Harlow 2nd XV 36 Westcliff 2nd XV 12

Harlow’s backs were the difference on Saturday scoring 5 of Harlow’s 6 tries to win 36-12 against a weakened Westcliff side that had to borrow two Harlow players.

With the perfect conditions for a game of expansive rugby Harlow did not disappoint looking to get the ball out wide at every opportunity.  Harlow started the brighter of the two sides and the first chance to score fell to Harlow.  A quick pass out from a driving maul to Vanston saw a well executed dummy switch release Rundall who cut inside and drew in his opposite number.  A well-timed offload saw the ball go to Vanston in support to race through to score, which he converted 7-0.

Harlow’s second try came shortly after where a kick from Brown saw the ball kicked deep into Westcliff’s midfield.  Brown chased down his own kick and turned over the ball.  This was then quickly passed out where Vanston cut back inside to score his second he again converted to make the score 14-0.

By now Harlow started to take control off the game only some well-timed tackles from Westcliff’s defence and poor final passes stopping Harlow run riot.  Harlow’s defence seemed a lot more organised than in recent weeks managing to keep out Westcliff’s larger pack and putting pressure on their backs whenever the ball was passed out wide.  It was from this pressure that Harlow scored their third try.  Rundall who only had the full back to beat picked up a dropped ball by Westcliff’s centre.  A pass back inside saw the ball reach Hawkins who run in to score.  Converted by Vanston 21-0.

From the resulting kick off Harlow scored their 4^th try.  The ball did not go ten metres and was called back for a scrum to Harlow.  With Harlow’s backs split Westcliff failed to notice this.  The ball was passed out to the blind side where a series of quick passes released Ward who broke through a quick pass back inside to Rundall saw him run through to score his first of the afternoon 26-0. 

Harlow then yet again started to ease up after building a reasonable lead and invited pressure on themselves.   A careless pass out wide was intercepted by Westcliff’s winger who raced through to score 26-7.  To be fair to Harlow they responded well to this and started to work their way back up into Westcliff’s half.  Harlow where then awarded a scrum just inside Westcliff’s 22.  It was from this Harlow scored their best try of the afternoon.  A well-worked move from Harlow’s backs saw the ball go out to Powell who threw a miss pass out to Brown who had joined the attacking line.  A ball back inside saw Rundall coming in at an angle who burst through to score to make the score 31-7 at half time.

There was little action of merit in the second half with Harlow again taking their foot of the gas leaving a stale mate in the middle of the pitch.  It was only from a quick break from the base of a ruck that broke the deadlock half way into the second half.  A half break by Marchett was passed out to the backs where Rundall was waiting on the wing to run in to score his third try and complete his hat trick 36-7. 

Westcliff grabbed a consolation try late in the second half.  A rolling maul was formed just inside Harlow’s 22 taking them within 2 metres of Harlow’s line.  James Hodges, one of Harlow’s borrowed players, peeled off and powered over to grab Westcliff a consolation try making the final score 36-12.

Team:  Clarke, Wilkins (L.Hodges), G.Brown, Hawkins, Palmer (capt), Edwards, Roberts, Marchett, Snell, Vanston, Ward, Powell, Rundqall, Phillips, F.Brown (Ellis).

Tries: Vanston (2), Rundall (3), Hawkins.  Conversions: Vanston (3).

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