During recent weeks Harrow have focused training on improving their tackling skills. Firstly, Kieran took the boys over the basics of tacking technique and then the focus shifted to double hits, which provided very helpful against some of the bigger opposition players today. Thankfully, on the day the heavens kept closed and provided a beautiful winters day. Arriving early and eager, the boys were ready to fight for victory. The day also provided a first start in Harrow blue and white for Sonny on the wing, who has made an enthusiastic impact in the few weeks since joining.

(Team: Cillian, Sonny, Cal, Louis (C), Theo, Ody, Sachin; Jayden M, Jack, Liam, Charlie P, Mahir, Tiernan, Aaron (VC), Niall; Joe G, Freddie, Charlie F)

After warming up, it became evident that the wind was going to play a large part in the game and as suggested by Pete it turned out to be a game of two halves, with both teams struggling to find an exit strategy against the onslaught of the wind. Louis, captaining the side, won the toss and chose to have the benefit of the wind in the first half, which undeniably helped Harrow to create constant pressure in the Royston half. On numerous occasions, the front-five had excellent crash ball hits with strong support led by the likes of Jayden M, Mahir, Tiernan and Liam bringing in the Royston defence, which allowed the backs to spread it wide with Louis and Cal breaking the defensive lines on numerous occasions and debutant Sonny providing pace and strength down the wing. In fact, this is precisely how the first of the three tries was scored, with Ody making a smart dart past the opposition 10 to score under the posts, before converting it himself.

Playing with the wind in the first half often meant the kicking game was used, often released from half-backs, and effectively chased by the back line and well supported by the forwards at the breakdown. On multiple occasions attacking pressure meant that Harrow had attacking line outs inside the opposition 22. Pressure resulted in the Royston 15, who was constantly dealing with the high balls to take the ball over the try area and touch it down for a Harrow 5 metre scrum, towards the left touchline. With the Harrow attack planning a move down the right-hand side, Theo, playing on the left wing, had a one on one with the opposition winger. After Jack won another strong scrum, guided by Niall at No 8, Sachin took the ball left and passed after drawing his opposite number before Theo beat the other winger to score by the left touchline, providing a tough kick which Ody only narrowly missed.

Playing against the wind the Royston kicking game was non-existent in the first half, as we would find out ourselves in the second half. As a result, Harrow enjoyed plenty of time on the attack. During the latter moments of the first half Royston moved 70 metres up the pitch with two back-to-back penalties. However, each lineout they had the same play. They possessed two strong ball carriers, their 8 and 12. Each lineout the 12 would hit up the middle. They were playing predictable rugby. Inside our 22, they once again attempted to do the same, however Louis was fast on his feet and intercepted the ball and finished a dominant half with a third try and a second conversion.

At half time, the coaches provided their words of wisdom. Kieran mentioned that their two ball players would be getting frustrated that they had not scored yet, and encouraged us to ensure that they did not score within the first 5 minutes of the second half. Whilst, we managed that we could not stop them for much longer and the momentum shifted. Harrow defended strongly and often stopped the Royston forwards. However, the consistent Royston pressure led to two try’s and the match was poised at 19-14 in our favour. The team tackled well, and some standout tackling performances came from Noah, Aaron, Charlie P and Cillian.

Harrow had one big chance in the closing stages, which resulted in a second high tackle on Louis, which the referee (sadly for us) missed. With five minutes to go Royston were on the attack and went through phase after phase. The effort and determination of the Harrow players was immense and the will to put work in for your teammates was second to none. Strong defence on the line meant that Royston knocked it on, on the line, with the clock in the red. However, the referee saw an alleged high tackle and awarded a penalty try to the surprise of Harrow.

The Harrow performance was the best to date, and we believe a turning point in our development. While the result did not go our way it does not take away some huge positives from the game. The referee's decisions could be deemed unfair, however, there are some things you cannot control in rugby, and that is one of them. Some key lessons could be provided in that vein - adapting our game to play to the referee's rules and we can learn to manage the game better under pressure.

A few thank yous. First to the parents, for their loud support on a chilly morning. Secondly, to Pete, Kevin, Kieran, and Brady for their words of wisdom and their fight for us to the end, for the work they do away from the pitch to get us to this place and for the support they provide to make performances like this possible. Finally, to the players, my teammates, for having one another's back when our faces are to the wall, picking up each other and giving all to the team. The team is not the fifteen on the pitch at any point, it’s the 20 that come each Sunday and train, it’s the subs that come on, its those that come and watch when they are injured.

Match report by Sachin Shah