It Ain't Easy

The two sides have met in each of the last two years, at end of season tours in Barnstaple and Colwyn Bay. It always seemed that a full match would be a good idea, and so it proved.

Sutton Coldfield were out of the blocks quickly, playing with energy and commitment. Some aggressive attacking and a slow start by the home side contributed to a score for the visitors, well converted from a difficult angle.

Harborough saw a lot of the ball after that and put a good deal of pressure on Sutton Coldfield, but the defence held firm and the opposition were quicker to the breakdown. This tied Harborough’s players into the rucks and slowed down possession, making it difficult to build any attacking threat. The game was very even and there was no further score in the first half, in spite of a couple of dangerous breaks by Sutton Coldfield. Keiran Silcott put in one huge try saving tackle, and Jack Woodward showed his footballing skills to rescue another, but the warning signs were clear.

The second half started with a quick fire hat trick of tries by the visiting left wing, Lamaar. A big and powerful runner, the Sutton Coldfield side were securing possession and pushing the ball through the backs to the wing. Harborough had no answer to his pace and power out wide and despite knowing the likely tactics, just could not keep up with the speed of movement without leaving gaps in midfield.

At 0 – 29 down, all looked lost. But the Harborough side rallied well and never let up on the level of effort. Consistently strong running by Harry Grimmett, Will Nijjer and Will Hallam resulted in a try for Grimmett, converted by Hallam. Sutton Coldfield scored again, but the last touchdown went Harborough’s way, with Woodward demonstrating speed and strength to score under the posts.

Sutton Coldfield showed the strength and commitment in their squad to deliver a deserved victory. Their support running and speed at the breakdown taught Harborough some lessons that need to be learned. Harborough need to make sure they focus on the games to come.