Rochford 35 Harlow 7

London Three North East

A very depleted Harlow side made the journey to Rochford on Saturday and despite the scoreline put in a creditable performance. The pack in particular gave Rochford a hard time in line outs and set scrums. With five first choice players missing through injury Harlow were forced into a number of changes and the problem was compounded by the loss due to injury during the game of Nick Ford and Michael Weston. This meant that several players were in unfamiliar positions and perhaps worst of all that it was a squad which had not played together. Defensive mistakes and problems in set moves were inevitable.

Harlow started strongly and for the first fifteen minutes took play into the home 22. Two good attacking moves by the centres Bohl and McFerran only broke down at the final pass and a good drive by the pack came close. Against the run of play an interception by the Rochford outside centre (No. 13) allowed them to run in a try and conversion for a 7 point lead.  Harlow continued to make good territory through the forwards but were frustrated by the home side’s ability to disrupt the rolling maul. One more good breakout saw the Rochford backs clear and again their no. 13 made the try line. It was becoming clear that Rochford had real pace in the backs and were able to capitalize strongly on any lack of communication in the Harlow defence. The game turned round at 14 – 0 but for Harlow the loss of Nick Ford to a groin strain was more serious than the score. For the rest of the game the loss of his defensive tackling and accurate clearance kicking were to be a big issue.

In the second half Harlow had a good share of territory and possession thanks to some strong work by their pack but the speed of the Rochford backs was always a danger. Another interception by their 13 extended the lead to 21 – 0 and then a further backs move put their winger over making it a 28 point lead. Harlow hit back with a very good rolling maul from a penalty which went onto touch 10 metres out from the try line. With good change of direction Rochford were pushed back over their try line and Prindiville grounded the ball. Bohl slotted the conversion making it 28 – 7. In the closing minutes Harlow pack again came close before another break by the Rochford 13 added a final try and conversion making it 35 – 7 at the close.

This Saturday Harlow are back at Rochford for the semi final of the Essex Cup. A lot depends on player availability but at least they know the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

Tries: Paul Prindiville

Conversions: Nick Ford

1. - Gary Brown

2. - Stuart Wilkins

3. - Paul Prindiville

4. - James Ephgrave

5. - Paul Eynon

6. - Darran Hawkins

7. - Michael Weston (Sub Neil Fitzpatrick)

8. - Kain Claridge

9. - Jake Kent-Pope

10. - Nick Ford (Sub David Stradling)

11. - Andrew Vanston

12. - Josh Bohl

13. - James McFerran

14. - Simon Vanbeck

15. - Francis Brown

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