HARBURY’S hard-working display sealed a 15-10 victory at home to Old Yardleians in Midlands Four West (South).
The closeness of the final result does not reflect the first half dominance that Harbury had. They won good set ball and competed effectively at the breakdowns.
Yet by half-time Harbury had a narrow 10-0 lead, through two excellent tries but missed conversions and penalties.
In the second half OYs were far more on the front foot with their backline looking to run the ball at any opportunity. Harbury’s defence was peerless. However, following a series of penalties the visitors put pressure on the home line and from two consecutive five metre lineouts they forced their way over for a converted try to leave just three points between the teams.
Harbury responded immediately and won a five-metre lineout from which the forwards drove over for an unconverted try.
In the dying minutes OYs added a penalty but Harbury were very unlucky not to a fourth and bonus point score, the referee adjudicating that the ball had been carried over the line illegally.
Nonetheless it was a fully deserved win for Harbury.
