507 years ago on the 5th November 1605 the infamous Gunpowder Plot had 13 members that were ultimately foiled in their attempts to blow up the House of Lords.

Fast forward to 5th November 2022 and Harpenden’s target was somewhat less treasonous and the outcome more successful, but there were long periods of the second half where there were only 13 men clad in all black on the field of play trying to secure the win.

The game started ideally for the home side with Charlie Reynolds-West going over the line within a minute for a debut score, Boynes adding to give an early 7-0 lead. The visitors then put their shoulders to the wheel and showed their strength at scrum time which provided the platform for Stubbigton to go over to make it 7-5.

Shortly after the quarter of an hour mark, Eke collected the first of his three tries from short range after a period of pick and go moves. The remainder of the first half was played out with the score at 12-5, a combination of solid defence from both sides and the miserable weather giving few scoring opportunities. Just before the half time whistle, Medway added a penalty to narrow the deficit and make the score 12-8 at the break.

Harps came out of the traps the fastest in the second half with Eke quickly collecting his second try after Funaki put him into space from 15m out. Despite the opportunity to take control of the game seemingly on offer, the momentum firmly switched in favour of the visitors as both Medway attack and Harpenden indiscipline combined to build a significant amount of pressure on the home side.

First it was Speirs who went to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on and Medway then moved up the field, made the most of the extra man and scored a well taken try from Cohen. From the subsequent kick off play Medway broke from a kick and chase. Gulliford made an excellent covering tackle but was then penalised for not rolling away and given a yellow card in the process. With thirteen men on the field Harps had their backs against the wall. Only 5 metres out Medway opted for the scrum, undoubtedly their biggest attacking threat and 4 penalties later were awarded the penalty try to give them a 17-20 lead.

McKenzie-Cardy was also given a ten minute break by the referee and was able to high five Speirs who was returning to field. With only thirteen players on the field and thirteen minutes on the clock, Harpenden were in increasingly dangerous waters. Yet, as the weather intensified, Harps were able to win two penalties from the restart that put them just 10 metres from the Medway line. After the resulting maul eventually ran out of steam, Eke was able to pick and go to complete his hat trick and put Harpenden into the lead.

The game still had more late drama to produce, with just 3 minutes remaining on the clock, the Medway supporters who turned up in great numbers held their breath as a 42 metre shot at goal drifted to the left of the uprights.

Eventually, Harps were able to see out the game and secure another vital five points in Regional 1 South East.

Harpenden
Mahmood, Osborn, Campion, Eke, Lacey, Funaki, Attfeild, Preston, Gulliford, Mann, Reynolds-West, Boynes, Speirs, Shaw, McClean
Reps: McKenzie-Cardy, Sims, Scott