Date: Sat 17th Sep 2016

Time: 3pm

Match Report

Harlow were handed their first defeat of the season on Saturday when a well drilled Stowmarket team beat them by 2 points, 19-17.

Playing with the wind in the first half Harlow started well. Unfortunately, a lack of patience and discipline meant that they had only a Danny Smith penalty to show for 20 minutes of territory and possession.

At the start of the second quarter Stowmarket, playing at home for the second week in a row, opened their account with the first try of the match. Securing a line-out on the right touchline just inside their 22, they quickly moved the ball wide to put their left winger into space. Ogunkeyede outpaced the covering defence before drawing Mackie at fullback and putting away the inside centre, Milton, who scored under the post for an easy conversion.

Harlow were back on the front foot almost immediately but were again guilty of trying to force things and turned the ball over in a promising position. Stowmarket were able to clear their lines and then took advantage of quick ball to score another try under the posts.

With 3 minutes left in the half, Harlow lifted themselves for one more effort. However, despite strong running for both backs and forwards the red men were unable to get over the line before referee blew his whistle.

Harlow dominated territory and possession at the start of the second half. After 50 minutes, Harlow’s scrum half, Ryan McGlone scored a well taken try after good interplay from both forwards and backs. Danny Smith converted to reduce the deficit to four points.

Harlow took the lead 5 minutes later when Kain Claridge touched the ball down after a dominate driving maul from the pack. Again, Smith converted to make the score 17-14 with just over twenty minutes to play.

From the restart, Stowmarket took advantage of some complacency from Harlow and after some good tight play, their outside centre squeezed in at the corner to put Stowmarket back into the lead, 20 points to 17.

Despite concerted pressure for the rest of the match Harlow failed to score another point.

The result leaves them fifth in London North East 3 after two matches.

Head coach, Lee Harron said: “It was a disappointing result. We weren’t patient enough and it cost us. We’ve got to work hard this week and make sure we’re ready for Ely at home.”

Tries: Ryan McGlone, Kain Claridge
Conversions: Danny Smith (2)
Penalties: Danny Smith
Drop goals:

Team list:
1. Cunningham 2. Bowering 3. Ephgrave 4. Twiner 5. Palmer 6. Roberts 7. Heapy 8. Claridge 9. Mcglone 10. Smith 11. Stalley D. 12. Stalley R. 13. Tarsey 14. Grimley 15. Mackie 16. Howard 17. Quinn 18. Lynch 19. Stevenson