Date: Sun 16th Jan 2022
Time: 1.00pm
Match Report
Harlow U12’s
Harlow U12’s arrived at Braintree for their first game of 2022 and their first game playing with the full U12’s rules. Both teams adapted quickly to the new rules (going from 3 man scrums to 5 man scrums being the main change) but it was Harlow who flew out the traps quickest. Absorbing all that Braintree could throw at them and then counter attacking at will, Harlow reached half time with a 5 tries to 1 lead. Remarkably all five tries were scored by Flynn Shaw. However, with Harlow only having one sub and Braintree having 8 subs to choose from, tired legs crept into play in the second half as Braintree pegged Harlow back. Braintree scored 3 quick second half tries before Sid Francis crashed over from close range to leave the score 6-4 to Harlow with only 5 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Harlow could not hold out and Braintree took advantage of some tried defence to pull level with the last move of the match. With the scores tied at 6 – 6 both teams agreed to play another 10minutes of extra time to try and find a winner. With Braintree’s much larger squad the odds were stacked against Harlow, especially when Braintree scored their 7th try after just a couple of minutes. However, a brilliant individual score from Matty Barrett put the scores level again. However, the Harlow boys were now flat out and some further tired defence in the last minute allowed Braintree to sneak in the corner for the win.
A superb game, played in a great spirit and marshalled well by the referees and coaches. Braintree came out deserved winners but the Harlow boys can be proud of their efforts and take solace from the fact that if not for the numerical advantage that Braintree had, then they could have come out on the winning side. Lots to work on in training but also lots to be proud of.