Norwich 14 Harlow 10

(Half time 14 - 7)

London Three North East League

Once more Harlow failed to take the points in a very can closely contested league match on Saturday.  They had a number of scoring opportunities which could have clinched the game for them but Norwich defended with great determination and managed to keep them out.  The large injury list is still a problem for Harlow not so much in terms of the ability of the players that they are fielding but the fact that they are unable to keep the same line up from one week to the next.  This was noticeable on Saturday when on a number of occasions attacking moves lacked the fluency which would have broken the defence.  Only by playing regularly together cannot seem build a true attacking edge.

Harlow started well taking play into the Norwich half and looked as though they were going to be able to apply a pressure.  However on the first occasion when they were able to counter Norwich got mid way into the Harlow half and slotted a penalty for the three point lead.  Very soon after that another penalty opportunity extended their lead to six.  From the restart Harlow took play well into the Norwich 22 and for almost 10 minutes kept pressure on their try line.  The home side were penalised several times for killing the ball but unfortunately too far out towards the touchline to provide kickable opportunities.  Eventually Norwich managed to steal the ball and clear up field.  They extended their lead with a good attacking move by their centres before throwing the ball wide to the wing who ran in for a try which was unconverted taking their lead to 11 points.  Yet another penalty very quickly extended this to 14.  In the closing 15 minutes of the half Harlow attacked strongly and managed to keep Norwich on the back foot for most of the time.  A good break from the back of the scrum by Eynon took play to within 15 metres the line before Hawkins took the ball and continued the move.  Norwich however managed to steal in the tackle and cleared to touch.  Towards the end of the half Lee Harron made a good solo break committing both of their centres before spinning the ball wide to Chris Webb playing on the Harlow wing.  He took play into the 22 before cutting in and just beat the fullback to the touch down under the posts.  McFerran slotted the conversion making it 14-7 at halftime.

The second half saw Harlow battling most of the time to try and break the Norwich defence.  They were unable however to take full advantage of their strength in the forwards and although it cost them a number of penalties Norwich were able to prevent clean possession in the rucks and made good use of the new law this year which allows them to collapse rolling mauls.  With about 15 minutes to go McFerran had a penalty opportunity which was just wide but a couple of minutes later a second infringement allowed him to slot the ball between the posts cutting the margin to 14 points to 10.  From then until the close Harlow threw everything at the Norwich line and several times almost made it across.  Adam Paine who had come on as replacement for Hans Barnard who was carrying a knee injury came as close as any but was held up about two metres short.  A very relieved Norwich welcomed the final whistle with their lead intact.

To read the Norwich report and see there photo's click here

Tries: Chris Webb

Conversions:  James McFerran

Penalties: James McFerran

Team List

1 -  Tom Webb  

2 -  Stuart Wilkins
3 -  Matt Branch (Sub 50 mins  Paul Prindiville)

4 -  Darren Hawkins
5 -  Hans Barnard (Sub 50 mins  Adam Paine)

6 -  Shaun Roberts 
7 -  Lee Covington
8 -  Paul Eynon

9 -  Lee Harron

10 - James McFerran

11 - Chris Webb
12 - Gareth Powell  

13 - Simon Vanbeck  
14 - Charlie Woodington

15 - Sean Banks

Sub not used : Rob Treamer 

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