Madras with more than a full compliment of forwards seem to be developing a different style of rugby to that of the flowing and ambitious back line that Madras has relied on and been famous for, for many years.

This years crop of boys are predominately forwards, but none the less a few of the forwards took the opportunity of a run out in the backs.

Before kick off Madras were confident that they had a strong, dynamic and mobile pack that would challenge the very well drilled pack that Harris are well known for, and this was the case early on with Madras more than holding their own and causing problems for the Harris pack.

The game was a stalemate for the first twenty minutes, but it didn't lack entertainment with lots of big hits, flowing passes and straight running that all rugby fans love to see.

The stalemate was broken when Harris took advantage of a spilled ball by Madras and spun it quickly through the backs for a well worked try for Harris.

Not dismayed by the mistake Madras continued to show great determination and commitment in all fascists of the game and looked like they would get back into the game on a number of occasions.

However Harris who always impress when Madras play them continued to punish Madras for sloppy hands and scored another two converted tries before captain Mark Methven slotted a penalty for Madras' first offering of the day.

The second half saw four unanswered tries from a confident and accomplished Harris side who showed ruthless efficiency at every opportunity, Madras were punished further by some excellent place kicking from the Harris number 15 who converted 5 of their 7 tries from all angles of the park to leave the final score Harris 45-3 Madras.

This was a tough day in some respects for Madras who were on the end of an impressive scoreline, however the score does not reflect the hard work and effort that Madras put into the game. The physicality at breakdown and in the tackle by the Madras players is something that Madras is becoming renowned for, we just have to add that ruthless edge to our game and we will start to compete against the well drilled teams like Harris.

The most impressive thing about the Madras team is the way that each and every player is playing for each other and for the shirt. The never say die attitude of the players is commendable and makes you proud to be part of this team.

Madras have a big week ahead in preparation for welcoming Howe of Fife 2nd XV to station park for what I am sure will be a full blooded encounter.