The rugby ground on Northampton Road had an International feel on Saturday morning as a team from Sweden, Stockholm Exiles, visited as part of their short tour to take in a World Cup game in Leicester the following day.

Rugby is a minority sport in Sweden and the junior side therefore spanned several age groups compared with the host team of U13 players. The day's events were sponsored by Getinge as one of Harborough's coaches works for the company.

The morning started with some joint training as the lads got to know each other, language no barrier for the faultlessly English speaking Swedes. Just before the game, both squads lined up in front of national flags as the anthems for both countries graced the scene, a memorable experience for all.

Once the game got under way, all such memories were put to one side and a fine match followed, with Exiles pressure seeing them two tries up. Harborough's Jake Sterland then ensured that the visitors would not have it all their own way, scoring 5 tries before half time for Harborough to lead 25:10

After the restart the Exiles pulled one back, before Tyler Smith finished off a great team move, feigning to continue to move the ball along the line but instead straightening up to score himself. Pressure from the visitors however saw them pull three tries back to level the scores at 30 all, before Ewan Jones again restored Harborough's lead.

In the final quarter however, Exiles brought on their big guns who proved too strong, running in three tries to secure a 45:35 win and ensuring they took home the Getinge Cup. The lads had a great day, watching the England game together later and ensuring the tourists went home with good memories of their trip.

The club are grateful to Getinge for sponsoring the day, ensuring the visitors were well looked after and left with a trophy to commemorate the occasion plus medals for all players.