Harlow clinched their place in the 5th round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase by defeating Welwyn at home on Saturday by 21 points to 17. This puts them in the last 32 clubs in this national competition. The 5th round is played in regions which means that they can expect a draw against another club from the London and South-East division. After that round the divisions emerge for the closing stages.

Both sides had good territory and possession on Saturday and could easily have won the game. On balance Harlow probably looked slightly more dangerous on the breakout particularly when their forwards took the ball on the charge and released the backs. The decisive factor however was that Harlow fly-half Nick Ford slotted four out of his five attempts at goal while his opposite number was off target with at least three kicks which a player at this level would be expected to land.

Right from the kick-off Harlow charged into the visitors' half and attacked strongly through their forwards. Welwyn managed clear from the breakdown but it was only a matter of time before a score was going to come. A penalty allowed Harlow to kick for the corner and set up the line-out, taking the ball cleanly and switching to the rolling maul. Although initially held out the forwards continued to attack the line and the subsequent maul saw prop Gary Brown power over to get the touchdown. Ford was just off target with a difficult kick from near the touchline but Harlow were in the lead. From the restart Harlow were very quickly back onto the attack still making good use of their forwards to drive at the line. In very quick succession they were awarded six penalties all of which were within about five metres of paddy the try-line. They opted to attack in each case but eventually a breakdown allow Welwyn to clear there lines. A very good break by the Harlow backs saw the ball moved out to the wing and then passed back inside to fly half Nick Ford who was running in support. He cut in towards the posts dummied the fall back and touched down for the try; converted to give Harlow the 12 nil lead. In the latter stages of first half Welwyn showed much more control and launched a number of good attacks into Harlow territory. Their backs was strong and able to hold the ball up well in the tackle and offload but could not produce the more subtle moves necessary to break a good Harlow defence. Harlow Full Back Josh Bohl took out the Welwyn centre when it looked as if he was clear, one of a number of key tackles on his first team debut. A few minutes later from a close maul their number five managed to peel off and touchdown making the score 12 - 5 to Harlow at half-time.

The second half started with the visitors' attacking strongly before Harlow managed to force their way up field with a good charge by the forwards. Welwyn were penalised for killing the ball and Ford made no mistake with his kick at goal taking the there lead to 15 points to 5. Welwyn responded very quickly and moved the ball through their backs exposing a gap in the Harlow three-quarter line which allowed them through for a try. Their fly-half converted taking the score to 15 points to 12 putting if Harlow under considerable pressure. The Rams responded well and their forwards had an excellent period of play taking the ball into the visitors' 22 and and launching a number of good drives towards the line. They met however with a solid defence and the best they could get from it was a further penalty when the visitors came in from the side of a maul. Ford was on target taking the margin to 18 points to 12. Soon after this a further good attack by the Welwyn backs allowed their fly half to break free and touchdown for a try relatively near the posts. He miscued a kick at goal leaving a very relieved Harlow with a one-point lead. With about 10 minutes to go Harlow were awarded a further penalty as a result of a stamping incident by one of the visitors' forwards. They opted to kick for goal and Ford took the scoreline to 21 points to 17. An important margin because it forced to Welwyn to concentrates on a try rather than being able to steal from a penalty. Welwyn finished very strongly attacking into the Harlow 22 but the defence held out for a very important win.

Next weekend Harlow are away to Brentwood in the league. They beat the Essex club by a single point margin in the home fixture a few weeks ago and can expect a tough challenge. It is particularly important game because Brentwood are one of the other three clubs who with Harlow are challenging for the promotion spots.