Date: Sat 29th Oct 2016

Time: 3pm

Match Report

Harlow extended their unbeaten home record by beating league leaders Wanstead at Rams Gorse on Saturday.

The red men, playing down the hill in the first half, started strongly and immediately took the initiative. With Ross Stalley replacing the injured Danny Smith at fly half, the backs moved the ball wide to put Ryan McClone clear to score in the corner.

Harlow continued to put pressure on Wanstead and eventually won a penalty under the posts. It was converted by Stalley to make the score 8 nil after 10 minutes.

At this point, Wanstead started to gain a foothold in the game and forced a kickable penalty to the right of the posts. The kick fell short but Harlow allowed the ball to bounce and it was seized upon by Wanstead’s left winger who touched the ball down. The conversion was successful.

However, Harlow were immediately back on the attack and forced another penalty which was converted by Stalley.

Harlow began to exert some real pressure and Wanstead’s discipline began to desert them. After a series of high tackles, the away team’s winger was sinbinned after catching Mackie around the head.

Harlow immediately took advantage of the extra man forcing Wanstead back into their own 22. A good chase from the pack saw Roberts charge down the clearance kick and off load to Quinn for a try which was converted by Stalley.

A late penalty from Wanstead made the score 18 – 10 at half time.

Wansted started the 2nd half well, keeping the ball tight and driving through the centre of the Harlow defence. Their offloading game kept the ball alive at the tackle and ensured Harlow were often on the back foot. This approach paid dividends and Wanstead eventually scored a converted try under the posts to make the score 18 -17 with 30 minutes to go.

Harlow showed great spirit and determination to take back control of the game. Good territorial kicking from Woodington and Stalley meant Wanstead were forced to play from deep. With good defence Harlow were able to force turnovers and eventually Weston scored  Harlows third try. Another Stalley conversion made the final score 25-17.

Harlow remain joint top of London 3 N E with 25 points.
With Southwold on top with a superior points difference after a 5 point victory over Upminster.
But Harlow have a game in hand.

Harlow are away to bottom club Ilford Wanderers next week.

Tries: Ryan McGlone, Andrew Quinn, Weston

Conversions: Ross Stalley (2)

Penalties:  Ross Stalley (2)

Team: 1. James Ephgrave, 2. Mark Bowering, 3. Jack Christie, 4.Mark Twiner, 5. Andrew Quinn, 6. Wayne Heapy, 7. Michael Weston, 8. Shaun Roberts, 9. Charlie Woodington,  10. Ross Stalley, 11. Ryan McGlone, 12. Scott Whitby,13. Andrew Tansey, 14. Sean Lynch, 15. Rob Mackie, 16. Martin Cunningham, 17. James Clark, 18. Will Grimley. All replacements used.