Bruising Encounter at Biggleswade

Harborough u13s have been sweeping aside all comers for most of this season, but they came up against much more of a challenge away at Biggleswade. The home side were unbeaten so far this season and showed their determination from the first kick.

The first quarter was a tense affair. No score, and Biggleswade were throwing their strong running backs at the Harborough side. Despite the pressure, Harborough proved themselves up to the task and cleared their lines, Tom Pope kicking out of defence from full back. Strong rucking from both teams was the order of the day, but Harborough gradually exerted their dominance in the forwards.

A series of powerful rucks saw Will Hallam pick up from the base and gallop over the line for the first try. The conversion from out wide was missed, but the wound was inflicted. Much like Harborough, Biggleswade do not make a habit of conceding, giving them a psychological mountain to climb.

Henry Povoas at Number 8 made his customary driving runs, but Biggleswade were clinging on to contain him. Povoas had the presence of mind to take a quick line out which allowed Max Dalby to run through a broken field and dive over the line for the second try, making it 10 – 0 at half time.

Even though they were ahead, the game was far from won. Cameron Jordan ran strong support all game and offloaded to Ross Primrose who tore off for the line, but was hauled down just short. Harborough stole the ball at the line out that followed and Povoas was the wrecking ball that took the score to 15 – 0.

Kieran Silcott was running well on the wing again, often on the shoulder of his Number 8. He was unfortunate to be bundled into touch by the last man, but still gave Harborough ground.

Povoas sealed the game with a final try from the base of a scrum, this time running behind the posts to give Pope a decent shot at goal. He successfully converted to make the final score 22 – 0.

The boys knew they had been in a hard game this week. They met a side who matched them for size, strength and skill. They won by playing well as a team and squad; every player showing his commitment to win the ball. An excellent performance against high quality opposition.