So Harrow finally broke their duck in London 1 North with a thoroughly merited win outscoring their visitors by three tries to two and at times producing some super rugby. On a day where we celebrated the founding of our Club in November 1891 the performance of the 1stxv added hugely to a most enjoyable day

The lunch started with a minutes silence in memory of ex Harrow player Alan Metcalfe who had last been at the club at the President's Day lunch at the end of September. Then nearly 70 of us, including six from Letchworth which included the President of Herts RFU Mr Graham Walker sat down to a splendid meal of parma ham and melon, followed by a very tasty lamb stew with mash potato and vegetables finished off with a selection of sweets and cheese and biscuits. . Well done to Linda for a lovely meal. Thanks to our President for organising a most successful day. Thanks again to Lesley and also Annette, Magoo and Rod Nicholas for preparing the club room and tables on Friday in preparation of the festivities. Thanks to Clare and Debbie for running such a good bar. Thanks to John Dietman who once again sponsored a barrel of Cuthberts, to Lesley, Dave Darlington, John and Jean Thomas, and John and Brenda Battern for their generous donations to the raffle.

Finally congratulations to Paul Stern who was this year's recipient of the John Elgood Trophy presented during the lunch for his continued outstanding service to Club.

Then out for the game. On a very cold afternoon Harrow kicked off playing towards the pond pitch into a strong breeze coming straight down the pitch and a bright low setting sun. Despite playing into the elements this Harrow started very brightly and at 11 mins took a deserved lead after Letchworth had been penalised for being offside at the breakdown on their own 22 to the left of the posts. A strongly struck penalty into the wind bisected the posts and Harrow were 3-0 ahead. At 19 misn Harrow extended their league with a lovely individual try by debutant Stuart Vincent playing at outside centre. As Harrow moved the ball left on the Letchworth 10 metre a show of the ball, an outside break and then some real gas and he was over for a superb individual try. Conversion missed 8-0. Letchworth however came straight back. At 21 mins on the Harrow 22 the Letchworth centre ran through a hesitant midfield defence to score untouched under the posts. Conversion made and letchworth were back at 8-7. On so many different levels it was a poor score to concede both in the context of the match having just scored ourselves and also because it was such a soft score. The home team however just rolled up their sleeves and go on with it. At 34 mins Harrow scored a superb team try. As the ball was moved right on the half way line Adam West finding himself at the end of the line was put in space. He made excellent ground and as the full back came across to put him into touch a lovely inside pass from the flanker found Mark Gibson at speed and the winger had too much pace for the defence and went over about 10 metres in from the right hand touch line. Lovely, lovely try. A superb conversion from Adam West and Harrow were back 8 points in front by 15-7 which was the score into the break.

Once again Harrow had the elements in their favour as the second half began and once again as the Harrow faithful began to dream it was their opponents who raised their game. Harrow were their own worst enemies conceding penalty after penalty as Letchworth dominated the ball and territory. At 53 mins another penalty gave Letchworth a lineout on the harrow five metre line against the left hand touchline. A catch and drive and the Letchworth scrum half darted over for the score that their dominance in the second half deserved. Superb conversion and Harrow were back to a one point lead 15-14. It looked ominous for the home team but team rose to the challenge determined not to let this game slip away. With Byrne putting the ball behind the Letchworth defence and a determination not to concede more penalties Harrow gradually took back control of the match. Although Letchworth continued to press they couldn't get themselves into positions on the pitch that could hurt the home and at 76 mins Harrow finally managed to put the match away. A penalty in the Letchworth 22 was put into the left hand corner. Harrow won the lineout and although their initial drives were repulsed by Letchworth Harrow moved the ball right. Again Letchworth repulsed the attack but the skipper who had an outstanding game got his hands on the ball five yards out and this time nobody was going to stop him as he went over for the winning score. The conversion to the right of the posts was nailed by his brother Adam and Harrow were 8 points ahead 22-14. Great performance from the whole team with the back row of Adam West, skipper Chris West and the man of the match Sean Cosgrove who was absolutely everywhere to fore

Hopefully the players can build on this result. They proved today that they can more than compete as this level and that we are here on merit. Next week we travel to Barking where the ko is confirmed for 3pm

The Lions meanwhile secured a 50-0 victory at OMTs in the merit table. The match report by the skipper James Talbot is on the website on the 2ndxv page

Andrew Smart