Northern Exposure

This was new territory for Harborough and the opposition certainly looked like they would be tough to crack. Harry Grimmet had spent a week with the sun on his back and it looked like the rest had done him good. He came back full of running energy and sliced through the covering defence from a line out win. Will Hallam converted and Harborough were 7 – 0 up.

Harborough’s second score came up quickly. Winning the ball against the opposition scrum, the ball found its way to Tom Mercer at Outside Centre who grabbed the opportunity to score. The wind was too much for the conversion attempt, but Harborough had exploited two early scoring opportunities.

Brods came back strongly at Harborough and put the home side under pressure. With what is becoming trademark defence, Harborough kept them out with tackle after tackle and the visitors just could not find their way across. But they displayed speed and power, especially in the backs, and were a constant threat. Harborough had to maintain their focus.

After weathering the storm and relieving the pressure, Harborough made another score before half time. Multi-phase possession and quick ball ended with a powerful run across the line by Max Dalby. Hallam converted with a tremendous kick from wide out.

Brods were first to score in the second half, despite now playing against the wind. The Fly Half accelerated through Harborough’s covering defence and touched down under the posts, followed by his own conversion. A deserved score and it looked like game on.

Harborough took Brods on up front and a series of pick and drives gave Henry Povoas the platform to score, with ‘dead eye’ Hallam again converting. Harborough now really began to push home their advantage, and Brods began to tire from the defensive effort, and just possibly a late night!

The running lines and support play were really coming together. Martin Redmond, Will Nijer and Huw Davies combined well for Davies to score in the corner. Then Mathew Stamp made a break through a gap, with Grimmet on hand for the offload to score under the posts. Hallam converted and punctured the match ball on the thorn hedge that surrounds the ground. And finally, Hallam got a try of his own following another careering run by Povoas, and converted to make the final score 45 – 7.

The scoreline was not really a reflection of the quality of opposition. Harborough played very well as a team, with some excellent support play and a committed defensive effort, aswell as attacking power and skill. Forfeits and games were enjoyed in the Clubhouse afterwards. Povoas proved his prowess at eating Mars Bars! Good game of rugby, good fun and good guests.