U16 Cup Final

The Under 16s were first to go in the week of four county finals, travelling to the home of Vipers RFC to face Leicester Forest in the U16s Cup competition.

It was evident in the warm up that the Harborough U16 squad were relaxed, confident and determined to make it two County Cups in two years.

The game started with both teams exchanging kicks for territory, however it was Forest who made the first meaningful attack from a lineout via their hard carrying inside centre. Just as it looked like he had broken the line, our Number 8 for the day DJ making a vital tackle.

The early nerves led to further exchanges of possession with Harborough under pressure on their own line, however an excellent exit from Charlie including a dominant follow up tackle, allowed Harborough to transition quickly from defence to attack. Forest made their tactical intentions clear with a kick behind the Harborough defensive line. This time it was Will C who countered with a kick and chase, joined by Rob and Fergie who helped retain possession in the opposition 22m area. Harborough were now on the front foot and the forwards could sense the opportunity to open the scoring, however a strong run from Amael (one of many in this match), led to him unfortunately being held up and the chance to open the scoring was lost.

Forest missed touch from a penalty which proved costly, and Harborough showed their ambition by running it from their own half. The forwards were in close support which meant quick ball for the back line who took advantage. Slick passing from Albert and then Harry released Robert who took on the opposition winger and full back to finish in the corner. Charlie slotted the conversion to make the score 7-0.

Harborough continued knocking on the door, looking for that second score but Forest defended stubbornly. When Forest did win possession, the Harborough aggressive line defence forced turnover after turnover. Harborough thought they’d scored in the corner after some elusive running in midfield and hard carrying from the forwards to set up Albert in the corner, however he was deemed to have been in touch before placing the ball down.

Harborough were gaining in confidence and the majority of the next 10 minutes was played in the Forest Half with forwards and backs linking well but not quite able to finish off. Harborough managed to get the ball out to both wings with Ollie P and Ollie D carrying well, however the second breakthrough eventually came through another example of forwards running with intent, recycling the ball quickly and then the backs passing effectively and with depth. Ollie P received the pass on the right wing and finished off a fantastic team try. 12-0

Harborough were now going through the gears and were soon crossing over for their third try; Fergie with a powerful pick and go from the base of a ruck. 19-0 a the half time break.

Forest signalled their intent from the second half kick off and were soon on the scoreboard to make the score 19-5. The game turned into an arm wrestle for a long period until Harborough eventually got themselves into the opponents 22m, retaining possession at the break down, and releasing the backs. Albert touched down for Harborough’s first score of the second half. 24-5 With the scent of victory in their nostrils, Harborough continued to pile on the pressure. The pack began to dominate at the set piece and an attacking scrum led to the backs displaying simple hands down the line with Robert exploiting the space created and running it in under the posts to make the conversion easy for Charlie. 31-5.
The last 10 minutes were frantic with Forest showing great character and refusing to give up. They scored a converted try to make the score 31-12 however any hopes of an unlikely comeback were quickly dashed as Harborough scored almost immediately from the restart. Another powerful scrum allowed Charlie to release Albert through an unguarded midfield. 36-12. Forest managed a consolation try at the end to make the final score 36-19. The final whistle sent Harborough’s travelling army of supporters and squad members into a celebratory frenzy! This was a convincing win and a result that, in all honesty, didn’t look in doubt for a large period of the match.

Huge congratulations to the whole MHRUFC U16 squad who have worked their socks off this year and a big thank you to the fantastic parents who have supported the coaching team throughout this season!
We look forward to our presentation evening on 26th May where we can reflect on a superb journey through the Harborough mini and junior ranks.