Date: Sun 24th Mar 2019

Time: 11:30am

Match Report

Harlow u13s vs Chelmsford A

24th March 2019

Harlow hosted Chelmsford today on a glorious morning at Latton Park, conditions could not have been better. Our young Redmen turned up once again with a fantastic attitude and were ready for a game against a strong Chelmsford team.

Harlow started the game with much assertion and in the first 10 minutes had close to 100% possession going through phase after phase of play. Fantastic to see the progression that has been made in this area. Harlow were unable to convert into this possession into a try and when Chelmsford finally had the ball in the hands, they were able to spin the ball wide and score in the corner.

With Harlows growing confidence in possession we looked to be creative through the backs which unfortunately lead to handling errors which resulted in Chelmsford next two tries… was this a negative??? ABSOLUTLEY NOT…. Players will never be criticised for having the confidence to be creative. Chelmsford then rang in another try in the corner to make the score 0-20, certainly not a reflection of the first halves play.

Despite the score Harlow knew they weren’t being outplayed, they persisted in what they had been doing as they knew it would eventually be rewarded and it certainly was. A quickly taken penalty by Jack Rushworth ended up in the hands of Tolu who’s powerful run was too strong for Chelmsford to cope with and he spectacularly slammed the ball into the floor for his first try.

Half Time 5-20

A number of personnel changes took place at HT however the effort level did not decrease. Due to Tobies boot malfunction Owen played for 10 minutes at Fly Half where he was extremely assured, and look settled in a role he has never played before.

Harlow’s defence has improved dramatically in recent weeks and they have gained a real steel when they are in their own 22. This was again displayed by some excellent try saving tackles by Callum Hewlett, Montelle Levy and Tolu, the latter of the trio was a textbook ‘BIG HIT’ who legally knocked the Chelmsford lad into next week. An excellent break by Will Pite put us into the opposition 22 and following a penalty that was awarded to Harlow due to Chelmsford being offside Tolu run in his second try underneath the posts.

Harlow’s complete dedication was beginning to take its toll physically and with Callum, Felix and Tolu all being withdrawn through injury and numerous others out of their feet, Chelmsford were able to take advantage and run in a couple of late tries.

Another really good performance by Harlow who continue to improve week on week. If we can iron out a few individual errors and be more clinical in possession, we will turn these defeats into victories against sides that we were unable to compete with in the past. Well Done to all involved today.

Final Score 10-35

Harlow Squad:
Jacob Morgan, Archie Goodyer, Joseph Williams, Felix Waugh, Ed Lea, Charlie Jacques, Brandon Jackson, Tolu Ajibabi, Callum Boyce, Jack Rushworth, Tobie Westbrook, Owen Eynon, Callum Hewlett, Montelle Levy, Will Pite, Jamie Oliver
Man of the Match: Callum Hewlett
Special Mention: Tolu (2 Tries) Montelle Levy (Strong Defensive Display)