Date: Sat 21st Oct 2017

Time: 3.00pm

Match Report

It was a bare bones squad that travelled to Romford on Saturday for the latest round of this seasons Merit League campaign due to a number of injuries, the most bizarre of which being Ryan Clark ‘falling from a trampoline’ last Saturday night and fracturing his ankle??

The lack of numbers forced a few positional changes; Simon Vanbeck switching from the centres to No.8 and prop, Barrie Hussie, moving over to the Hooker position with scrumhalf Alfie Clark throwing in at lineout time, where, despite the strong wind throughout, he never once missed his jumper.

The home team started marginally the stronger of the two sides but the ferocious Rams tackling soon began to turn the tide. The pace of the Harlow play soon exposing gaps in the Romford defence, carrying play deep into the Romford twenty-two where Owen Blissett forced his way over for the first score of the day; Chay Clark adding the extras. 0-7.

This was closely followed by the second Harlow score. Strong driving play from the pack and quick ball down the backline set up the opportunity, Rob Mackie hitting the line at pace from fullback and neatly stepping the last defender before diving over the line; 0-12.

Romford replied with a score of their own just on the stroke of halftime; 5-12.

The second period saw The Rams playing into the strong wind but firmly on the front foot. Powerful running and quick recycling and Harlow were again threatening the Romford tryline; Barrie Hussie brushing aside the tacklers before crashing over the line; 5-17.

Romford replied quickly, forcing their way over from the restart but the action soon returned to the home teams half; Alfie Clark stepping through the defence for the fourth Harlow score; 12-22.

The game was in its dying minutes when the home team crossed the line for their third score. A deep penalty kick into the Harlow twenty-two which appeared to be a kick to nothing, was turned into a try-scoring opportunity by the speed of the Romford chase; 17-22.

A good away win for The Rams and, considering the adverse weather conditions, a very entertaining match with both teams striving to play an open, fast moving game.

Scoring:
Try; Owen Blissett, Rob Mackie, Barrie Hussie, Alfie Clark
Con; Chay Clark

Eric Penney, Barrie Hussie,Harry Smyth, Andrew Green, James Roberts, Derry Joyce, Owen Blissett, Simon Vanbeck, Alfie Clark, Ben Seymour, Jack Almond, Chay Clark, Rhys Whitby, Andre Riddell, Rob Mackie