Harbury win again
This was a real `dog eats dog’ match
This was a real `dog eats dog’ match between two sides in the lower levels of the league. In their earlier encounter in Birmingham Harbury had scored four tries but were outgunned by the laser accuracy of the host’s goal kicker who added 21 points from the boot to add to the two tries notched in the match.
Therefore, Harbury were well aware of the damage he could do and with a strong wind at their backs it was essential not only that his impact was doused but also that as many points were added in the first half. This was a tight, unforgiving game with both sides misjudging the impact of the elements on occasion with handling difficult. Harbury, were under pressure in the set scrum as Service’s heavy forwards gained some traction. Good ball was wasted and the hosts opened the score on fifteen minutes through a Ricky Alford penalty. Service levelled and then went behind as Alford struck again. At half time the scores were 6-6 and the elements were in Service’s favour. The visitors won a scrum from the kick off as the ball went out on the full, they never benefited from this as good home defence prevailed. Harbury drew ahead through another Alford penalty and extended this through his boot for a 12-6 lead after Service infringed again.
The lead remained secure until Harbury failed to deal effectively with a bouncing ball in the home five metre area and a visiting forward forced his way over the line. Surprisingly, Service’s go to man missed the conversion and the score remained just one point in Harbury’s favour. Another penalty 35 metres out was missed and Harbury breathed again.
The hosts were living on dangerous ground as any indiscretion within the red zone would certainly be snapped up and with five minutes remaining that happened and Service took the lead 14-12.
Harbury refused to back down and great pressure and securing the ball well characterised their determination. They forced Service into errors and worked their way down the blindside and seemed to have scored. The referee awarded a penalty and Ricky Alford was left with the chance to win the game with the final play of the game. The kick could not have been more difficult. It was wide out and angled at a distance of 35 metres. Whilst the wind had dropped slightly the conversion required skill and judgement. To the huge delight of his team mates and supporters it was successful and Harbury emerged deserved winners in a tight and difficult game.
Key moments
Highlights
As it happened
- Harbury
- Birmingham Civil Service
- 0
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Ricky Alford Penalty 10:00'
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Daniel Bennett Sub Off 12:00'
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Richard Mazurek Sub On 12:00'
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Penalty 17:00'
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Ricky Alford Penalty 22:00'
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Penalty 40:00'
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Dave Hayden Sub On 40:00'
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Ian Kimberley Sub Off 40:00'
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Ricky Alford Penalty 48:00'
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Ricky Alford Penalty 54:00'
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Try 56:00'
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Penalty 65:00'
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Andy Sandford Sub On 68:00'
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Dave Rooney Sub Off 68:00'
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Ricky Alford Penalty 80:00'
Team selection
League round up
Other Midlands 4 West (South) results
Comments
League table
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 5. | Burbage | 20 | 59 |
| 6. | Pershore | 20 | 42 |
| 7. | Claverdon | 20 | 42 |
| 8. | Harbury | 20 | 40 |
| 9. | Redditch | 20 | 30 |
| 10. | Birmingham Civil Service | 20 | 27 |
| 11. | Tenbury | 20 | 13 |
Team sponsors
Affiliations
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