A desperately disappointing afternoon for Harrow both in performance and more importantly in result. In an absolutely must win game for the home side they were ultimately thoroughly outplayed to go down by 38-3
Chelmsford were a perfectly competent side but the fact that they were able to outscore the home side by five tries to nil emphasises what a dreadful afternoon it turned out to be.
For the majority of the first half the sides were evenly matched, penalties at 5 mins to visitors was evened by one by Adam West in front of the posts at 9mins. Chemlsford however had a marked advantage at the scrum and at 38 mins that was too prove crucial. With Leaman in the bin for an offence at the breakdown Harrow faced a 5 metre scrum. Unable to deal with the Chelsmford shove the referee had no hesitation in going under the posts to award a penalty try. Easy conversion saw Chelsmford in the lead 10-3. Much worse was to follow from the resulting kick off. The ball moved quickly left put away their speedy left winger who untouched went over about 10 metres in from the left hand touch line. Excellent conversion made and Harrow went into the break 17-3 down
At 67 mins a high ball on the Harrow 22 was fumbled and when things aren’t going for you they really don’t. The ball sat up nicely for the Chelsmford centre and he wa sin under the posts. 24-4. Two more tries followed as Harrow chased the game at 73 min and 78 mins both from Harrow mistakes both converted
With the Lions unable to raise a side, a trip to the league leaders next weekend these are difficult days indeed.
Andrew Smart