Harrow got back to winning ways with an 8 try 50-10 victory over Hendon RFC on Saturday.
After a couple of reversals and below par performances in recent weeks, Harrow were too strong eventually for a dogged and determined Hendon outfit.
First 40 minutes Harrow played with the breeze at their backs, and with tries from Tom Linden (14) with a clever snipe from the base of the scrum, and a poor kick return by Hendon punished in the corner by Mark Gibson (26) Harrow ended the first half with a slender 12-5 lead – and a fair reflection of the balance of play. Note: numbers in brackets are minutes not ages !!!
However, the second half was a different story completely with Harrow scoring 6 excellent tries, the majority of which were the result of moving the ball swiftly and efficiently through a back line which had just too much pace, creativity and execution for the Hendon opposition.
After an initial try by Lawrence Armitage-Brain (44), straight from the kick off a bullocking run from Jamie Taffs created havoc in the Hendon defence and Dan Mcevoy, on return from injury, danced through the Hendon back line and put Tom Linden away to score under the posts (48).
Further tries from Ben Hutton (53) and again Ben Hutton (58) saw Harrow stretch their lead to 31-10.
Next try was another moment of smart thinking with a quick tap and go penalty by Mark Gibson making inroads to the Hendon half, and he patiently waited for the right support and an excellent line from Tom Hutton (70) saw him cut through the Hendon back line like a knife through hot butter to score under the posts.
Harrows final two tries against a tired and despondent Hendon defence were scored by Ben Hutton again (78), and a final flourish from the Peter Pan of rugby Mark Gibson – who received the kick off in his own 22 and ran unopposed through the Hendon defence again to score with the final play of the game (80).
A resounding 50-10 victory , and a campaign back on track after a couple of iffy performances.
Some clear standout performances on the day, although the result was a culmination of a great team effort and application.
1. Billy Argent – at 10 he ran the show, pulling the attacking strings with aplomb, knowing when to kick into space, when to release the back line, and his overall game management was outstanding – never one to blow his own trumpet he does his job, but does it bloody well. (IMO) 5C from the tee also.
2. Baran Kendal – an absolute tackling machine – on the side line several comments made about his work rate (which is phenomenal) and again an unassuming player who goes about his work and with a tackle count that in most games becomes uncountable.
3. Mark Gibson – at 38 may be the older statesman in the team – but again his rugby nouse and ability has seen some great performances in recent weeks – and 2 tries were just reward for his performance.
4. Hutton’s – both Tom and Ben had great games on opposing wings – they could be Harrows version of the Underwoods (remember them?) going forward. Both have real pace and vision and whilst they may compete for bragging rights in the Hutton household, its good to have both in the blue and white of Harrow.

With an international break weekend coming, Harrow next travel to Brunel University on 2nd March – and with strength across the whole squad will be buoyant about causing an upset.
Details to follow, but one not to be missed.
Thanks to all that came to watch, and as always to Andy, Rod, Gerry, Annette and Lesley for the post-match food and bar. Not always recognised, but an integral part of the club that we are.
Team: Cameron Grant ; Des Ogboru ; Jeremy Itoje (capt) ; Jamie Taffs ; Leo Paoletti ; Santos Rodriguez ; Mark Gibson ; Baran Kendal ; Tom Linden ; Billy Argent ; Ben Hutton ; Dan McAvoy ; Tom Beech ; Tom Hutton ; Lawrence Armitage-Brain ; Billy Hutchinson ; Freddie Broomhead ; Rorie Dunne.