Thurrock 7

Harlow 23

(London South East Division One)

AN IMPRESSIVE display of rugby last Saturday saw Harlow defeat Thurrock and take themselves clear of Division One danger zone.

Once again it was Lee Harron's kicking that was pivotal to Harlow's success, keeping the ball close to the touchline and frequently dropping it deep behind the defence.

Harlow opened strongly and put early pressure on the Thurrock line, forcing a penalty in the first few minutes which Stradling converted for a 3-0 lead, whcih was soon doubled with anohter Stradling penalty.

Shortly afterwards, a series of penalties set up a Harron tap kick which was quickly passed to Paul Scott, who took on three defenders before touching down near the posts for a converted try.

Minutes later Harlow added another five points when Harron intercepted a pass and won the sprint to the line, making it 18-0 at half time.

Thurrock countered strongly in the second half, forcing a series of penalties and after a sustained period of pressure managed to force the ball wide for a converted try, cutting the lead to 18-7.

The home side managed to maintain their pressure for some time, though the Harlow defence were able to keep them from scoring.

A Harlow period of attacking pressure set up a try for Ben Jarivs, though most of the hard work was done by the superb Richard May.

The Rams continued to pressure Thurrock for the final ten minutes, but despite coming close the final scoreline remained 23-7.

HARLOW: Ephgrave, Prindiville, McLachlan, Scott, Eynon, May, Roberts, Ansell, Harron, Jarvis, Smith, Stradling, Morgan, Howard (sub: Loveday, 40), Esterhuyse.