Norwich 18 Harlow 15

London Three North East

Norwich snatched the result in this very tight league encounter with a drop goal with about three minutes to go. Harlow had found things hard all through the game mainly as a result of not being able to contain a heavy and streetwise Norwich pack. This was a pity because on the limited number of times they managed to give their backs space it was clear they outpaced the home side. Just a little more clean possession would have produced a different outcome but too often Harron at scrum half had to deal with ball on the back foot as their pack drove forward; not ideal for launching an attack.

From the start Norwich took play into the Harlow half and attacked strongly through their forwards. Harlow held for a few minutes before the home side drove in for their first try. From the re-start Harlow tried to break up field but were forced to play the bulk of the game in midfield. From another Norwich drive they conceded a penalty which was slotted for an 8 – 0 lead. As the game moved into the second quarter Harlow began to get more ball to their backs. Will Grimley on the wing managed to cut round the defence and looked clear for a 30 yard run in but was adjudged to have just clipped the touchline so Harlow had to come back for a lineout on half way. Norwich took the ball from their throw but Harlow pressure kept play in midfield. The Harlow chance came on 32 minutes when the backs moved the ball to Josh Bohl at outside centre. He set on a jinking run changing direction three times, leaving a defender behind each time finally breaking clear for a try under the posts. Ford converted and Harlow held a determined Norwich counter to turn round on 7 – 8.

Harlow started the second half well but continued to have problems penetrating a good home defence. One or two good kicks for the corner looked as if they might catch the defence but the bounce was not favorable and Norwich cleared. On their own counter they took play deep into the Harlow territory and broke through for a second try, this time converted for a 15 – 7 lead. Harlow continued to apply pressure and  managed to narrow the gap when Ford slotted a forty yard penalty from out wide. The with about 15 minutes to go it was again Bohl with the ball who once more weaved through for the try leveling the game at 15 points each. In the closing minutes Norwich laid siege to the Harlow line forcing them to defend to almost ten minutes. They held off two five metre scrums and any number of driving mauls. With about three minutes to go the home side realizing they were not going to break the defence laid the ball back to their fly half who slotted a great drop goal for an 18 – 15 lead. Harlow threw everything in from the restart but with so little time were unable to set up a good attacking platform and the game ended with no further score.

This drops Harlow to 5^th place and although only three points behind second place Diss the leaders Westcliff with a five point margin are becoming a problem. On Saturday Harlow are at  home to 11^th placed Chelmsford. They were promoted at the end of last season and are week by week adjusting to the new level of play. It is a must win game for Harlow but not one they can afford to take lightly.

Tries: Josh Bohl (2)

Conversions: Nick Ford

Penalties: Nick Ford

1. - James Ephgrave

2. - Stuart Wilkins (Sub Jamie Pope 60 minutes)

3. - Gary Brown

4. - Jon Snow

5. - Paul Eynon (Sub Paul Prindiville 45 minutes)

6. - Scott Romaine

7. - Mark Pickett

8. - Kain Claridge

9. - Lee Harron

10. - Nick Ford

11. - Will Grimley

12. - Ben Jarvis

13. - Josh Bohl

14. - Sean Banks  

15. - James McFerran (Sub Simon Vanbeck 60 minutes)

To view more match reports - click here

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge