HARBURY picked up their first Midlands Four West (South) victory since the beginning of November with a 28-12 home success over basement boys Tenbury.
Harbury started positively and moved the ball quickly along the back line and excellent following by left wing Paul Evans of a deep kick by full back Ricky Alford enabled him to touch down wide out after 11 minutes.
The conversion was missed.
Tenbury were slightly too keen on occasions and were caught offside and forced into making the occasional clumsy tackle in their enthusiasm to close down their opponents.
This was typified when Alford made a strong run towards the goal line, drew the cover and passed to the supporting Evans who was stopped in the act of scoring with a high tackle.
The referee was immediate is his decision in awarding Harbury a penalty try so extend the hosts’ lead to 12-0.
Harbury, though, lost some ground advantage through poor line outs an area that they need to improve upon.
However, the home forwards kept up pressure on the Tenbury line with a well organised driving maul and Tom Dodds took the plaudits for the pack as he was driven over the line.
Alford added the conversion for a 19-0 half time lead.
Harbury extended their lead from the restart with the forwards chasing the kick off well and with pack leader Chris Milburn to the fore as he caught man and ball well.
Tenbury were penalised and Alford added the conversion.
A further penalty extended the lead to 25-0.
However, with a few decisions in their favour Tenbury showed that they were not there just to make up the numbers and some patience and hard work by their forwards gave them a well taken scoring opportunity which they took and with a converted try made it 25-7.
Once more though their enthusiasm worked against them and a further penalty made it 28-7 to the hosts.
Injuries broke the Harbury rhythm as they looked to add a fourth try and a bonus point.
However, a penalty was awarded against them and for the final five minutes were reduced to 14 with a forward yellow carded.
Tenbury used this to their advantage and showed they have considerable spirit and youth on their side and no lacking of skill as they added a try wide out.
Next up for Harbury is a trip to second placed Bedworth on March 3.
