Date: Sat 11th Mar 2017

Time: 2.30pm

Match Report

Harlow’s 1st team took another important step towards promotion on Saturday when they defeated Upminster 27-12.

Playing up the hill in the first half, Harlow started strongly. Excellent play from both forwards and backs meant the men in red quickly made inroads into the home team’s defence before second-row stalwart Mark Twiner touched down in the corner. Unfortunately Ross Stalley, standing in for the injured Danny Smith at fly-half, was unsuccessful with the conversation attempt.

Despite Harlow continuing to dominate their tendency to over complicate things meant they did not score again until the twenty fifth minute when an excellent long throw from Mitch Hodgkinson started a team move that culminated in Dale Stalley scoring under the post. Again, Harlow seemed to be missing Smith as Stalley sliced the conversion.

The first half finished disappointingly for Harlow when they spilled the ball in midfield and an Upminster flanker ran the ball in from 50 yards. The half time score was 10-7 to Harlow.

The second half started much like the first with Harlow putting Upminster under pressure. With 15 minutes gone Harlow kicked to the corner and No.8 Kain Claridge touched down following a strong driving maul.

Harlow’s running game then came to the fore with the backs offloading well before Andrew Tarsey scored the bonus point try. This time the conversion was successful.

With ten minutes to play Harlow scored their final try of the game. Strong play from the forwards created a huge hole which Dan Stevenson just squeezed through for the team’s fifth try.

The game finished with Harlow reduced to 13 men as indiscipline crept in – this allow Upminster to score a consolation try on the final whistle.

Final score 27-12.

Speaking after the game, Lee Harron said: “I’m delighted with the bonus point win, Upminster is a tough place to come and we got the job done. The next fortnight is all about preparing for the final ever home game at Rams Gorse. I’m sure the boys will be ready.”

Team: 1. James Ephgrave, 2. Mitchell Hodgkinson, 3. Martin Cunningham, 4. Mark Twiner, 5. Kerry Palmer, 6. Shaun Roberts, 7. James Clark, 8. Kain Claridge, 9. Charlie Woodington, 10. Ross Stalley, 11. Dale Stalley, 12  Ryan McGlone, 13. Andrew Tarsey,  14. Scott Whitby 15. Rob Mackie 16. Scott Stalley. , 17. Jack Christie, 18. Daniel Stevenson