UCFC AXV 5 Harlow 4 28

The A XV had their first run out of the season this weekend against a very keen Harlow side. The Rams had spent a considerable time warming up and running through drills whilst the Clapton boys checked out their new playing shirts and got to know the names of the several youngsters on hand, many of whom were making their senior debut.

And for the first 30 minutes it was Clapton that had the better of it. The Thornwood Club had marginally the better of the play up front which starved the useful Harlow backs of good ball. And when Harlow did threaten the Clapton line solid defence won out against a determined attack. However, it took 20 minutes for the first points to be scored as a series of rucks enabled Clapton to move toward the Harlow line before quick hands shifted the ball wide for James Preston crossed the line for a debut try. Harlow bounced back and worked their way into the Clapton half where they eventually set for a scrum five meters out. A huge shove by the Rams saw them push Clapton back over the line and a try awarded before the extra points were added to give Harlow a slender 7 - 5 half time lead.

The second half saw Harlow take the initiative as Clapton's forwards lost momentum. This enabled Harlow's backs to increasing use the supply of ball to better and better effect, especially as they were adept at keeping the ball alive with deft passes away from the tackle. And Although Clapton retained dominance in the line out they were unable to retain the ball through enough phases of play to make use of that area of advantage. By the end Harlow had crossed Clapton's line a further three times with each score converted to win 28 - 5.

Although it was a disappointing result Clapton can take solace from the performances of each of the younger players whose grit and determination was clear for all to see. It may take a few games to enable this group of players to gel into a team but it will come - and when it does there will be a potent mix of youth and experience with potential or some good times.