Market Harborough Colts travelled to Market Bosworth for their County Cup fixture. A big crowd watched the teams go toe to toe on the first team pitch with the hosts scoring an early penalty to make the score 3-0 after a couple of minutes played. Harborough responded superbly with a try created by the pack following an excellent catch and drive from a lineout and it wouldn’t be the last time we saw this tactic!
The half was very stop, start with both teams being repeatedly penalised for being off side at the breakdowns and in midfield. Harborough conceded two more kickable penalties in quick succession, both converted by Bosworth to make the score 9-5. Both teams received yellow cards due to accumulation of penalties. When Harborough did manage to gain clean possession, they looked dangerous and managed to work their way up the pitch eventually crashing over the try line, under the posts to make it 9-12. Harborough defended well for the last few minutes of the half, keeping Bosworth at bay on the Harborough try line which resulted in frustration from the Bosworth attackers and a scuffle, leading to a second yellow card, for their player meaning Harborough would be up against 14 players for the whole second half.
The second half was very fragmented with several more yellow cards, mostly for continual offside from both teams. Bosworth converted a 4th penalty kick early into the half but Harborough immediately scored an excellent try through the centre which was converted to make the score 9-19. Bosworth to their credit, took advantage of Harborough’s ill discipline in defence, eventually scoring to draw the game 19-19 with 10 minutes to go. Kudos then to the Harborough players who did not allow their frustrations with decisions, the vocal home crowd and the uphill slope detract from their determination to get the winning score. They worked their way upfield and were eventually awarded a penalty which was kicked to the corner. Step forward the Harborough pack with another highly effective catch and drive score. 19-24. Harborough were well in the ascendency and nearly scored a third well worked lineout move but this unfortunately resulted in a nasty injury to a Bosworth player which meant the try was disallowed and the game had to move to a different pitch for the last 4 minutes. Harborough handled the pressure brilliantly and closed the game out by maintaining possession, working through the phases and kicking a penalty to secure the hard earned win.
We can confirm the Bosworth injured player was given the all clear in hospital and we wish him a speedy return to playing.
Well done to all involved and thanks to the parents and other Colts squad members who travelled to support the team.
Next round of the cup November 8th.