Woodford 2nd XV 31 Harlow 2nd XV 24

Merit Table

Despite many late changes to the team and 4 forwards playing in the backs Harlow seconds performed admirably against a very mobile Woodford outfit and almost got a result but come undone in the last play of the match losing 31-24.

Straight from the kick off Woodford showed what they could do if given enough time on the ball and quickly crossed over to score first 5-0.  Harlow come back in fine style though soon after and used their bigger pack to suck in the Woodford defence to create the overlap.  Winger Chris Webb broke through and nearly scored but was pulled down 5 metres short of the line.  Again the forwards slowed down the ball and controlled it well.  The ball was then passed out wide to debutant Jon Ricardson who run over to score Harlow’s first.  Conversion by Bate 5-7. 

The remainder of the half was an open affair both teams using the wide pitch well.  A well-worked backs move from Woodford saw their fullback join the line to run in under the posts t o edge in front 10-7.  Harlow struck back however just before halftime.  Some good forwards possession see them work right up to Woodford’s try line.  A good burrowing run by prop Marc Williams saw him squirm over the line to lead 10-12 at half-time.

Harlow began well in the second half a good blend of forwards and backs play ensured they got off to a good start however for all the possession they just could not find the final pass and grew increasing frustrated.  Woodford made them pay soon after when a penalty kick left Woodford about 10 meters out from Harlow’s try line a catch and drive saw Woodford go over for a dubious try to take the lead 17-12.

Soon after it was Harlow’s turn to be on the back foot  with Woodford attacking Harlow pushing them into their own half however Woodford’s eagerness in attack had made them commit too many players and a loose ball was kicked forward by Harlow’s number eight Paul Scoot who raced forward into the space behind Woodford’s attacking line.  The ball was then kicked on again by winger Chris Webb who was the first over the line for Harlow’s third to tie the score 17-17.

Soon after Harlow’s third try Woodford’s outside centre was soon yellow carded for repeatedly leading with his elbow into contact and Harlow soon made them pay.  Harlows centres direct running from Martin Mallia and Ricky McKinley caused all sorts of problems in attack and defence for Woodford and now with the extra man they started to make them pay.  Inside centre Mallia showed good pace to break through one tackle and a nice dummy saw another defender commit out wide for him to race from the half way line to score Harlow’s fourth.  Conversion by Bate to see Harlow lead once again 17-24.

For the final ten minutes of the game however Harlow started to tire and Woodford started to take charge of the game another try from a good rolling maul saw them draw the game 24-24 to set up a nervous finish. Harlow defended resolutely for the remainder of the game some good covering tackling by Hodges, Mallia and Twills keeping them out.  However with the last play of the game Harlow committed too many players to defending a ruck and a simple hands move out wide saw Woodford steal the game 31-24.

Team:  Williams, Mallia, Clarke, Hughes, Mosely, Delgrecco, Hawkins, Scott (Capt), Kent-Pope, Bate, Ricardson (Twills), Hodges, McKinley, Polkinghorn (Ray), Webb

Tries:  Ricardson, Williams, Webb, Mallia

Conversions:  Bate (2)

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