Dagenham 22 Harlow 3

Essex Cup

21st November 2009

Harlow went out of the Essex Cup on Saturday to London Div III side Dagenham. A combination of injuries and player non-availability meant that around 10 players who might have been considered 1^st choice options were missing from the 19 man squad. The result however does highlight the problems that arise when members of a team do not train and play together on a regular basis. Harlow had possession but it came from the breakdowns too slowly. The shipped the ball out to the backs but again slowly and with the receiver often taking it from a static position.

Harlow went ahead in the first few minutes with a penalty by McFerran and soon after should have extended their lead when a good backs move put Grimley over the line only to lose possession trying to ground it. A Dagenham try on 29 minutes gave them a 5 – 3 lead followed soon by a penalty attempt from McFerran which was just wide. Another Dagenham try in the last minute of the half allowed them to turn around with a 10 – 3 lead.

The second half was largely a slog midfield but one where Dagenham took their few chances and Harlow did not. A missed tackle allowed the home side a try 10 minutes into the half. One good attack by the Harlow pack almost made the line. A long delay followed for an injury to a Dagenham player and the game moved to an adjacent pitch while waiting for the ambulance.  Then in the final minute a try under the posts and conversion took the score to 22- 3 at the close.

This Saturday Harlow are at home to second placed Braintree in the league. Unless some of the injured players return it will be a tough challenge.

Penalties: James McFerran  

Team List

1 -  Paul Prindiville

2 -  Chris Davies
3 -  Matt Branch (Sub Danny Lane 45 mins)

4 -  Martin Cunningham  
5 -  Terry Blackwell

6 -  James Clark (Sub James Hayden 60 mins)

7 -  Mark Bowering 

8 -  Paul Eynon  
9 -  Charlie Woodington (Sub Neil Fitzpatrick 55 mins)
10 - James McFerran  (Sub Seamus O'Brien 60 mins)

11 - Will Grimley
12 - David Stradling
13 - Luke Bowering

14 - Dan Hockley
15 - Rob Mackie

To Return to Match Reports Click here