RUGBY UNION: HARBURY lost their first Midlands 4 West (South) contest on Saturday at the hands of table topping Stoke Old Boys.
Both teams entered the game unbeaten, and Harbury were made well aware of their opponents form and tenacity.
But – like many other games in the region – the afternoon was dominated by strong wind – affecting both teams as conditions made passing and the tactics difficult to execute.
Harbury, with the wind behind their backs, took the lead through a Mark Anderson penalty on 17th minutes.
The Stoke back line were highly effective in the tackle and Harbury had two clear chances in the first half, but the wind played its part in these not being realised.
Stoke regained the initiative when awarded a penalty close to the posts.
However, they opted for a five metre line out and it was from this that their forwards managed to squeeze over the line wide out.
The conversion was missed but the visitors gained an invaluable 5-3 half time lead to start the second half with the wind at their back.
Stoke had a couple of try scoring opportunities but forward passes and knock ons meant their pressure was muted.
The visiting side registered their second try of the game out wide. The added conversion gifted them a 12-3 lead.
The game ended that way as Harbury couldn’t take advantage of a line-out from 30 metres.
Harbury are away to Bedford Swifts in the 3rd Round of the Midlands Junior Vase this weekend.
