Sunday morning saw a mixed 17/18 Harrow side visit Saracens in the Herts/Middx League.
With another early kick off and meet, this week Harrow arrived in plenty of time with full squad and pre match prperation was much improved.
Saracens made the early break through, with a neat passing and handling move creating space for their winger to slide in at the corner, and with conversion made Harrow were 7-0 down after a matter of minutes.
Harrow responded with a try of their own, following some great forward play, and pick and goo, David Aniebonam was driven over the line with Rory Kavanagh applying the final shunt. Referee (who had an outstanding game to be fair) saw no reason not to award the try, and Harrow were back in the game at 7-5.
Saracens seemed to have the upper hand in the back line with some good pace and ability, but defensively Harrow matched them, and wave after wave of Saracens attack was repelled.
Harrows back 3 of Pavan, Alfie and Harry Buckley were particularly strong, and with the returning Harry Logan and Sam Basnett in the centres, and the ever reliable Alex/Dan 9/10 axis, Harrow started to create more of a foothold in the game.
Harrow scored again, as another back move created space for David A to crash through and sprint the final 3 yards to touch down just to the right of the posts.
Conversion made (Alfie), and Harrow now led by 12-7.
Saracens however came back just before the half ended to score in the corner again, and the teams went into half-time level at 12 a piece.
In the second half, Saracens (with a squad size bigger than most) rolled the bench and fresh legs put Harrow under pressure early, but a fine breakaway and passing move through the back line put Alfie Futerman in at the corner, a player who plays off confidence, and has improved significantly in his lines of running, and decision making since the start of the season, it was a well deserved reward - especially as he set off for the game late Saturday evening getting 4 buses, to make sure he was at the meet on time !! 17-12 Harrow
Saracens scored again and then took the lead with a further try which put them 5 points ahead with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Time for Harrows other winger Harry Buckley to arrive at pace on the end of another flowing move to score in the other corner, and Harrow were back level at 22-22.
Harrows pack had worked effortlessly all day, with a rotating front 5 combination across Cameron, Peter, Michael D, Callum P, Zane, Billy, Woody and Henry, and David A, Rory and Phelim in the back row, we are more than a match for any side in our league or above.
The final score of the game was to be Saracens unfortunatley, with Dan McEvoy off the pitch with a head injury, Saracens took advantage of some confusion in the back line, and scored and converted and saw out the remaining couple of minutes to take the match 29-22.
Another good all-round performance, improvements in a lot of areas, and as the first half of the season comes towards a close, the 17/18's can be pleased with their developemnt. Roll on 2018 !!
Side: Cameron, Peter F, Michael D, Zane, Callum, Billy, Henry, Woody, Phelim, David A, Rory, Alex, Dan, Harry L, Sam, Alfie, Harry B, Pavan.