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Harlow 15 Westcliff 18
London Three North East
Harlow lost to league leaders Westcliff on Saturday in a game which was full of drama from first whistle to last. Throughout the game there was never more than a single score separating the sides and it was only an exchange of penalties in the final four minutes that settled it. Westcliff have dominated the league this season and are four points clear of second placed Diss and have the better points difference with only six games to go. Harlow remain third but with a four point margin the chance of overhauling Diss and making the play off is low. Westcliff started strongly playing up the slope and forced Harlow to defend strongly. After 8 minutes they forced a penalty and were just wide with the attempt. Harlow restarted quickly and the visitors were caught unprepared for the Harlow breakout leading to a try by Harlow Fly Half Nick Ford which he converted to make it 7 - 0. Westcliff were back onto the attack immediately and on the 12th minute put their outside centre clear for a try, converted by they fly half for a seven all score line. Immediately form the restart Harlow were back under pressure and on 16 minutes the visitors extended their lead with an unconverted try from their No. 10. For the remainder of the half it was a cut and thrust game with the Harlow pack making most of an impression. Two rolling mauls went to within yards of the line only to be stopped by desperate defence by Westcliff. A further blind side attack by the backs saw what should have been a scoring pass go just out of reach on Will Grimley on the wing. The with less than a minute to go Harlow were awarded a penalty and with no time for any subsequent play Ford went for the posts making it 10 – 12 at half time.Despite playing up the slope Harlow had more of the action in the second half. The pack put pressure on Westcliff. Harron tried on several occasions to release his backs but the defensive line was solid. The deadlock was broken when Westcliff slotted a penalty in the 67th minute. Finally in the 72nd minute a ball moved wide leaving Will Grimley on the wing with a chance. He beat the first defender and was taken out by the second just as he crossed the line but was able to make the touch down to level the scores at 15 point all. With two minutes to go Westcliff were awarded a penalty a good 45 yards from the posts but their fullback slotted it cleanly to put them ahead 18 – 15. Harlow came back strongly and a penalty chance of their own on 80minutes. Although it was really too far out there was no more time so Ford went for goal. He was on line but just short on range giving Westcliff the game 18 – 15.On Saturday Harlow were delighted to welcome Steve Pope back into the side. He started his rugby in the club youth section before moving on to play for London Welsh, Swansea and Blackheath. As well as his contribution as a very talented prop forward he brings experience of the top echelons of the game and will have great ideas to pass on. Next Saturday Harlow are away to Mid-table Brentwood who held them to a draw in the home fixture early in the season. They can expect another close contest against a side who always perform well on their home turf. Tries: Nick Ford, Will Grimley Conversions: Nick Ford Penalties: Nick Ford
1. - Steve Pope 2. - Scott Romaine 3. - Paul Prindiville 4. - Jon Snow 5. - Paul Eynon 6. - Hans Barnard 7. - Michael Weston (Sub 65 mins Stuart Wilkins) 8. - Kain Claridge 9. - Lee Harron 10. - Nick Ford 11. - Will Grimley 12. - Josh Bohl 13. - James McFerran 14. - Simon Vanbeck 15. - Sean Banks Subs not used: Francis Brown, Darran Hawkins To view more match reports - click here
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