A Game of Two Halves
On a perfect day for rugby, Hayes came to Harrow for their away game in the second’s league however plagued by injuries and no shows, Harrow had only 10 men to the 14 men from Hayes. It was agreed that Hayes would get the points and would lend harrow two men to make it a 12 on 12 game. Playing on the long grass of the pond pitch (which was to come in handy later on) Harrow elected to kick off into the wind and the ball was collected by the biggest man on the field and after the attempts from 3 harrow players to bring him down the ball was recycled and with gaps in the midfield Hayes managed to break through and dot down under the posts. With no kicking tee the conversion was dropkicked and Hayes were on the scoreboard 0-7. The next kick off was a mirror image and with the ball recycled Hayes got their second which was converted by the try scorer 0-14. Sam Harper switched up his kicking to avoid the big man which got Harrow some field position and a bit of time on the ball however it was not long until Hayes got the ball out wide and despite the best efforts from Harrow a third try was scored but the conversion was missed 0-19. Harrow were getting some ball but with some fumbles and lack of players out wide, Hayes were able to turn the ball over and in for another Try again converted by the try scorer 0-26. With a switch in players and the big man switching to the Harrow side and Harrow looking desponded by this stage Hayes managed another break down the middle to get a further try again converted by the try scorer 0-33. With only 25 minutes gone on the clock and a shoulder injury to the big man who was to play no further part in the game, the ref blew up for half time and any further embarrassment to a dejected harrow seconds. With a rousing half time team talk from the lads from Pinner, Harrow collected the kick-off and Des made some yards up the wing. The ball was quickly recycled and with Hayes penalised for not rolling away Sam kicked for touch and with the lineout ball recycled there suddenly was room on the wing and Billy found himself in space for a 5 meter run in. The wind caught Ciaran’s conversion but at least Harrow were on the scoreboard 5-33. The wind was to play its part and with Ciaran and Sam starting to run the show at half backs, Harrow were able to move the ball and it was not long until they were able to break through the middle and score under the posts. Try converted and the crowd of around 20 were sensing a comeback. Pablo, Billy and Huge were tackling their hearts out and with some serious carries from Des and Florin, Harrow were able to break through and score again, converted by Ciaran 12-33. From the resulting kick off Harrow were able to find more field position and from a lineout were again over the line and following a successful conversion Harrow were back in the game 19-33. With Hayes trying to avoid any midfield contact, their attempts to get the ball to the wingers was bringing them some success and field position but Harrow were able to stop any further scoring. With a lot of space in behind the Hayes defence Sam kicked a grubber from half way which got slowed down by the long grass on the pond pitch the ball stopped on the line by the corner flag and fair play to the Hayes player on the harrow side he followed up the kick and dabbed it down for another harrow try. 24-33. Harrow were not finished and following a break by Florin the other backs were on hand to gather and over in the corner for another try 29-33. With minutes left on the clock Harrow were pushing for the unlikely win but spilled the ball and Hayes cleared down the field. The chase was good by a Hayes player and with the bounce of the rugby ball not going in Harrow’s favour, Hayes collected and recycled to put the final points on the board 29-38. It was match that was played in good spirits and could only have been made more enjoyable with a 15 on 15. In agreement with all the final score of 29-38 would be the one agreed on the final scoresheet.