U15 County Cup Victory

Market Harborough RUFC Under 15’s played Hinckley RUFC in the county cup final at Oadby Wyggs RUFC on Sunday 24th April. Harborough reached the final without having conceded a point so confidence was high, however the Harborough team had a very healthy respect for their opponents following very close training games with the well coached Hinckley team the month before.

A huge crowd, including a large number of Harborough Under 15 squad members, had gathered to watch the two best Under 15 sides in the county go toe to toe for 60 minutes. Harborough were under early pressure, conceding several early penalties in the first 10 minutes and had to demonstrate their defensive resolve. They managed to clear their line with a Charlie Barkworth clearance downfield and finally Harborough got onto the front foot.

Harborough executed an excellent catch and drive from a lineout deep in their opponents 22. Fergie Hanna, a constant thorn in Hinckley’s side, emerged from the back of the maul and crossed over for Harborough’s first try of the game. Hinckley went straight on to the attack from the restart, with Harborough once again having to make important tackles. Drahm Plant, Jack Evans and DJ Samra made huge hits to halt the Hinckley advance before man of the match Sam Byrd picked up a loose ball from within his own 22, and began a rampaging run deep into the Hinckley half. Byrd off loaded to Albert Abel who still had work to do, beating two defenders before touching down. 10-0.

Hinckley pressed once again however the Harborough pack scrummaged well with Youseff Elhaloul, Isaac Shearing and Ben Owen sharing propping duties. Harborough gained in confidence and the game plan to spread the ball wide quickly started to take effect. Scrum half, Will Colman ensured quick ball for the talented Harborough back line which included powerful ball carrying wingers Amael Conroy and Ollie Pile. The backs soon broke through the Hinckley defence once more with Albert Abel scoring his second and Harborough’s third try of the game, converted by Charlie Barkworth. The half time whistle blew with Harborough in the lead by 17 points to nil, however they were fully aware that Hinckley were a very capable group of players so it was vital that Harborough started the second half well.

Jack Harrison and Will Vear added fresh legs to the Harborough attacking line. Hinckley were looking to put pressure on Harborough with their kicking game at the start of the second half, however full back Finn Colman was solid under the high ball, retaining possession and making good ground. Alex Tugwell Scott and Toby Ritson Elliot were consistory over the ball in support at the break down with the ball eventually ending up in the hands of speedster Robert Wardlaw who ran half the length of the pitch to touch down. He scored again soon after, finishing off a wonderful team try after multiple phases with the pack recycling the ball brilliantly.

Hinckley heads didn’t drop, and they scored a well deserved try after Harborough had defended stoutly. The defenders thought they had managed to hold the ball up, however Harborough had conceded their first points of the tournament as the referee signalled for a try which Hinckley duly converted. 29-7 and Hinckley looked buoyant.

Harborough needed to take the sting out of any Hinckley comeback and quickly won a penalty 25 meters out. Charlie Barkworth decided to take a chance at 3 points with a kick at goal which he successfully converted despite a strong cross wind. This took a few more minutes off the clock and settled any Harborough nerves. A third try by Robert Wardlaw completed a fantastic hat-trick. Hinckley scored in the final minutes with a brilliant try of their own, however the deficit was too great and the time too short for any thoughts of a comeback.

Harborough prop Yousef Elhaloul claimed that he won the game for Harborough as he was the player to kick the ball out of play to end the game! Market Harborough finishing the season as county champions after a 39-14 win. Hinckley and Harborough players and parents were a credit to their club and both sets of coaches should be extremely proud. This was a highly competitive game played in a superb spirit that exemplifies why Rugby is the greatest sport in the world.