Win, Lose or Draw

Both sides wanted to make sure all of their available players had some time on the pitch, so three 20 minute segments were agreed on.

These are two sides that have met each other regularly from u10s onwards and have had some close fought contests. Sils have had much the stronger hand in recent seasons, so are always a test of both mental and physical strength for Harborough.

The home side started the first 20 minute segment looking as though they believed in themselves, and the early exchanges were very tight. Perhaps Harborough just had the edge in the first few scrums, and their confidence grew. Still, Sils are a quality outfit and Will Hallam opted to kick a penalty right in front of the posts to give the hosts a 3 – 0 lead, and get some points on the board.

Harborough knew they had the upper hand and capitalised with a scintillating break by Ross Primrose, slicing through the Sils defence. Primrose offloaded to Huw Davies, who stepped, danced and pushed his way over the try line, with Jack Woodward in close support. Hallam converted and Harborough were 10 – 0 up.

Sils came back at Harborough and forced their way over for a try out wide, but the conversion was missed and the first session ended with Harborough as 10 – 5 ‘victors’.

They were not to have it their own way for long, though. Despite some excellent bullocking runs from Max Dalby and James Melody’s incessant work rate, Harborough could not keep out the opposition. This 20 minute game time remained tight, but Sils came out 7 – 0 on top.

For the final session, Harborough made eight changes, including the whole back line. Tom Pope kicked as intelligently as ever and the forwards continued to run their socks off, but the strong running Sils players were too much for this group. Harborough conceded five unanswered tries, three of which were converted to leave the final score for the final part at 31 – 0 to Sils.

The early part of the ‘game’ was a real step up for Harborough. They demonstrated a real desire and ability to live with the side that has always proved to be a step too far in the past. A great run out to get the side properly set up for the full season ahead.