Well done to our U15s who showed real character and determination to put on some great rugby in the sun this morning and win their game v Hemel Camelot RFC 29-20.

Check out the great photos of the match by Andreas Stocker and here's the Match Report by Coach JP Shanahan:

It was under blue skies and bright sunlight that Harrow welcomed Camelot RFC for the u15’s fixture.
Currently sitting joint top of their division Harrow were not underestimating their opposition and it was just as well. Both teams started brightly and showed real intent to make the best of the conditions and play some fast flowing running rugby.

It was Harrow thought who drew first blood. After a good break in the midfield, Camelot conceded a penalty just inside their own half and Captain, Demi found a good touch, Just inside the oppo 22.
From the resulting line out, the forwards drove really well and Camelot took a moment to settle the drive, as they did so, hooker Max spotted a gap and broke from the maul to crash over for the games first try.
A sweetly struck conversion by Demi added the extra 2 and Harrow took the lead.

It was Harrow again who took the initiative from the kick off with Kuo Song, and Connor making some hard yards, the pods were working and as Camelot scrambled their defence, an infringement for hands in the ruck bought about another penalty. Again Demi made a good touch and from the resulting line out, this time it was the backs turn. Harry H made a neat pass to Demi, who drew his man and popped the ball out to James Shanahan who stepped his opposite, number and cut inside the Camelot Full back, to crash over for the 2nd try of the match. Demi again added the extras for the conversion (great kicking) 14-0 and it looked like Harrow could be running away with it.

Camelot had other ideas though and showed why they are top of their division. Absolutely unbowed, they nicked a terrific turnover in the centre of the park and swung it out wide. Applying sone tremendous pressure, they crashed the ball up through several phases, and some poor tackling by Harrow allowed Camelot to gain massive territory. Consistently attacking the short side really well, they ended up with a 3 on 1 and Emeka Henry did exceptionally well to nullify the onslaught but the numbers were just too great. A good pick and go and strong leg drive saw the Camelot 8 go over for a well deserved try.14-5 the conversion just pushed wide.

Camelot were pumped now, and again executed some smart forward play with some really comprehensive backs moves. They kept the ball alive well and their counter rucking was brilliant. A switch pass by Teddy, Camelot fly half and Camelot MOTM, allowed Centre, wing and FB the space to combine well and see them go over in the corner.14-10 the kick just falling short.

The game was alive now and the spectators were in good voice and enjoying what was a great 1st half of rugby. Tremendous effort from both teams and some tackling that would have been suited to a Seniors match by both side meant that no-one was getting an easy run. It was Harrow though just before half time that settled the ship a little. A boot for clearance by Camelot was field by Rhys Brady and a scything run combining power, speed, guile and aggression carved through the Camelot lines, again though, great tackling by Camelot saw him halted in his super run, but great work by both backs and forwards ensured Harrow territorial gain, and a neat pass from Harry Hayward released Jaiden Joshi, joining the back line from FB, and another good pass out to Emeka Henry on the wing, with blistering pace, looked like Harrow were in for a try, but for an exceptional tackle by the Camelot full back. Though stopped, Henry presented well and the ball was live and Kuo Song made a typical, hard hard, pick and go crashed over, beating two defenders, to put the score at 19-10 the conversion being just slightly pulled.

From the resulting kick off Camelot piled forward and only for a try saving tackle by Brady the half time score could have seen Harrow behind for the first time in the match. Harrow secure the line out and Demi put the ball into touch.
The whistle for half time sounded and it was relief to not just players but spectators and coaches too. A fantastic 1st half of rugby and tremendous pace meant we could all take a breather.

A few comments at half time showed that Harrow were disappointed to allow Camelot back in the game but it’s full credit to Camelot and Harrow knew this was still a game on a knife edge. And so it proved, Camelot were fired up for the 2nd half and they broke the deadlock with a well worked lineout move that saw the winger go over for a try that Harrow were extremely disappointed to concede.

With the score now at 19-15 to say there were nerves would be an understatement of epic proportions. It looked like a try could come from anywhere and for either side.
It was Harrow now though who seized the initiative. It wasn’t one for the purists but some good foot work and a display of power saw Demi going over to take the game to 24-15
The lack of substitutes for Harrow started to take effect. The pace of the game and the conditions taking their toll but they showed tremendous endeavour to keep at it, and maintain an excellent work rate. Fatigue is a cruel mistress though and cares not for those in the fight. Coupled with fresh legs for Camelot and an unerring will, an adjudged high tackle saw Harrow reduced to 14 for a period and Camelot took full advantage. From the penalty. A good touch found by the fly half and the resulting line out saw the ball spun wide and it was Camelot again who went over to keep the game in Touching distance. 24-20

A frantic period of rugby followed. Tired bodies saw penalties and indiscretions by both teams and it was from one of these Harrow took the game away. A penalty and excellent kick by Demi meant we were in a good spot for the line out on the far side of the pitch and a good drive set a stable platform. Hayward swung out to Demi, Joshi made a good dummy run, Demi faked the pass, and span the ball out to Brady, who drew his man, and then span out the pass to Shanahan, also drawing his man and on the step inside, the span the ball out to Henry who went over to score in the corner. An excellent display of simple rugby being well executed, and in my opinion, the move of the match.
With seconds left no quarter was asked and non given. The intensity of tackling, breakdown work and support was just as prevalent at the final moments as it was at the first. The score was reflective of a fantastic game of rugby and a match I hope lives long in the memory of both teams.

From 1-16 (one sub). THAT was a performance that I hope they will remember and enjoy for many years to come.
A match played in the true spirit of the game. Respect by the players for one another was exemplary.

We wish Camelot every success in their own league campaign and thank them for their efforts in what was a breathless and thrilling encounter.
Final score 29-20…..I think I need a lie down!