Harlow 3   Ealing 64 - To view more match reports - click here

London & South East   Div II  North

In a number of ways Harlow can be quite pleased with the outcome of this game. They were facing the league leaders and by far the most consistent team in the table and yet managed to come away with a much lower margin of defeat than in many games against lower placed teams. The Harlow squad played with total commitment from start to finish and a final breakaway try in the closing seconds produces a score that slightly flatters the visitors. 

Despite giving away a considerable weight advantage the Harlow pack played with commitment throughout. The real advantage Ealing had was in the pace and versatility of their backs; of their 10 tries seven came from the backs and two from their No 7 linking up with his backs. Harlow defended well with Wayne Morgan at centre putting in some bone crunching tackles and Keith Handscombe at full back making some excellent counter attacks when Ealing kicked high ball deep into the Harlow half.  Skipper Paul Eynon had great game at No. 8 showing good speed and always looking dangerous on the break.

Harlow started well playing up the slope and applied pressure in the Ealing 22 for the first ten minutes before Ealing came away with the ball from the breakdown and put their winger clear for an easy try. From then on they had the bulk of the play for the remainder of the half taking the score to 42 points at half time with a single penalty from Fossy Brown the only Harlow reply.

Ealing added another early try soon after the restart but with the slope now in their favor Harlow looked much better. Their defensive cover was tighter and the forwards started to show much more aggression in the rucks. A second Ealing breakout added a try near the hour but then Harlow managed to dominate most of the play in the final quarter. Their forwards keep the pressure in the visitors 22. On three occasions they almost made the line but were forced back. They forced several penalties tow of then easily kickable but with the game lost opted to run the ball. Only in the closing minutes did Ealing lift the siege and run in two more tries as the fatigue of a massive effort took its toll on the rams.

In two weeks time Harlow travel to Woodford, also relegated, for their last game of the season. The result will be and interesting rehearsal for the level of play required next season. A tough contest is expected with both clubs having only pride to play for.

Team:  Gary Brown, Romaine, Yates (sub Ephgrave 50), Scott, Hawkins, Todd, Thorne, Eynon (Capt.), Lakin, Francis Brown, Vanbeck, Morgan, Powell, McClarnon, Handscombe

Penalty: F. Brown.

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