It was a frustrating afternoon in many respects for Harpenden but they managed to secure an important victory even if the bonus point eluded them.

Resplendent in their new, all black kit, there was a level of expectation that the side would bounce back from their close defeat to league leaders Shelford the previous week.

There were a number of changes to the side, with Sims, Wheatley, Pearce-Paul and Charlier joining the pack with Mann, Hales and Govier amongst the three quarters. Only five of the starting fifteen took to the field when Harps last entertained Old Habs in a 36-24 victory in December 2019.

Despite the unstructured style that the Borehamwood outfit favour, the start of the game was very tight with both sides exchanging penalties and testing their opponents with probing kicks and hard carries.

A handling error from Habs in their own 22 gave Harpenden opportunity to string some phases together which eventually led to Luke Barber crossing the whitewash in the corner to give the home side an 8-3 lead at half time.

Harps started the second half with real impetus scoring after less that two minutes gone, it was arguably their best move of the game with backs and forwards contributing to propel them into the 22 which resulted in substitute and debutant Gibson scoring in the corner.

The ever reliable Sweeney added a further penalty to extend the lead to 16-3. It is from this point onwards that the hosts will rue not making the most of the gathering momentum. As quickly after conceding, Old Habs found some rhythm and began to chip away at the deficit. A try under the posts gave them seven and a further try with 15 minutes left on the clock gave Harps the slendersest of one point leads.

Errors crept in from both sides as they tried to wrestle victory from one another, with opportunities presenting themselves but neither team able to convert. As the time was approaching the red Harpenden were bedded in the opposition 22 and as Habs characteristically attempted to play out, a wayward pass was poked through by Govier who gleefully dived on the rolling ball to guarantee Harpenden the win. A Sweeney conversion added the extras to deny the visitors a losing bonus point.

A long away trip to Norfolk to take on bottom of the table Norwich awaits on Saturday.

Harpenden
Warren, Sims, Campion, Lacey, Pearce-Paul, Nkwocha, Charlier, Wheatley, Gulliford, Mann, Deane, Hales, Barber, Govier, Sweeney.
Reps: McLoughlin, Neilson, Gibson