Apologies Gremlins appear to have hacked our site an replaced the normal 4th XV report with something much less, well what actually happened was....

Harlow 4th XV 43 Chingford 3rd XV 7

Greene King Deuxieme Merit Table Cup Quarter Final

The 4th team had been gearing up for this game all week: everyone was up for it and raring to go. We owed Chingford for the beating we had received when we last played them but the team they brought over was not exactly the same as the one we had played against last time and they found an aggressive 4th team raring to go. After discussion, Matt Branch agreed to let us play on the first team pitch - Cheers mate!

The game got started and the Harlow pack started its now customary rumble in the scrum. Danny Fitz renewed his acquaintance with his opposite number, who was overjoyed to see him.  The scrum was dominant for the whole game - we won all our own ball and shoved Chingford off theirs; this gave the backs a great platform to build on. 

The first Harlow try came when Danny Fitz was tackled close to the line: Gaggy picked up and was not stopping from close range, but Crabby missed the conversion. The next two tries were Karl and Crabby: both found space after Gaggy and Rob M used quick ball to our advantage. Crabby kicked both of these and a penalty before half time. 

The pack was spectacular as it supported the backs. Swampy, Ben, Jeff, myself, and Barney tackled, turned over ball and generally made the backs look good.  Chris, Pete and Danny were happy to destroy the scrum and help in the lineouts.  Karl put in such a hard tackle on the Chingford 10 that unfortunately he had to go off with an ankle injury. The Chingford flanker pulled his hamstring so he went off as well while Swampy and his opposite number had an ongoing battle in the lineout which I reckon was pretty even.

The second half saw Karl, Gaggy and Crabby score a try apiece.  Mumbles set up two of the tries and Swampy had his hand in the other; by now it was champagne rugby.  Everyone was firing on all cylinders: there was no remorse in the scrums and our defensive tackling was exceptional.  Rob Spinks put in a great tap tackle to stop them scoring while Dangler Dan was letting nothing get past him and creating havoc in attack.  Gaggy had suffered from a small scratch near the end of the first half so after he scored for the second time he was too weak to continue even though he’d been “first aided” by Tracey (who did such a good job that no stitches were required!) 

The following players were then released onto the pitch: Justin, Big Andy, John Stock, Neil, Freddy and Rupert, who replaced Pete, Danny, Ben, Karl, Rob Spinks and Rob Matthews.  However Chingford would not give up and they got closer and closer to the line. They finally scored when Swampy was unable to prevent their centre cross the line -having had a 20 metre run up! Swampy nearly stopped him but did not realise how close he was to the line.  Freddy put in a huge tackle to stop the winger (I heard it about 30 yards away) and it was well below head height!!

The final whistle saw a very upset Chingford well beaten! Next time they play 15 against 14 they might have to think about the consequences (Yes I am bitter about it!!!).  Chingford came to Harlow expecting us to just roll over, but they played a great game and there was very little going on “off the ball”……….. Although there was one incident that took place - the nameless person was avenging a high tackle; handbags were drawn; froth was coming out of the mouth; until cramp struck the Chingford player and it had to stop.  I am not sure that it really counts as anything naughty but nothing else happened in that department. Tony was straight on it, telling the pair of them to pack it in.

Funny moments- Rob Matthews passing the ball between his legs to Mumbles, in our own 22, Fijian style and us not dropping it but disappearing down the pitch at high velocity.  Only funny because as a forward looking across the pitch to see that happen and the opposition not thinking it funny and getting upset is hilarious!

Chris and Danny renewing their respective prop acquaintances, both of whom were overjoyed to see their opposite numbers!

Tony our ref telling Freddy about 10 times that he was offside and Freddy just not stopping his charge (I think that someone once told Fred not to ever retreat so he applies this to all situations both wartime and rugby!)

One of the Chingford players muttering that they could concentrate on the league now as he went through the tunnel at the end of the match.

I don’t think people realise that this team has taken 4 seasons to become what it is now. We have trained all through the summer together, every Saturday, and as many as possible come down on a Thursday. There is no MOTM or COTM this week: no-one who played deserves COTM* and there are too many candidates for MOTM.

Bring on Either Ely or Old Cantabrigians!

*Future COTMs - Justin for being away for the Clapton game (going to Crufts!!!!) and

Dangler Dan for leaving one of his boots in the changing room!

Oh and here's the report sent to the local press

Harlow 4th XV 43 Chingford 3rd XV 7

Greene King Deuxieme Merit Table Cup Quarter Final

Playing on the first team pitch the two sides met for the third time this season. Harlow were looking to avenge the last defeat when they travelled with only thirteen players.  Harlow opened the scoring when Jon Gagg, the captain, crashed over from close range.  Harlow were fired up for the game and were dominant in the scrum from the start, using the backs to test the defence the pace of the Harlow backs started to find some gaps.  Karl England and Paul Crabb used their pace to score, both converted by Paul and a penalty, saw Harlow changed ends 22-0 up. 

Chingford had been unlucky to lose some players through injury, their replacements not playing in their usual positions.  The second half saw Chingford attacking from the off, although it was again Harlow who scored first, Steve Gray unselfishly offloading to Paul Crabb who scored under the posts.  The Harlow captain had received a minor head injury but was able to force his way over supported by Paul Bullen and Steve Gray.  Chingford never gave up and were rewarded with a try when the centre crashed over this was converted.  Harlow had the last score when Paul Crabb again used his pace to beat the defence.

Team: C. Powell, P. Hunter, D. Fitz, G. Barnes, B. Parr-Ferris, P. Bullen, J. Bessent, M. Wedd, J. Gagg, R. Matthews, S. Gray, K. England, P. Crabb, R. Spinks, D. Cable

Subs: All used. A. Stallman, J. Evans, F. Lloyd, M. Blackman.

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