Kesteven U15 v MHRUFC U15

A long journey to Lincolnshire for Harborough with 14 players. (Note from the U16s ... this isn't long!).
Kesteven also played with 14 players for the first half. The boys were focused from the start, putting the hosts under significant pressure before Albert scored under the posts, with Charlie converting. Harborough played fluently and linked the phases effectively with Alex picking and going from the base of the ruck down the blind side to score. Plenty of strong carrying and rucking from forwards released the backs with Charlie pulling the strings, releasing Albert who burst through the defensive line for his second try, converted by Finn C.

Multiple phases from the restart led to Harborough being in a good position on the opponent 22m. Will C made a sniping run to score in the corner, converted by Charlie. A fabulous catch and drive from the pack at a lineout again set a quality platform for the backs who got the ball through multiple hands with Oli D demonstrating his pace around the outside, eventually touching down under the posts, converted by Finn. Harborough were rampant with Albert touching down twice more before the half time break with a conversion a piece for Finn and Charlie.

Kesteven played with 15 players in the second half, which was a much more competitive affair. The spirited hosts were determined to keep playing and to their credit, were a much more difficult proposition in the second 25 minutes. The crowd were treated to 10 mins of tough tackling and physical rucking from both sides without score. Harborough maintained their discipline, eventually opening the scoring with another try from Albert from inside centre. The Harborough scrum began to dominate in the second half with Ben O, Isaac S and Fergie H putting the squeeze on their opposing front row. Powerful forward carries from back rowers DJ, Jack E and Amael took Harborough repeatedly to the opponents 22m line repeatedly. Tough tackling from Drahm and Toby (who had to borrow Stevie H’s boots!) helped to keep the opponents well away from the harborough 22m line.
Will C scored two more tries in the final 10 minutes from close range after hard work from the pack, completing his hat-trick. Finn C finished off the scoring with a good run, a chip and chase, touching down to complete a very convincing performance. It’s great to see the training ground moves paying off for forwards and backs. Well done lads and a big thank you to all the parents for making the long journey.