Home defeat for Harbury to Stoke - The Leamington Observer

Home defeat for Harbury to Stoke

Leamington Editorial 14th Feb, 2017 Updated: 16th Feb, 2017   0

RUGBY UNION: HARBURY produced a fantastic second half fightback as they came from 15 points down but ultimately lost 12-22 at home to Stoke Old Boys in the Midlands 4 West (South).

It was a match that was far closer than the ten point margin might suggest as Harbury pulled themselves back into the game with two well deserved tries in the second half.

The hosts had been unlucky to trail 15-0 at the break with Stoke scoring a well worked forward try and then adding two breakaways to rather flatter their performance.

Harbury had done well in the sets and were more than a match for their heavier counterparts, however they were unable to cross their opponent’s line through some resolute and at times desperate defence.




In the second half Harbury used their possession well and a fine move by the backs provided Tony Gear the space to take a well time pass from Paul Evans and use his pace to go through a couple of tackles and score wide out for an excellent try.

After a further ten minutes the Harbury pack drove over for another well deserved try with Gear again converting to take the score to 15-12 to Stoke.


Both teams were going for the bonus point and the victory but with the clock well into the red zone, Stoke won a controversial penalty.

Play was inside the Harbury 22 and they could opt for the goal kick and a certain three points and so gain the win.

However, they decided to take a scrum and moved the ball wide out, play was switched and despite some good defence from Harbury a forward just managed to squeeze over beneath the posts.

The conversion was added and the bonus point gained as Harbury were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half.

Harbury are back in action this Saturday when they travel to Alcester.

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