Dash and Crash Beats Ash in Table Topping Clash

Ashby 2nds started with the wind behind them and took the contest to Harborough from the kick off. Powerful runners battered Harborough's defence but robust tackling thwarted the visitors. After ten minutes the constant pressure broke Harborough resolve and Ashby's centre broke through to score.

Harborough then made a couple of tactical changes bringing Jamie Allsopp into the front row and Andrew Jarvis to fly half. The pack began to raise their game with Dan Carter and Pete Wilson driving into the Ashby forwards. Fraser Munro (pictured above v Belgrave) now saw an increasing amount of action at scrum half.

Fergus Clarke continued his impressive form with a strong 40 metre break to position Harborough deep in Ashby's half. With this field position and some good continuity play the quick footed James Harrison eluded Ashby's defence to bring the scores level.

In the second half Harborough's forwards contained the determined Ashby pack and started to supply the backs with plenty of ball. Jacob Lee replaced Dan Carter and got stuck into ruck and maul. Charlie Foskett. Tom Martin and Lee Butler started to off load to the backs and Harborough started to take control of the game. James Harrison made good use of this ball and was a constant thorn in Ashby's side.

Andrew Jarvis launched the backs after numerous breaks in midfield and fed the lively Fergus Clarke and 'new dad' Tom Bale. Aaron Lyle's barnstorming crashing run from 40 metres out resulted in Harborough's second try.

A quick stepping dash from James Harrison resulted in his second try of the afternoon and Harborough moved into a 15-5 lead. A Charlie Foskett try finished off another free flowing move that started on the half way line.

Ashby continued to press Harborough but this young side stood firm and Jacob Lee rounded off a fine second half display with a 25metre run to touch down in the corner.

Harborough now top the league by two points but will need players to to make themselves available to continue their undefeated season.