A great run out for the whole squad

A near full squad made the short trip to Blaby to play the Vipers on a lovely fully grassed early season pitch, with sun in the sky but a deceptive breeze going up and down the pitch. Hot off the press the new club kit was worn. Games was played in 3 x 20 min 'halves'

Vipers lined up with the wind and a big back line and seemed keen to use them, sucking in bodies near the ruck and spinning the ball wide to score in the corner early on. However Harborough replicated the same pattern and equalised through Liam Douglas.

When Vipers scored a second it looked like it was to be a long morning but Harborough upped the intensity and held there own for long periods until a sloppy penalty ceded territory and an excellent line out move allowed Vipers to enter the break 17-5 ahead.

Subs were used en mass, with the entire pack changing and playing with the wind Harborough started to stamp some authority on the game, Matt Carter playing well and the tireless Tom Sanderson making big hits. After wasting several penalties in the red zone, Harborough made one work with the ball coming out to JJ who was unstoppable that close to the line.

The third half started and finished with the score 17-10 to Vipers but by now Harborough were dominating and also keeping the medics busy with a steady stream of battered Vipers players. It was disappointing not to win, as we had plenty of opportunities and it was great to get everyone playing at such a good standard.

Special mentions to players in unaccustomed roles - Seb at Fly Half, Ed at Hooker, Tom at Full back and JJ as prop. All performed really well and will certainly see more action in those positions