SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT

Math report by Nick Argent

Despite another defeat this Harrow performance was much improved. Hitchin won the toss and did exactly what Harrow would have done if we won the toss and played into the wind. Hitchin split their forwards at kick off and Harrow did not react quick enough with Billy catching the ball and got tackled hard on his shoulder and had to be replaced by Davin. Early pressure was mounted by Harrow and using the wind advantage had a number of attacks in Hitchin’s 22, but great defence kept their line intact.

Surprisingly Hitchin seem to have a game plan of running the ball wide and a couple of missed tackles let their winger take the ball deep into Harrows 22, first of a number of try saving tackles was made by Davin, and then the Hitchin no8, who was a constant thorn all afternoon with some strong running knocked on after a great tackle by Gibbo. A great exit kick by Alec seemed to clear the pressure but Hitchin were back again and their pressure told with a well taken try after 22 minutes 0-7. Straight from the kick off Harrow was awarded a penalty, unfortunately missed by Gibbo. The next ten minutes was all Harrow, a five metre line out but line out called not straight and Hitchin was able to clear their line.

Harrow was playing with control and perhaps first time this season playing with some structure. Then gibbo picked up a loose ball and charged into the Hitchin 22 and only great defence from Hitchin stopped Harrow from scoring. A great line break by Josh and then a couple of hit ups from the forwards, the ball was then transferred through the backs out to Ben on the wing who went in the corner at 35 minutes, conversion missed 5-7. With half time approaching some slack Harrow tackling allowed Hitchin’s winger to get into Harrows 22, then some patient forwards hitting up allowed their centre to put in a lovely weighted grubber kick and their left winger was in for their second try at 39m, 5-12 and that was half time.

Half time coaches chat was very positive with more of the same, trust each other and keep playing in right areas.
Harrow kicked off into the wind and after 45m Josh was penalised for a harsh high tackle and Hitchin cleared their lines. Harrow was having some great success in disrupting their line outs and then arguably try of the match when Harrow’s forwards was patient then ball distributed out wide for Ben to score in the corner on 50m, this time Gibbo struck the ball sweetly score 12-12. Harrow was playing some great controlling rugby and putting Hitchin under pressure with some great defence. But at 65 minutes Hitchin’s no8 broke through the fringes and despite some great tackling got the ball away to their lively 9 and a chip over gibbo and the race to the touchdown was won by Hitchin 12-19. This try seemed to give Hitchin more confidence and another storming run by their no8 and it was Alec who put in a try saving tackle. In the last 10 minutes of the game Harrow threw everything but now trying to force it more than being patient.

There were some notable performances today from Harrow with both Nick Batten and Davin McAndrew playing out of position but showing great defence. Will Beech for me stood out with great tackling technique and it was great to see Henry Jesson back in the fold.

This performance showed signs the Harrow lads are in this together and want to improve as a team, see you all at training Tuesday 7pm.

Next League Match is at OMT’s (away) next Saturday kick off 2pm.