Match Report

An excellent 20-10 win for the home team - at last we look like we are getting the basics right. Watford only turned up with 13 players so after a lengthy discussion with the ref we decided, in accordance withthe rules, that it was time to 'bag the points' and play with a full side - no more Mr Nice Guy! Harpenden got of to a solid start but didn't really take full advantage of 2 extra players. However it wasn't long before the missing Watford duo arrived and suddenly Harpenden moved up a gear and looked eager and hungry for that first league win. After plenty of practice before the game, the scrummaging and rucking was by far the most impressive we have seen this year, with significant pressure being exerted on the opposing pack. At the breakdown, the players were quick to the ball and ready to re-cycle to the backs. The forwards and the back combinations started to click and soon we were in the lead scoring two tries through No 8. Conor Spicer and the ever-present Morgan Willis.

Unfortunately, we managed to leak one try before half time through a combination of some strong running by Watford and a lack of careful marking on our part. By half time we were 10-5 ahead.

With plenty of praise from the coaches the boys were now confident of a win - and the inevitable happened. The whistle blew for the start of the second half and within one minute Watford had drawn level due to a very sloppy restart (when will the coaches learn not to heap praise on them at half-time!) However, despite frequent infringements from Watford and often erring off-side, the forwards continued to recycle the ball quickly and the backs enjoyed several penetrating runs throughout the second half with full-back Charlie Colenutt joining the attack on several occasions. Wilting under the pressure Watford soon became their own worst enemies through repeated infringements which quickly gave Harpenden the advantage of strong attacking field positions. It was also just a matter of time before the opposition hooker was yellow carded for a repeated offence (high tackle) having just been warned minutes earlier.

Sadly this refereeing decision attracted some unnecessary abuse from an away supporter - a bad example of poor behaviour from the sideline which is really not needed at this level of juniors rugby (at this age the referee is always right whether you like it or not!) This pressure culminated in Harpenden regaining the lead through a try by Tom White and, of course, attracted some more abuse and accusations of cheating.

Finally, with some creative use of the blind-side Woody touched down for the 4th try of the game in the dying seconds of the game for a final score 20-10 (an impressive win) and a very important bonus point!

The performance from the boys was a credit to the effort they have been putting in over the past few weeks!

Head Coach

Jonathan Edwards

M: 07979 595933

Admin:

Peter Woodthorpe

M: 07831 269597