Harlow travelled to Harpenden to play a warm up game on Saturday. The squad of 21 players played 2 x 30mins and 1 x 20 minutes to give the coaching teams time to discuss plays with their players.

The first 30 minutes showed a team that was itching to get back into playing again really open up. The ball was moved successfully between forwards and backs alike with blistering efficiency. The first try came from Simon Vanbeck after the forwards took the ball on wiping out most of the defence then the backs through Ben Jarvis breaking the first tackle and off loading for Simon to finish off in some style.

Tries in the first period continued to come, after a great run from Gary Brown offloading to Paul Prindiville with from the picture (left) looks like a side step but to those who know him better, a trip which almost cost him his moment in the sun.

Ben Jarvis then crossed for his first of three for the day. Next up Nick Ford was in on the action, chipping through to chase and touch down in the corner. The only slight downside was when the Harpenden scrum half picked up from a Harlow ruck (probably illegally, but in not the referee's eyes) to sprint to the try line uncontested.

In the second 30minutes Harlow made a number of changes, bringing on some of the younger players, Neil Fitzpatrick, Darren Hawkins, Kain Claridge and Chris Webb. These changes disrupted the flow a little however Ben Jarvis was on hand to complete another move where backs and forwards interlinked to create a beautiful try. This period was lost two tries to one but still encouraging play from the Harlow players.

In the final period, Harlow were tiring but still managed to win this period two tries to one, yet again Ben Jarvis was on hand to complete his hat trick and it looks like he will enjoy his time out in the centre. Harlow debutant Scott Stober a recent signing from Tabard also go in on the action at the death to complete a very entertaining game.

Captain Paul Eynon said "we are on the right track for a very entertaining and successful season which all the players are looking forward to. We have improved from last week and we will look to improve next week in preparation to take on Colchester with all guns blazing."

The coaches will now look forward to their last warm up game against Blackheath academy at Ram Gorse on Saturday before the league campaign kicks off against Colchester on 9th September. During this time they must reduce the squad from the 21 who travelled to Harpenden down to 18. Competition is rife but this bodes well for the oncoming season.