Harborne secure top spot in comprehensive fashion

Well, there were still a few whinges from the less literate members of the club that the last report was still too long, so here is an even shorter one for their benefit. Lets hope its short enough or next time it will simply have to be a series of pictures, cartoon style.

Harborne took on Clee Hill in a true top of the table clash. Sitting only two points ahead of them, the winner was set to take the top spot into the Christmas Break. A young energetic looking Clee Hill side looked decidedly lighter and more youthful than in past seasons, with a style similar to our own, looking to move the ball around.

The weather was pretty good for mid December, with the exception of the gale blowing straight down the park and into our face in the first half.

The sideline was busy with great support for both teams and in the right spirit too, enjoying what was a true tough honest match with plenty of skill from both sides.

The match was everything that a top of the table clash should be. With high intensity tackles, thudding hits around the rucks, great handling and two teams looking to spread the ball.

With a 5-7 deficit at the break, the squad had worked tirelessly to ensure the visitors were shackled as they used the wind at their backs to secure the territory. In return we secured the possession and held onto it well. Phases, linking and continuity all expertly demonstrated. Our pack managing to get the upper hand at scrums and lineouts, our backs consistently beating the gain line. Despite the deficit, it was clear that the players were in control of the game, and that with the wind at our backs we were going to be difficult to control.

With Clee Hill finding it difficult to make ground with the ball in hand, they were forced to kick for territory, but now into the wind. Meanwhile we continued to retain possession and their defence; whilst efficient was creaking. Eventually the pressure told, and the Tries followed, four in the second half from great interplay, linebreaks, solid forward platforms and expansive play. In fact, Clee Hill’s defence deserves credit, it was easy to see why their conceded tally is so low, as there were a handful of half chances that were prevented only by their resolve.

Nevertheless, this was a comprehensive victory. It is fair to say the home support enjoyed this match not just because of the result but more so its manner. There was a comfort, assuredness and calm dominance that hasn’t been seen this season. There was no concern that the match was too close or held in the balance. Harborne controlled all facets of the game and rightly deserve their spot at the top. This was a true squad performance. All interchanges used to great effect to maintain the stranglehold. Each and every player on the park and all those who have played upto this point deserve praise, as the style of rugby being played in mid December is exactly what was targeted back in pre season (something many might have doubted could be achieved!?).

Well done too to the home support. The spontaneous applause for Clee Hill was rightly deserved and a great advert for the club’s core values.

Well done to everyone involved, coaches, players, chefs, supporters and Nairny on the touch line. It simply remains to say, more of the same next year, the league will be all the tougher as 2014 rolls in!