Ying and Yang’s Big Day Out

Ying and Yang’s Big Day Out

Harborough u13s entered two teams for the Tom Ward Junior Sevens Tournament at Syston. The teams were named Ying and Yang for the day, and all available players had a grand day out.

Ying were drawn in Pool A against Syston Spitfires, Hinckley and South Leicester. Harborough Ying hit South Leicester with a 39 – 0 victory in their first game, before going on to beat Syston 24 – 5. Henry Povoas, James Melody and Mathew Stamp all on form and Keiran Silcott adding the pace. Two wins from two in their first ever sevens outing was good going, and put Ying in contention for the Cup. Victory for Hinckley in their first two games set up a match to decide the pool winners. Hinckley were fast and physical. Harborough found them difficult to contain and went down a valiant 0 – 14. As pool runners up, though, they were into the semi final.

Harborough Yang were up against Syston Vulcans, Kettering and Strasbourg – touring from France. Yang sent the visitors packing with a 31 – 5 win in their first game, with Mark Stribling, Sam Pindling and Spencer Derry impressing. Yang piled a 51 – 0 score on the Vulcans, also setting up a play off for first place in the pool. With a few injuries taking their toll on the squad, Huw Davies was shuffled in to fly half from the front row and made an excellent impression. Joe Cleaver stepped up with some strong running and Theo Haynes was everywhere. Yang beat a strong and powerful Kettering side to claim top spot.

That meant a semi-final was set up between Ying and Yang. A party atmosphere now took hold – having never competed at sevens, Harborough were guaranteed a place in the final. Will Nijjer kept the pressure on for Yang with Henry Ingram also making some good breaks. Cameron Franklyn, Kieran Delpech and Tom Mercer gave their all, and Harry Grimmett put in a huge effort against his team mates. A wonderful free flowing game ended with a win for Yang.

Hinckley had delivered a convincing semi final triumph over Kettering to set up a showdown. With Harborough Yang down to eight available players and at the end of a long day, this was going to be a tough ask. But Will Hallam scored first for Harborough. After that, Yang were on the back foot. Hinckley ran in five tries but were also strong in defence, and offensive rucking. The final score was 5 – 29 and Hinckley lifted the trophy.

Every Harborough player gave their all for the Club and their teammates. Sevens takes a huge amount of effort, and for the squad to put out two teams that competed so well is exceptional. A fantastic day out, and well done to all the players.