Harlow 2nd XV 57 Cheshunt 2nd XV 11

Harlow 2nds got back to winning ways this Saturday with a well-timed emphatic victory over Cheshunt 57-11 to mark the clubs 50^th Anniversary in style.

On a weekend when Harlow was remembering its past we also got a glimpse of the future with colts Kain Claridge and Neil Fitzgerald taking the step up to senior rugby in their stride performing superbly.  It was from Claridge’s excellent lineout work and Fitzgerald’s distribution at scrum half that allowed Harlow, in part, to take control of the game and create the platform for Harlow’s backs.

The forwards also performed superbly who were in an uncompromising mood crashing the ball up field and being the first to the breakdowns never really give Cheshunt much of a chance.  Special mention must go to second row James Hodges who’s work rate was superb either crashing the ball into Cheshunt taking two players to stop him or popping up in the backs to set up 3 of Harlow’s tries and flanker Alan Knightley who’s defence around the fringes was excellent disrupting and stopping any attack’s that Cheshunt could create.  

From the whistle Harlow were in total control grabbing the game by the throat.  Harlow’s forwards ensuring that they kept possession and then once sufficient space was created giving the ball to the backs who delivered the knock out punch scoring all of Harlow’s tries.  Harlow’s first try came from a Cheshunt scrum 5 metres out from their try line.  A big drive from Harlow allowed the ball to pop out from under the feet of the Cheshunt 8 and scrum half Fitzgerald was the first to react to dive onto the ball to score his first try for Harlow 2^nd’s.  Conversion by Ford 7-0.  

Soon after the restart Harlow had their second try.  Again after some good forward play saw the ball passed out to fly-half Nick Ford who’s well timed pass put full-back Alisdair Phillips through to break through Cheshunt’s defence.  A chip over the top of the Cheshunt full back bounced perfectly for Phillips to collect and run in under the post’s again the conversion by Ford 14-0.  Cheshunt struck back however with two penalty kicks to claw the score back to 14-6.

After that it was pretty much one-way traffic for Harlow.  The team effort was excellant further tries by Fitzgerald, Phillips, Webb, Powell and Ward extended the lead.  All these tries were excellent team efforts the forwards setting the ball for the backs who in turn got the ball out to the back three to finish them off.  Another two conversions by Ford saw Harlow have a 38-6 lead at half time.

After the break Harlow continued where they left off.  A half break by Centre Gareth Powell put Number 8 Adam Paine through.  He in turn off loaded the ball to scrum-half Fitzgerald who drew in the last defender before passing to Powell to finish the move he started 43-6.

A second and third try by winger Steve Ward put the game beyond doubt as Harlow stacked up an impressive lead of 57-6 with 5 minutes to go.  With the hard work done Harlow started to take their foot of the pedal and allowed Cheshunt to get more of the ball.  Poor discipline by Harlow allowed Cheshunt to take advantage and kick for territory to keep Harlow inside their 22.  It wasn’t long before Cheshunt grabbed a well-deserved consolation try.   A catch and drive lineout took Cheshunt to within 10 metres of Harlow’s line.  Patient build up play from Cheshunt saw them edge ever closer to Harlow’s line, the ball was then passed out wide where they had created an overlap for their winger to go over to make the final score 57-11.

Team: Clarke (Bayford), Wilkins, Branch, J.Hodges, Mosley, Kngihtly, Claridge, Paine (Summers), Fitzgerald, Ford, Webb, Powell (L.Hodges), Brown, Ward (capt), Phillips.

Tries: Fitzgerald (2), Phillips (2), Webb, Powell, Ward (3).  Conversions: Ford (6)

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