Hat Trick Hallam

Harborough u13s had a tough encounter against a strong Nottingham side at home on Sunday. Both sides contributed well to a hugely competitive game.

Harborough applied the early pressure with Ross Primrose putting in tackles to stop Nottingham breaking out of their own half. The visitors were rucking well, though, and hitting the breakdown first. Nottingham were the first to score, ripping the ball in a ruck and darting over to make it 0 – 5.

By now, it was Nottingham applying the most pressure. They made the most of their possession again, breaking the home side’s defence to make it 0 – 10. Harborough had some work to do.

A series of powerful drives from the forwards put Will Hallam in position to drive over from short range to get Harborough moving. The first half ended at 5 – 10.

Harborough’s forwards again made their presence felt as the second half got under way. The scrum was strong again and a ball won against the head resulted in a break from Cameron Jordan, and Will Hallam was bundled over for his second of the day.

Nottingham were not going to be easily subdued though. Tom Pope and Matthew Stamp both made important clearance kicks to relieve the pressure, and Stamp was also involved in a series of breaks with his Number 8 to clear the lines.

Hallam’s hat trick came from Pope running hard and direct from Full Back. Held just short of the line, Hallam scored with a pick and drive. Max Dalby converted to open up a welcome gap, to 17 – 10.

Nottingham were not finished yet by any means. Confusion in Harborough’s defence resulted in a try for Nottingham straight from the restart. With the score at 17 – 15, we were in for a tight finish. Nottingham were camped near to Harborough’s try line for the final minutes of the game. Outstanding defence from the home side with tackles from Hallam, Henry Povoas, Huw Davies, Stamp and Primrose slammed the door shut. Eventually regaining possession, Stamp showed his nous by kicking to touch to secure the victory. Great game.