed that the points would be heading south despite Harborough leading for a vast majority of the game. A moment of madness by the Towcester 9 lead to a yellow card, the scrum half sent to the bin for using Harvey Slade’s beautiful face as a door mat, and this gave the home side hope.

Their renewed pressure lead to a penalty in midfield around 40 metres out and just seconds remaining, and it fell to the ever reliable Joel the chance to salvage a draw. He made no mistake and brought the scores level, ending the match with an impressive personal points tally of 24 points.

Director of Rugby, Richard Bowden summarised the game after the final whistle:

"A draw was probably a fair result. Harborough had used 2 replacements before half-time with Laurence Tandy and Joe Price both having to come off for injuries sustained whilst at the bottom of rucks. Everyone at the club wishes Joe the best in his recovery from a broken eye socket and concussion sustained at ruck time. With Harborough winning with the end of the game in sight it provided a great learning experience to the players in terms of what it takes to see a game out at this higher level against a good, well organised and talented team"