Tough Start to League Campaign as Harrow lose to strong Trailfinders Side

Heading to the game, the boys were full of optimism, the new format of a League post COVID beckoned and a superbly strong Ealing team awaited. A healthy squad of 18 were available for the game. Once arrived, the size of the club was noticeable, with the boys planning to play on the professional pitch, an AstroTurf ground, which the likes of Maro Itoje (whose brother plays for the Harrow 1st XV), Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and the Vunipola brothers all gracing. They excitement and tension was palpable.

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

However, the game did not get off to the best of starts. After a poor start from the kick off, the very well drilled Ealing side played through the middle before exploiting the wings to effective use. The left wing in particular was suffering a lot of damage. Harrow quickly realised that the danger was centred around the two Ealing halfbacks and their big runners in the pack. Early changes were made in attempt to cope with this, however, the first 10 minutes could easily be mistaken for an attacking drill. The Ealing team also used the kicking game to great effect, with both Ody and Sachin inexperienced in playing in a back three. The storm was slowed and Harrow managed to get into the Ealing 22 for the first time in the half with five minutes to go. However, a poor decision in going for the three points resulted in narrowly Louis missing the posts and a smart Ealing move allowing them to go up the other end to score their 55th point of the game.

After a fruitful and passionate gee-up from Kieran at half time, the Harrow boys went out in the second half with new endeavour to play for pride, as well as some positional changes, switching Sachin and Niall. The fight and spirit shown by Harrow would never had suggested it was a lost cause. The resilience and spirit shown by Harrow was something to proud about. This was rewarded in Harrow's solitary points on the day. A try scored by Jack was undoubtedly the best on the day. A move where everyone touched the ball, was finished by a player who sums up the Harrow spirit and ethos. Unfortunately, Ody could not convert. On the other side, some great tackles from a retreating Louis chasing back provided glimpses of excellent defence for us to build on. Additionally, the tactical ideas shown from the half backs, exploiting the kicking game in the second half was a key positive to take away. For example, the use of quick penalties allowed Harrow to play before the Trailfinders had set there defence. This was key - Harrow played there best rugby in broken play on the day. We could have had more with Niall almost reaching the end of a grubber in behind from Sachin and Louis almost creating a try from a brilliant solo run, if not for a poor pass to Cillian. Unfortunately, this hospital pass, ended in Cillian getting thumped and in some visible pain. Despite, not being able to play the rest of the match, crucially he was okay.

Overall, despite what the score line suggests, the Harrow boys should be proud of their efforts against a superior Trailfinders team. I would be hard to argue that this Trailfinders team won't win the Division. In fact a very strong argument could be made that Trailfinders could hold there own in Division 1.