Saturday saw the rearranged fixture against local rivals Old Millhillians, with an early kick off to allow for an afternoon of Six Nations enjoyment (not for all unfortunately).
Harrow were able to field an exceptionally youthful team, with a back line with an average age only just eligible to drink and vote, which was complimented by some slightly more experienced grunt and shunt in the front 8.
Debuts for current Harrow Colts Jamie Logan (still in bed at the agreed meet time) and Ted Skyrme, as well as first starts also for Jonathan Lavers who had an excellent game at prop and in the loose, and also returning former Harrow youth player Will Moran - who also had an excellent game at 15 in difficult windy conditions.
Having edged the home fixture on the last kick of the game, Harrow knew that this fixture would again be close and the fist 10-15 minutes set the tone with both sides making strong inroads into each others defences with some straight and direct running.
Harrow were first on the board with Tom Linden cutting through the OM's defence on the end of a cleverly lofted pass from Tom Hutton, who had another excellent game marshalling the back line from 10. Conv missed but Harrow 5-0 ahead. Back came OM's and after some strong carries forced a penalty in front of the posts - kick made and score at 5-3. Om's were on the scoreboard again mid way through the first half with some useful hands allowing their winger to find space on the left wing, and stretched away to score in the corner - 8-5 to OM's, and the expected battle upfront was beginning to take shape.
With Harrow for once being able to secure good line-out ball through the combination Of Pablo Torres jumping and taffs throwing in Harrow ere able to build more of a platform, and with Lavers, Taffs and Billy Hutchinson applying pressure in the front row also, it allowed Harrow backs and especially Ciaran O Sullivan at 9 to have some good clean ball to work with.
Next try went to Harrow after a clean break from Ciaran Barry was stopped short, Adam West in only his second outing for the 2s this season, but starting to improve week on week, made further inroads, and from the resulting ruck Ciaran picked at 9 , fed Iain Taffs who powered over from fully 2 yards and was able to stretch and touchdown over the line (3-0 to Taffs Snr in the try race if anyone is still counting) - conv made and Harrow back ahead 12-8 at half time.
With the luxury of replacements Harrow were able to make some changes at half time, with Jamie Logan (who by now was fully awake), and stalwart Nick Batten able to take the field along with Aaron and Abel who had both given up a Saturday morning lie-in to participate.
With the sun on their backs Harrow continued to move the ball at every opportunity, and with Freddie Broomhead scoring a try in the corner, with an immaculate knee slide finish, and then Ciaran Barry breaking through to also score in the corner Harrow now lead 22-8 with approx 20 minutes to play.
A head impact for Dylan Carberry, who again this week carried hard and tackled harder, saw him have to leave the field to be replaced by returning sub Pablo, and he in turn gave way with 10 minutes remaining with Santos Dominguez moving from the wing to the second row.
In between an OM's try had narrowed the lead to 22-13 - but Harrow again pulled away with an excellent interplay between Taffs and Batten, seeing the latter touchdown just to the left of the posts - conv made again and 29-13 with a couple of minutes remaining. Still time for OM's to tun in one final try of the day, which was converted to leave the final score at 29-20 in favour of Harrow.
An excellent all round team performance, hugely encouraging as always to see the younger club element playing with such passion and determination - and new players being uncovered every week - every week sees the whole club go from strength to strength.
A big thank you to OM's for the competitive spirit in which the game was played, to all the supporters, parents, drivers who game to watch and run touch etc., and obviously the referee who despite his advancing years kept the game flowing and enjoyable to play and spectate.
Still plenty of opportunities for those of you reading this to get a pair of boots on before the season is over - get in touch early to avoid disappointment :-)
TEAM: Lavers, Taffs , Hutchinson, Taffs, Skyrme, Torres, Carberry, West, O Sullivan, Hutton, Broomhead, Linden, Barry, Dominguez, Moran, Logan, Leaman, Lewis, Batten. Chiesa (AWOL).