You’re probably tempted to just go down to the last paragraph for the exciting bit, but there was some entertainment in the preceding 79 minutes, I promise.

Harrow Lions welcomed Old Millhillians to Grove Field on Saturday for a first home game of the season, and it was a scheduled League and Cup double as we had also drawn them in the Vase competition and it was agreed to cover both fixtures in one game.
With returning injuries, new arrivals and Lions skipper Pete Skyrme back from 3 weeks sunning himself in Marbella (and looking good on it) Harrow were able to field a strong squad of 18 players – with the added bonus of replacements being an additional administrative task.

Harrow gave debuts to Ray Walker (U7s parent) and Tom Job (Vodka and Lemonade drinker) and with former 1st XV players Mark Gibson and Sam Harper in the line up, the mood was very positive for an excellent day of running expansive rugby, which was unfortunately wrecked by the atrocious weather.
Harrow kicked off into the swirling wind and rain, and with knock-ons to the fore due to the conditions, both sides were probably glad of uncontested scrums due to a lack of Front Row on OM’s side.
After 14 minutes of pretty lacklustre entertainment Harrow struck, with a nicely worked move down the blindside, and a number of crash balls finally seeing Dylan Carberry go over in the right corner – excellent try for a young man who has impressed and improved with every game. Conversion by O’Sullivan (more of him later) and Harrow 7-0 to the good.
Back came OM’s, and after 20 minutes were finally rewarded for some solid forward play with a breakaway score – conversion missed and score at 7-5.
On 32 minutes Harrow scored again and this time neat link up play between wingers Callum St John (no relation to Ian) and Fernando Castro (no relation to Fidel) saw Harrow break away again down the right – and with the cries of eight Harrow forwards of “don’t kick it” Callum kicked through, and with another 8 shouts of “Why!!!!!” he then proceeded to gather his kick and touch down in the corner. Congratulations all round on the perfect choice and although Ciaran missed the conversion (redemption late) Harrow stretched their lead to 12-5.
With half-time approaching and conditions worsening OM’s again came back – and with another passage of forward play scored in front of the posts – instead of waiting for the kicking tee opted to drop kick the conversion, hit the post and extra 2 point opportunity missed (would it be crucial ? you bet it would !!)
Half time and Harrow ahead 12-10.

Introduction of replacements saw Caolite Healy on for evergreen full back Howie Gosling (who was to return in style later in the match), and a breather for Finlay Silman – who it was fantastic to see back in the blue and white of Harrow (and also back to snaffling free fags post match!).

Most of the second half became a battle of attrition as conditions deteriorated further, the game became fractious and discipline on both sides took a downward turn.
OMs took the lead with another converted try through the forwards, and extended it further with a penalty kick to lead 20-12 with a handful of minutes on the clock.

It was at this point the game turned on its head (literally). A breakdown near the OMs line saw Harrow awarded a penalty with Mark Gibson played off the ball, the resulting pushing and shoving saw Gosling (never one to duck a challenge) race fully 40 metres to support his former 1st XV colleague. Clearly mishearing the shouts about not losing or using his head, a scuffle ensued which the ref deemed unnecessary and penalty reversed. Opportunity missed? Maybe not. ? Hackles raised and players rightly irked by the decision, Harrow immediately responded with Pablo Torres stealing the line out and Harrow broke again – and after a couple of Hugh Peacocke carries the ball was shipped out to Sam Harper, whose kicking game had been aimless, sorry i mean flawless, all day. This time thankfully he completely shanked his kick, and instead of going dead he managed to shin it into the dead ball area, OMs player missed the touch down and slid across the greasy surface past the ball. Callum St John seized on the opportunity, and managed to get downward pressure and the try was awarded – up steps Ciaran and calmly knocks over the extra 2 and with 30 seconds on the clock Harrow within a point at 19-20.
Last play – OMs kick off and Harrow secure the ball – move it wide and another flawless Sam Harper kick goes into the OM back field – inexplicably when all he had to do was kick the ball into touch for the game to end, the OMs full back picked it up and threw it out instead !! Law 10.2(c) therefore came into play and with the clock in the red Harrow had a penalty about 35 metres out and close to the touchline (it will get further the more he tells the story). Deliberations between kicking for touch or going for goal ensued – but the decision to go for points was taken. Huge pressure on a young man – but fortunately having not done much else all game he was in perfect form to take on the responsibility!
Players and crowd (7 of them) held collective breaths – contact made and the ball sailed towards the posts – was it long enough? was it going to be short ? in fact right between the two – the ball thudded against the cross bar, and with enough momentum to take it first bounce over the posts !! A huge roar went up, as OMs players sank to their knees – a very wet and tired Harrow team engulfed young Ciaran. Whistle blown and from an eight point deficit with minutes to go Harrow had turned it around to seal the league and cup victory 22-20.
Cue post-match celebrations to the strains of Tom’s Spotify playlist – and 2 jugs of beer from 1st XV captain duly arrived (don’t forget to pay Andy – Jamie!).
Another successful day for the ever improving 2nd XV, and a huge thanks to Andy, Rod and Linda for post-match food and bar – always appreciated.
Every one of the 18 put in a great shift, and with numbers improving week on week, (3rd XV anyone?) competition for places is bound to develop. As always, a pleasure to pull on the blue and white with the usual mix of youth and experience and already looking forwards to London Japanese on 16th October.
If you’re reading this and thinking I fancy a bit of that – get in touch – always recruiting for new and former players – there is a great feel and buzz around the club at the moment so feel free to be part of it.
Final word must go to Ciaran again though – great kick under pressure – and a fantastic moment for another product of the Harrow Junior section (see pic)

Team: Pete Skyrme, Desmond Ogboru , Hugh Peacocke , Finlay Silman, Owen Gibbs , Pablo Torres, Dylan Carberry, Ray Walker, Tom Job, Iain Taffs, Ciaran O’Sullivan, Mark Gibson, Sam Harper, Fernando Castro, Callum St John, Caolite Healy, Freddie Broomhead, Howie Gosling.