Harbury (12) vs Stoke OB's (22)

Harbury fail to recover 1st half deficit

This match was far closer than the ten point margin might suggest. Harbury had pulled themselves back into the game with two well deserved tries in the second half. They had been unlucky to trail 15-0 at the break with Stoke scoring a well worked forward try and then adding two breakaways to rather flatter their performance.

Harbury had done well in the sets and were more than a match for their heavier counterparts. However, they were unable to cross their opponent’s line through some resolute and at times desperate defence.

In the second half Harbury used their possession well and a fine move by the backs provided Tony Gear the space to take a well time pass from Paul Evans and use his pace to go through a couple of tackles and score wide out for an excellent try.

After a further ten minutes the Harbury pack drove over for another well deserved try with Gear again converting to take the score to 15-12 to Stoke. Both teams were going for the bonus point and the victory. The clock was well into the red zone when Stoke won a controversial penalty. Play was inside the Harbury 22 and they could opt for the goal kick and a certain three points and so gain the win. However, they decided to take a scrum and moved the ball wide out, play was switched and despite some good defence from Harbury a forward just managed to squeeze over beneath the posts. The conversion was added and the bonus point gained. Harbury were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half. However, they played well as a team and deserved at least a bonus point even though on this occasion it was not to be,

Harbury are away to Alcester on Saturday with a 2.15 pm kick off.