Old Yards 12-20 Harbury

After last weekend's wet and wild VP's Day win against Kings Norton, Harbury travelled to Old Yardleians for our oppositions own VP's Day. Playing away on a club's VPs Day is always tough, and Old Yards were well supported and seemed to have over 40 lads available as they entertained an inter-club game on the 2nd XV pitch. Harbury were without a number of 1st XV players through injury and other commitments, but welcomed Danny Woodward and Steve Alford into the squad for their first appearances of the season, whilst Henry Steele looked set to make his 1st XV debut off the bench. Harbury lost top try scorer Jackson Hobson to injury in the warm up, and with the potential banana skin of having been named the RFU's Team of the Month on Friday, there were a few nerves ahead of what is always a tough away fixture.

Old Yards looked to get on the front foot early, and nearly got off to the perfect start as only a misplaced pass from a linebreak stopped them going in under the sticks within 5 minutes. Thankfully, the ball fell to Whelan, who was able to clear the ball upfield, where Harbury pressure saw Will Higgins win a turnover penalty. Ricky drilled the penalty to the corner and Harbury's forwards set about driving towards the Old Yards line. After a number of phases Jason Wood pawed his way over the whitewash to open the scoring at 5-0.

If Jackson's injury in the warm up didn't make things hard enough, two further injuries in the opening 20 minutes to the try scorer Wood and captain Ricky Alford made this even more of an uphill battle for Harbury. Despite losing two important players, Harbury were able to bring on ample replacements in the form of Woodhams and Woodward. Ironically the action that saw Ricky injured actually resulted in Harbury's second try. More lineout ball saw the forwards pick and go again, and Gaz Evans powered his way over to extend the lead. Ciaran took over the kicking duties from Alford but sent the conversion narrowly wide.

Harbury added a third try before the break, as quick ball from a break saw O'Connor find Winchester with a flat pass on the outside of his defender, and Luke found the ever reliable Steve Alford on his shoulder who scored his first of the season as he looks to catch up to the front runners in his pursuit to retain the Alford trophy. Ciaran could only look down at his tee in disgust as he missed the conversion from close to bang in front. Harbury saw out the remainder of the first half to lead 15-0 at the break.

Biggs wanted the lads to go out after half time and kill off Old Yards early, and risked the introduction of Jackson at half time despite his injury. To Old Yards credit they denied Harbury clear cut scoring opportunities, and were very quick over the ball to stifle our attacking ball. Despite this they didn't threaten the Harbury line themselves, until an intercept allowed Yards to go the distance and score their opening try of the game. The third intercept we've given this season and something we probably need to work on if we're going to stop letting teams back into the game. Thankfully the conversion was pushed to the right of the upright to leave the score at 15-5.

Like London Buses, one try quickly became two as Yards took advantage of a number of penalties to score their second try in 5 minutes from a tap penalty. The conversion was successful from close to the touchline to take the score to 15-12. This led to a cagey last 10 minutes as for the first time this season Harbury had to prove their mettle against an opposition threatening to take the win late on in the game. To boot, we lost some needed experience at this stage as Kittendorf went down with a knee injury. This Harbury side might score a lot of flashy, well-worked tries, but we also proved that we have the grit and determination needed to win close games. A scrum in the Yards half was won against the head by Tate, Woodward and Dodds, and Harbury retained possession well. Strong drives by Woodward and Winchester close to the line looked like adding the bonus point themselves, but the BP try was scored by Jackson - who else - as he dived into the corner to confirm the 5 point win for the villagers.

The backs have a lot to thank the forwards for in what was an industrious performance. Gaz Evans and Seymour were particularly impressive, whilst Tate and Dodds played full 80s at prop and dominated a large Yards pack. MotM went to Danny Woodward for an impressive carrying performance on what was his first appearance for the 1s this season. We probably would've lost this game last year and the lads were rightly delighted at full time. DotD went to Doddsy for aggravating yet another referee; who did his best impression of Wakey Wines 'Doddsy come closer, Doddsy go back.'

Next up for the 1s is the home game against Pershore, whilst the Bees will host Champions League rivals and sworn enemies Daventry 3s. Please do come down and support the lads in what are set to be two tough games at home.

Great Win. Up the Harbs
Toby Whelan