Hatrick by Charlie Beard as Harborough continue to deliver dominant performances

Harborough 2nds played their final game before the Christmas break at Belgrave on a surprisingly firm pitch under bright cold and blustery skies. The opening exchanges were quite even, Belgrave competitive at the ruck, Harborough’s lineout not functioning, but from a Belgrave ruck inside their own 22, the ball squirted out and scrum half Charlie Beard toe poked it forward, harassed the defender into a fumble and dropped on the loose ball to score. Another try followed soon after as Beard sent a perfectly weighted grubber kick into the corner for speedster Theo Haynes to touch down and score, 0-10. Belgrave came back and after gaining territory through Harborough transgressions they were held up over the line but after another penalty, and with No 8 Josh Jones off with a bleeding nose, Belgrave rumbled over to score. Harborough continued to concede penalties allowing Belgrave back into the game levelling from the tee 10-10. Harborough however looked menacing with ball in hand, and after getting close to the line some good hands, notably from Gareth Nicolson, released Jones from short range, 10-15. Jones later, having received another blow to the face succumbed to what was in fact a broken nose and had to leave the field. Belgrave hit back with another penalty, 13-15. Harborough however edged the 1st half as George Lee took a quick penalty and released Ian Beasley who powered over to touch down and with Rob Campbell converting Harborough led 13-22 at the break.

The beginning for the 2nd half was a tight affair with Belgrade defending well but offering little threat, after 15 minutes of knocking on the door, the boys in black bagged a fourth try as first the forwards and then the backs went close, Haynes was tackled just short but Beard was first to pick up and dive over 13-29. The scrum half then claimed his hat trick with a massive dummy off the back of scrum and a strong run to finish under the posts. Henry Davis capped a fine performance with a mazy run to score and winger Spencer Derry showed good footballing skills to chip through and collect for another score under the sticks. Henry Davis making no mistakes from the tee converting all four 2nd half tries and bring up the half century. 13-50. Still there was the desire from Harborough to go again and after George Lee was denied after a penalty, the ball came into the backs and captain Joel Nance picked a super line to power through and score. Final Score Belgrade 13-55 Black cats and a huge team performance by all 16 of the squad which leaves them a clear 2nd in their league with 2 games in hand.