Harlow 10 Chelmsford 13
London N E 2
Chelmsford improving results continued on Saturday causing Harlow’s first defeat at home since they moved ground last year. The manner and score did not represent the dominance of Chelmsford, where again their forwards were on top of their opposite numbers throughout the game.
Chelmsford spent the majority of the first half deep in Harlow territory but only scored one try. This was a well executed move, the forwards had won several rucks and Tom Day at scrum half kicked a low ‘grubber’ behind the opposition defence, over the try line for Adam Cunnah to plunge onto. With the wind in the first half, it seemed that Chelmsford had not made good enough use of both territory and possession, especially when Harlow on a rare advance into Chelmsford territory were awarded a penalty, which was duly converted Half time 5 -3
The second half began and as the first, with Chelmsford dominant, breaks by Will Ferrier and Adam Cunnah came close to scoring. But after 20 minutes they did breach the Harlow defence, the ball was fed wide to Cunnah who beat his opposite number on the outside and outstripped the cover before eventually being tackled and passing the ball to Cameron Arnott to score a converted try.
The pattern of play with Chelmsford dominating continued, but with five minutes to go they started to give away penalties. The first was kicked for a five metre lineout, a succession of lineouts produced a number of penalties. Harlow then decided to take a ‘tap and go’ which resulted in a push over try which was converted. It looked as though Chelmsford had lost their chance, but the spirit shown by the team drove them forward again and into added on time, a penalty was awarded 35 metres out but into a swirling wind. Sid Hoult kicked it over without hesitation and the game was won.
After the game a delighted Director of Rugby Eddie Gooby said this was our best performance of the season we controlled large parts of the game and restricted a good Harlow team to limited scoring chances.
What was very pleasing was our defensive structure and you could see our attack is starting to cause the opposition many problem.
We are still having a few timing issues in attack but every week you can see a difference which comes with having a settled squad.
When everything clicks together we will put in a full performance and the points we having been leaving on the field of play will be seen on the scoreboard .
I believe this is just around the corner and our supporter who were fantastic again today will get the performance they have been waiting for during this tough season
That is four wins in the last five games and the season seems to be changing for the Essex side. Next week will see the visit of Epping and Upper Clapton who are being brought into the relegation battle kick off at Coronation Park at 2pm