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Harlow 0 Old Albanians 0
29th November 2009
RFUW South East Eastern
Div 2
The best way to describe this game to someone who was
not there would be to get them to imagine the Battle of the Somme. The rain
was torrential, the cold was hypothermic and the mud got everywhere.
From the kick off, Harlow played into the wind and rain, an early penalty
for crossing saw OA’s able to relieve the pressure they were under. A
succession of line outs saw OA’s rumble down the pitch, the biggest problem
was that it was not a day for the backs to shine, the greasy ball saw
several knock-on’s leading to a scrum. Harlow dominated the scrum for the
whole game, OA’s ball was either stolen or was so badly disrupted they were
not able to launch an attack of any merit. The front row of Yoda, Gizzi and
Tina powered by Tracey and Claire were ruthless in the pack. The back row of
Robin, Kelly and Keighley were all over the OA scrum-half and fly-half, with
hard hitting tackles making life unpleasant for all of the OA’s.
With the atrocious weather conditions not helping, the usual running game
the crowd have become accustomed to was virtually killed. The OA’s backs
were up quick in defence and the gaps were few and far between. Nicky at
scrum-half saw plenty of ball and was able to feed Rebecca who fed it out to
Davina and Dani but the possession could not be converted into points. Mel
out on the wing was unfortunate to concede a penalty for not allowing the
player to get up, but made amends moments later when she smashed her
opposite number. Abi on the other wing had a couple of runs at the OA’s but
never really found herself in the space to let her pace shine through.
Stimmo at full back had put in some cover tackles but also found herself
with no space to work in.
Half time saw 0-0; neither side had really looked like scoring although
Harlow had done well to survive the wind and rain. Playing with the wind
behind you makes all the difference: from the start of the second-half
Harlow looked more determined. Tina and Keighley combined to hit the OA
scrum-half at the same time (just as she got the ball from the line out),
leaving her in a crumpled heap. Everyone in the Harlow team made sure that
their tackles counted; if one was missed the next person made it. The
biggest problem was that both sides were so evenly matched. Rebecca Conway
was unlucky to be penalised for a late hit on her opposite number (it was a
massive hit.). There had been some good kicking downfield with great chasing
from Abi, Davina and Conway but the OA’s full back held on long enough for
support to arrive.
Kelly went for one of her trademark number 8 pick and goes but was unlucky
to be held up before she could offload. It appeared that the OA’s had done
their homework, they closed down the backs very quickly and did not give
anyone any space to work with.
The closest that Harlow came to scoring was with a quick tap penalty but the
OA’s defence was able to repel the attack. The final whistle saw OA’s
probably quite relieved not to have lost. The wingers probably all had
hypothermia, none of them really having had the opportunity to have the
sorts of runs they are used to.
Big hand to the girls on the touchline, Sam, Toni, Danielle, Carla and
Paulette who unfortunately didn’t get on to enjoy the mudbath.
Funny Moments-
I have been reliably informed that the referee caused Nikki a blood injury
with a mis-timed elbow (Possibly a yellow card offence?)
Trying to take notes about the game in torrential rain and a gale.
Martin the ref asking one of the Harlow girls to remove her piercing;
revealed in a ruck.
Asking the ref if he was used to the conditions being Welsh? and being
informed he thought everyone was mad to be playing in this weather.
Rebecca grinning after she had been penalised for hitting her opposite
number “late” again.
The OA’s scrum-half getting hit by Tina and Keighley; she just did not know
what hit her.
Listening to the ladies talking about where the mud had managed to get, in
the bar after the game.
The weather made the game an absolutely horrible affair, both sides played
hard rugby and it is only with the benefit of hindsight and a view from the
touchline that Harlow could have just edged it.
Big thanks to Guffers and his missus who delivered the post-match food. Well
received by everyone (don’t let Don volunteer you every week)
MOTM-The whole Harlow pack completely dominated their opposition. Keighley
and Claire popped up all over the pitch making big hits and stealing
opposition ball. The backs were always going to have a tough game with the
wind, rain and mud conspiring to make the ball as slippery as a bar of soap.
In defence the whole back line closed down OA’s, the result testifying as to
how well they performed.
COTM-There has been a lot of interest in who was going to get this award, in
the 4th team there are always several candidates. There was no-one who
deserved to get it on today’s performance, except possibly the person
responsible for the weather (not prepared to go there though)
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This photo is from the 2010/11 season
This photo is owned by:
Dave Sharp
This photo shows:
Ladies XV
Bish bash bosh
The opposition were:
Tabard
This photo is from the 2008/09 season
This photo is owned by:
Dave Sharp
This photo shows:
Ladies XV
Attacking
The opposition were:
Met Police
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