Date: Sat 13th Aug 2016

Time: 2.30pm

Match Report

Harlow hosted Datchworth on Saturday in a pre-season friendly with both sides missing a number of last Seasons more regular players.

This allowed Harlow to give some much needed game time to youngsters Owen Blissett, Alfie Clarke, Joel Drake, Mitchell Hodgkinson, Dan Stevenson and Ashley Westall who have all trained regularly and well this summer.  All five settled in and performed well.  It also allowed Harlow to give a start to new signing Andy Tarsey who fitted in comfortably across the backline.  Jack Christy continued in good form where he left of last Season along with Scott Whitby, Andrew Quinn and Dan Stevenson who all looked powerful and sharp.

The majority of the first 20 mins was reasonably even until the last few minutes when Harlow started to build some pressure. A well worked set play and a good change of angle allowed Andy Tarsey go in untouched under the posts. Converted by Ross Stalley.

However, after scoring Harlow relaxed and allowed Datchworth back into the game with a well taken driving maul.  This is something that Harlow need to eradicate from the game.

In the second period Harlow continued to build pressure and from a well worked driving Lineout Jack Christy powered over to score. Converted by Ross Stalley.

Datchworth then began to build some pressure but some resolute defence kept them at bay.

Harlow were now trying to work some of the set plays and moves that they had worked on in training with good success.

Harlow again began to put pressure on Datchworth and forced panic in defence allowed Scott Stalley to force an interception and go over under the posts. Converted by Ross Stalley.

With the game now running away from Datchworth they started to throw everything at Harlow who again defended resolutely keeping them at bay.

Harlow finished off with a well taken try by Ross Stalley after after some good patient interplay by forwards and backs.  Converted by Ross Stalley.

This was a good start for Harlow and it was clear that many of Harlow’s players have worked hard on conditioning and have attended training regularly over the summer.  However, there are some who have not and this is evident in game understanding and conditioning levels.  It’s not too late but if we are to progress as a team then this attitude must change soon.

Harlow host Stevenage on Sat 27th August and Hitchin on 3rd September before the League Season gets off to a difficult start at Home to a very good West Norfolk side on Saturday 10th September.

Team From :-

Jack Christy, James Ephgrave, Danny Fitz, Mark Bowering, Kerry Palmer, Dan Stevenson, Luther Blissett, James Clarke, Wayne Heapy, Andrew Quinn, Shaun Roberts, Charlie Woodington, Ross Stalley, Andy Tarsey, Alfie Clarke, Chay Clarke, Scott Stalley, Alfie Clarke, Joel Drake, Will Grimley, Joe Heeney, Ally Phillips, Dale Stalley, Simon VanBeck, Ashley Westall, Scott Whitby