MHRUFC Vs Syston U15s County Cup Semi Final

MHRUFC Vs Syston RFC
U15s County Cup Semi Final

Syston are a strong opposition for any team. Having been knocked out in last Quarter Finals by Harborough but with a win earlier in the season on Harborough’s home ground Syston were understandably ready to impose their strength. Harborough as current holders had a reputation to live up to and needed to make a comeback from that defeat. Both teams are undeniably great to watch, so this promised to be a terrific encounter and nerve wracking for both players and supporters alike.

The County Games are the only games in the season that Harborough field a selected team. There is a sizeable squad now, so it is not only difficult to choose from a pool of very talented players but it is also difficult to leave anyone out. The twenty two team members assembled at Syston along with some of the other squad as supporters.

The game got off to a cracking start, Harborough in possession drove forward across the halfway line, with a series of rucks drawing the Syston defenders in. Syston tried to counter but the Harborough pack held steady and pressed for further ground. Moving the ball swiftly through the backs Harborough started to press toward the try line, first wide across the right wing and then changing direction out wide to the left. An outstanding sprint gave an early score for Harborough but the awkward angle proved too much to convert.

Syston were understandably unsettled by this early setback and the restart kick fell short of the required 10 metres. From the resulting scrum Harborough’s pack put in a confident drive and took possession. Driving on they cleared some space and brought the backs into play again, in almost no time Harborough scored again, this time with a more central landing allowing an easy conversion to go 12 points ahead.

Restarting again Syston still appeared a little shaken, but showed no sign of rolling over. A period of stability began with both teams battling it out between the forwards.An offside decision gave a penalty kick in range of Syston’s sticks, but it fell wide, giving Stone some relief. Now the game turned a little as Syston rallied. Driving forward and pressing hard they put Harborough on the back foot. Defending well but under constant pressure Harborough tried to hold steady, but Syston really wanted something and when a gap opened they took it with glee and scored a well earned try and conversion, they were back in the game.

Harborough kicked the restart and with a series of fumbles by the hosts they found themselves in possession again and drove forward with spirit. In barely no time they were across the Syston try line again for another five points but missed the conversion.

Play continued and settled again as both teams displayed some excellent rugby skills. Harborough missed a second penalty kick just ahead of half time, and ended the half ahead 17- 7.

The second half was real grinder. Syston feeling the game slipping came out fighting. They dominated the early play of the half putting in some fabulous mauls and pushing Harborough back. They were rewarded with another try and conversion which certainly raised their spirits and put the right back in contention.
The game settled again with both teams even handed in attack and defence. As the supporters blood pressure rose it was clear that the game could go either way, neither side was backing down and it really was becoming a tough game. Somehow Harborough gained the upper hand and after a short period of pressure swung the ball out left and sprinted in another excellent try right around and under the posts giving an easy conversion kick.

Syston now had nothing to lose and rather than back down they stepped up in courageous way. For the next five minutes they dominated and it was all Harborough could do to keep them at bay. Time and agin they drove to the try line but were held off until finally they scored a try but missed the kick and had to settle for just the five points.

The closing minutes of the game were torture. With so much at stake both teams gave everything they had and it still seemed like it could go either way. As the clocked ran down Harborough found themselves in striking distance of the Syston try line once again, an offside call at a ruck gave Harborough a penalty. There was a choice, drive forward and go for the try, take a kick for three points or the third option, which they wisely chose now that the clock had fully run down, kick to touch and take the whistle.

Scorers for MHRUFC
Seth Vials 2 tries
Harry McCarthy 1 try
Tom Wainwright 1 try
Will Dawson 1 Conversion
Bradley Crane 1 Conversion

Final score MHRUFC 24 -19 Syston

Both teams had put in superb performances, Harborough edged this time but although Syston lost there is no doubt that they are great squad never showing any sign of giving up, and earned the respect of all here at Harborough.