Harlow U14s travelled into Redbridge for a development friendly with Chingford team hunting for promotion from Essex division 3.
The Rams hadn’t played the hosts for several seasons and were looking forward to a tough run out for our development squad.
On a beautiful sunny morning a much changed U14 side took the field, missing Captain Jarod Bates and number 8 Liam Jones on Essex duty, fly half Mo Copley, hooker Jake Mowat injured and wing George Deboo away. Harlow also had four players starting for the first time; lead my new captain Connor Bates.
The new look starting 15 had the slight advantage at the beginning of the match with several half chances but couldn’t break the well organised Chingford defence. Chingford scored twice in the half from forward driving leaving us 12:0 down at half time.
The second half team with a few switches from the coach saw The Rams storm back, with new number 8 James Napier scoring from the back of a Harlow scrum 12:5, conversion Jack Snell 12:7.James Napier also scored try number two after a great break by full back Mason Sharp supported by Alfie Fletcher. 12:12. With the Rams back in the game the backs feel asleep for Chingford excellent winger to score the try of the game, juggling poor pass almost behind him he sliced our defence in half to run in a great solo effort. 17:12. Harlow seem galvanised by this try and a total team press saw Chingford concede a penalty kicked by Jack Snell: 17:15.
With the pack now winning more ball for the backs Mason Sharp score from a solo run 17:20, conversion Jack Snell 17:23. Further pressure from the Rams forced Chingford into a line out on their 10m line. This was cleverly read and reacted to by prop Connor Bates who burst through the line to catch the ball off the ground to score very wide right 17:25, leaving a very hard conversion for Jack Snell 17:28. The final try came on the last play from a great run by wing Tom Spencer who finally past to Mason Sharp to score again wide right 17:33. Conversion Jack Snell 17:36
A good win for The Rams, against a battle hardened side, taking our tally to five wins on the bounce this year.
This win without five of our normal team shows the strength in depth of the U14 squad.
Good half games from Tom Spencer, Mason Sharp, Mitch Youngs, Jack Snell, Dan McCarthy, Jordan Newborough and all the new players.
Of the full match players, great ball carries from James Napier and two tries. Captain Connor Bates ,who anchored the scrum for the whole game and a clever solo try.
Man of the match hooker Jason Lomas, many scrums won against the put in, secure line out through and a massive amount of really big tackles.

Tries: James Napier (2), Mason Sharp (2), Connor Bates (1)
Conversions: Jack Snell (4)
Penalties: Jack Snell (1)

Squad from: Connor Bates (captain),Ethan Bates, Ronnie Coleman, Rhyce Jones, Dan Knight, Mike Harty, Jason Lomas, Dan McCarthy, James Napier, Jordan Newborough, James O’Donague, Tom Spencer, Jack Snell, Taylor Wink, Mitch Youngs, Jack Melleish, Alex Piggot, George Banks, Jason, Alfie Fletcher.