MHRFC U14s Vs Syston RFC U14s

A chilly but sunny start to what could be a fiery confrontation between two quality teams in the Leicestershire County Cup. Reconvening for a rematch after the previous game was abandoned following an injury to a Syston player, this match had become, for most a really big game, or perhaps 'The Game”. Syston have always been a serious proposition for anyone and Harborough have been on the rise all season as contenders. For Syston it would be a game in which they would retain their dominance at this age group in Leicestershire, and for Harborough, a chance to prove that for once they could actually take on Syston and win having only managed, at best, a draw in the past. For both teams it would mean proceeding to the County Cup semi final.
The first half was full of exciting rugby, a free flowing game in general with the occasional tangle up in the centre of the pitch. Harborough were putting Syston under consistent pressure but Syston, although on the back foot for a percentage of the first half proved their worth as defenders. Harborough worked hard around the breakdown and moved the ball wide where they could try to outpace the Syston backs. Harborough started to dominate and finally their efforts were paid off with an outstanding try from Fly Half Will Dawson and a conversion from Scrum Half Bradley Crane put the home side 7 points ahead. With no further score at half time Harborough found themselves seven points up.
Kicking off the second half Syston had the bit between their teeth and drove on toward the Harborough tryline, Harborough, however, held fast battling to keep the visitors out. A seriously physical game ensued with both teams giving everything in pursuit of a win. Harbrough in fighting back gained ground and the pace of the backs paid off as Centre Tom Wainwright made a break for the Syston try line scoring another five points, the awkward angle however proving too much for Crane to convert. Syston worked hard to pull the score line back and saw dominance for a while with effective scrummage and rucking. Several times they were camped on the Harbrough try line but were unable to create the much desired points. Regaining their composure, Harborough drove them back and were rewarded with another five points as Dawson crashed over for his second try and Crane kicked a much more manageable conversion. As the clock ran down, Syston refused to buckle, pushing Harborough hard within their own twenty two. Kept at bay time and again by a strong Harborough defence Syston finally managed to find a chink in the armour and broke through for a well deserved and much needed five points, a superb kick put another two points on the board. Time was running out for Syston though, and with a twelve point difference and only minutes on the clock they had it all to do. As Syston desperately fought to level the score an unfortunate mishandle was snatched up by Dawson who ploughed through for a hatrick. Crane converted again putting the game beyond Syston's reach.
At the final whistle the score stood at Harbrough 26 Syston 7.
It was a tremendous game between two skilled and determined sides, and great to see how much the lads put into their sport and the concern they showed each other during periods when players were receiving medical attention. We were pleased to see that the injured Syston player from the last encounter was thoroughly involved in the game too. As Harborough go on to the Semi Final credit should be given to the players and coaches from Syston who put so much into the game and who were so generous in defeat. I imagine the next encounter will be another cracking game.

By Tim Hands