The early encounters were fairly even with both sides probing to seek the advantage but it was the returning Tom Lockwood who opened the scoring as he picked up the ball at the back of a ruck and ‘leapt like a salmon’ to clear the mass of bodies to touch down for a 5-0 lead. This fired the visitors into action as they began to make inroads into Harborough territory with some excellent interplay and offloads. They were rewarded with a try from a driving maul, a tactic which they used to good use all afternoon, making the score 5-5. With neither side able to dominate possession or territory, only exchanging a penalty apiece before half time, they remained deadlocked at 8-8.

The second half followed a similar pattern with both sides vying for control. It was Billy Blair who stepped up to put over a penalty to nudge the home side ahead with twenty minutes to go. Harbrough had chances to score with breaks from Ed Sumpter and Dan Bradybut but at vital times in the second half they lost crucial set pieces.

Lutterworth now began to dominate and mounted pressure on an already hard working Harborough defence. At a scrum deep in Harborough’s half, the home team pushed Lutterworth back, but the visitors still retained possession and scored the decisive try in the corner Lutterworth continued to win the forward exchanges and ran out 11-13 winners.

Despite the hurt and disappointment brought by this defeat this young squad must not lose heart. They continue to make progress even though it may not feel like it. They have proved that they have big hearts and want to play for each other even when the going gets tough. With an average age of 24 this squad have untold potential and time on their side to realise it.

Harborough 1sts travel to Wellingborough next week.

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