Westcliff 15 Harlow 10

London Three North East

Harlow slipped to fourth place following this defeat at the hands of the league leaders. The Rams started slowly against a strong wind which kept them in their own half for long periods. They competed  well with the Westcliff forwards  unable to breach the Harlow defence. Westcliff, who prior to this game, had scored 144 points in just four games relied on their powerful back row to get over the gain line and eventually they scored. James Pope was sin binned for killing the ball five metres out after 25 minutes and within five minutes Westcliff crossed the line, their number 10, Johan Oberholzer, taking the ball on the left wing to score with the Harlow defence exposed. Five minutes later Westcliff scored their second from a rolling maul following an attacking line out, Matt Evans, their number 8 touching down.

Harlow responded with a drive from the pack giving Lee Harron the chance to run directly at the opposition before passing to Jon Snow who broke through tackles to score a well taken try. At the interval the score was 10-5 to the home side the wind preventing any conversions.

In the second half Harlow did not make enough use of the wind to their advantage and the Rams  brought on Gary Brown for Paul Prindiville at prop with Darren Hawkins replacing Paul Eynon at Lock.

Westcliff extended their lead with a third try scored by their full back Warren Duff which spurred the Rams on to attack. The last twenty minutes was all Harlow as the Rams battled hard to pull back a try.  McFerran  on the wing was replaced by Sean Banks.

 With fifteen minutes to go the Westcliff number 5 was yellow carded and five minutes later the Westcliff hooker also received his marching orders. Still the home side held out until from a tap penalty five metres out Jamie Pope crossed the line. The last seven minutes saw the Rams throwing everything at the home side but they were unable to score and had to accept defeat at the hands of a Westcliff side who played well and are worthy of their place at the top of the league.

Tries: Jon Snow, Jamie Pope

Conversions:

Penalties:

1. - James Ephgrave

2. - Stuart Wilkins

3. - Paul Prindiville (Sub Gary Brown 40 minutes)

4. - Jon Snow

5. - Paul Eynon (Sub Darran Hawkins 55 minutes)

6. - Jamie Pope

7. - Mark Pickett

8. - Kain Claridge

9. - Lee Harron

10. - Nick Ford

11. - Simon Vanbeck

12. - Billy Stanley

13. - Ben Jarvis

14. - James McFerran (Sub Sean Banks 50 minutes)

15. - Josh Bohl

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