Harlow 1st XV 35  Bury St. Edmunds 10

London League Division 3

Harlow made a good start to their league campaign with a workmanlike win over Bury St Edmunds on Saturday. They were supported by a large turnout of members and friends in a match which marked the start of their 50^th season. Once again the backs were impressive in terms of pace and the final try, Lee Smith’s second was a beautifully called move which bemused the defence and put him clear for an easy run in under the posts. Harlow also owe a lot to the very high work rate of their back row, Mark Pickett at no 7 does exactly what an open side flanker should, turn up in every move and cause chaos for the opposition. He was well supported by Jon Snow on the blind side and Eynon at No. 8.

Harlow playing up the slope quickly took play into the visitors half but in the early stages the Bury defence was solid and on occasions they were able to clear their lines and counter attack particularly using their talented outside centre. The first good scoring opportunity came when Harlow centre Stradling made a good break midfield taking 35 yards and breaking the first tackle before being stopped inside the 22. The ball was well set and recycled keeping the pressure on. A penalty allowed Bury to clear but then minutes later a good penalty kick from Billy Stanley set up the lineout back in the visitors 22. A rolling maul was stopped short of the line but the forwards came away with the ball in hand and Eynon crashed over for the try. An exchange of penalties took the score to 8 – 3 to Harlow at the turnaround.

The Harlow half back pairing of Harron and Billy Stanley made more use of the wide ball in the second half and it was a move started by Bill Stanley that saw the ball reach Gary Stanley who made 40 yards plus before setting up the score for Lee Smith. Scott Thorne coming on as a replacement for Paul Scott added a further try breaking clear from another good forward drive. A further Harlow penalty make the game appear safe but then a good counter by Bury saw their backs break the Harlow defence for a good try and conversion to reduce the margin to 13 points. Two other good attacks by the visitors added to the pressure but this time the defence was safe. The game was effectively secured by a backs move on the right hand side of the field which saw winger Simon Vanbeck outpace the cover to score in the corner. The final converted try under the posts by Smith was a fitting finale.

Tries: Paul Eynon, Lee Smith (2), Scott Thorne, Simon Vanbeck

Penalties: David Stradling (2)

Conversions: James McFerran (2)

Next week Harlow are away to Brentwood whose strong card is a powerful and heavy pack. The Rams know that a number of key players will not be available for this one the outcome will depend very much on whether or not they are able to impose their fast open style of play on the game. The week after Harlow are at home to Bishop’s Stortford in the first round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup, a tough challenge against a side two divisions higher but one the Rams are looking forward to.

(Follow links to player profiles)
1. James Ephgrave
2. Martin Mallia
3. Don Smale (Sub Will Bayford)
4. Paul Scott (Sub Scott Thorne)
5. James Grover
6. Jon Snow  
7. Mark Pickett

8. Paul Eynon (Captain)
9. Lee Harron
10. Billy Stanley
11. Lee Smith

12. David Stradling(Sub James McFerran)

13. Gary Stanley
14. Simon Vanbeck

15. Matt Howard
 

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