Harlow17

Norwich15

(London & South East League division one)

A BRILLIANT second-half fightback from Harlow at Ram Gorse saw them beat high-flyers Norwich by two points to upset the team who only came down from the National League last season.

The visitors scored first with a counter-attack for a try in the corner after Harlow's clearance kick failed to find touch.

Lee Smith nearly scored for the Rams after chipping through but Norwich scrambled the ball away.

A defensive error from the Rams enabled Norwich to race through to touch down for a 10-0 lead. The visitors then capitalised on a move from their threequarters, allowing them to turn around 15-0 ahead.

Norwich started the second half strongly with Harlow willing to run any possession they had back at them.

The home side cut their arrears when Rhys Loveday broke forward and flanker Richard May cut through to take the inside pass and score to make it 15-5.

With fifteen minutes left, Harlow launched an attack with a series of well-set rucks. When the ball was released, wing Matt Howard beat the tackles and outpaced the fullback for a try in the corner. Stradling converted for 15-12.

Immediately Stradling and Rudi Esterhuyse set up winger Lee Smith for a 30-yard dash to the corner to put Harlow 17-15 ahead.

Harlow fought off countless attacks with their players committed in every tackle and held on for the win, which set Norwich back considerably and proved that no team is safe on a visit to Ram Gorse.

HARLOW: Webb, Dance, Prindiville, Kent, Knightley, May, Roberts, Ansell, Harron, Stradling, Smith, Loveday, Morgan, Howard, Esterhuyse.