Harlow -v- Harlow

Pre-season trails - Harlow warm up for the new season

Harlow Rugby club are in the final stage of preparations for the new season. The first XV start their campaign next weekend (13th Sept.) with their opening league match away against Chelmsford. Paul Eynon resumes the role he had two years ago  as captain with Simon Vanbeck as Vice captain and they are determined to make this a good season. Two weeks ago Harlow send a squad to the Tring 15s tournament (Click to see photos) and although they did not progress  beyond the pool stage can be pleased to have put in a good performance against London Div I side Tring and Div II side Ruislip. In the Tring game they took an early lead driving over with a rolling maul and held on to it for two thirds of the game before the home side took control with two break away tries.

Last weekend the first team second team and a number of players moving up from the colts combined to play a possibles v probables match. They played in four quarters and it brought together existing players, some new members and a number of younger ones making a very serious challenge for first team slots. The standard of play was high as was the commitment of the players. Among the newcomers Ricky McKinley made a strong impression in his new position of prop and many of the younger members did well, in particular Luke Bowering. Skipper Paul Eynon said "This pre-season has seen an influx of players from other clubs, but particularly from our youth section. There is a good vibe about the place and players are really enjoying their rugby at the moment" 

The club are fielding four again sides this year, this firsts in London & SE DIV3 NE, the seconds in the Essex Merit Table Div I, the thirds in Essex merit Table Div VI and the 4ths in the Greene Kind merit Table Deuxieme Division South. All four sides are looking forward to the season and to making an impact in their leagues/merit tables. New players are always welcome at all levels and the club are committed to providing good rugby and a great social atmosphere. Prospective members can use the automatic enquiry system on the home page of this website to get in touch.

This weekend the seconds are at home to Westcliff  II, the fourths at home to Canvey Island III and the thirds away to Westcliff III. The first hope to set up a home game via the fixture exchange to provide one more run out before their league challenge.

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