Saffron Walden 29 Harlow 3

London Three North East League

On Saturday Harlow were forced to field a depleted side for the second week in succession.  They came up against a Saffron Walden team which had a very skilful and faster set of backs and although the Harlow defence showed considerable commitment it was inevitable that gaps would be found from time to time and tries conceded.  On the other hand Harlow can come away with the game with some satisfaction.  The team that played with a commitment that is not been seen for some time and despite the scoring setbacks threw everything at the opposition throughout the game.  As far as the forward contest was concerned Harlow put to the home side under considerable pressure throughout the game.  In the set scrums they held their own ball and Wilkins took a number of the Walden put in’s against the head.  In broken play skipper Paul Eynon had a massive game attacking ball in hand and making the hard yards on nearly every occasion.  Shaun Roberts, the blindside flanker also featured strongly in the loose forward play and had one or two good runs when linking up with the backs.  If the team can continue to show this level of commitment then there is still a chance that wins can come and they can improve their lowly league position.

The game started with some cut and thrust played midfield but within 5 minutes Saffron Walden had committed sufficient players infield to create a gap for their centre Marshall to cut through for a try close to the corner flag and a five point lead.  Harlow drove into the home side from the restart but after another 10 minutes they were forced back onto the defence following a deep touch kick taking play into the 22.  Saffron Walden moved the ball to their backs and Hughes their number 10 committed the Harlow centres before feeding to his own a number 12 who cut in for the try close to the posts.  Hughes converted for a twelve point lead and soon after added a penalty taking it to 15 nil.  In the latter part of the first half Harlow had a much better proportion of the play with Gareth Powell at centre using his strength to break tackles, supported well by Vanbeck who had moved in from his normal wing position to cover the number 13 slot.  Despite a near miss with a penalty attempt by McFerran the half ended with the home side 15 points ahead

Early in the second half McFerran put Harlow onto the score sheet with a well struck penalty and for the first quarter hour of the half the Harlow forwards showed their dominance.  On the 53^rd minute of the game after two abortive attacks by the Saffron Walden backs they managed to get the ball wide allowing their winger Miles to touch down near the corner and Hughes converted very well into the wind taking the score to 22 points to three.  In the final quarter of the game, despite the scoreline, Harlow played committed attacking rugby.  When saffron Walden did attack they faced determined tackling from the Rams and in particular from Aled Hills playing at full back.  As is inevitable however in the closing minutes of the game it becomes harder to defend as fatigue kicks in and with just minutes to go Saffron Walden found the gap for the final converted try.

Harlow now have two weeks of potential recovery time before on the 3^rd of January they are away to Romford in the first round of the Essex cup; resuming their league campaign on the 10^th of January.  Although they have a number of players with long term injuries there are some who should be available by that time and if the team  can retain the commitment shown on Saturday then there is still a chance of them causing upsets against some of the teams above them.

On Boxing Day morning Harlow hold their traditional under 21 versus is over 21 Boxing Day game.  All are welcome to what is always a great club occasion and those members who want to get rid of the excesses of Christmas day are encouraged to bring their kit.

Penalties: James McFerran

Team List

1 -  Tom Webb  

2 -  Stuart Wilkins
3 -  Paul Prindiville (Sub 55 mins Matt Branch )

4 -  Kerry Palmer (Sub 50 mins  Mark Bowering )

5 -  Mark Twiner 

6 -  Shaun Roberts 
7 -  Jack Elston

8 -  Paul Eynon

9 -  Lee Harron

10 - James McFerran

11 - Will Grimley

12 - Gareth Powell  

13 - Simon Vanbeck  
14 - Charlie Woodington (Sub 50 mins  Chris Webb )

15 - Aled Hills

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