Harlow Colts 2023/24 - Old Brentwoods

Sunday 6th February 2022 – Old Brentwoods 29 Harlow u16s 7 Essex Under 16 League 2 With Harlow keen to stay top of the league this Sunday’s trip to a gusty windy Old Brentwoods was a game all the players were looking forward to with the league title within grasp of both sides we were looking forward to a game which would be the pinnacle of the season for the players with first placed taking second. As I write the report this week, I am reminded of the core values of our sport: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship Teamwork, I am very proud of the way the team worked together despite their frustration with areas outside their control. Respect, I appreciate seeing the respect the players showed the referee when he was asking them to change what they were doing. Enjoyment, this was a great opportunity for the players from both sides to go head-to-head and test each other. Unfortunately, the game as a spectacle was over as soon as the first whistle blew and the chance for a genuine hard-fought game as lost. Our players will learn from this experience Discipline, despite the enormous penalty count against Harlow, the Harlow players did not respond, to the tip tackle, headbutt, punches and maintained their desire to play rugby and not lower the tone of their own credibility. Sportsmanship, our players continued to play rugby to the end of the game, they came to play rugby and attempted to play right until the end. To the game, playing with the wind in the first half it was a difficult game with Harlow being pinned back conceding penalties at the break down either for contesting the ball or not releasing. Harlow conceded a try wide on the left which was unconverted. 5-0 Most of the first half was played in the middle of the park with neither side building a series of phases which was dominated by penalties. Old Brentwoods scored a try just before half time following what appeared to be a knock on in midfield and grounding short of the line which was then knocked on. The referee saw that it went forward off his foot and the grounding was clear. Half time 10 – 0. The half time team talk reflected that this would be an uphill struggle but there were tries out there for Harlow if they worked together supporting and looking after each other Half time replacements included Ed Lea on for Brandon Jackson and Joseph Williams on for Felix Waugh. Shortly after half time Owen Eynon came on for Tobie Westbrook and Freddie Adams came on for Alfie Dutnall. The second half began, much the same way, Old Brentwoods scored two good tries out wide which were converted. 24-0. From the kick off a great chase from Matt Macfarlane saw him catch the ball at speed draw the defender and put Montelle Levy into space where he stepped inside the final defender and scored underneath the posts. Joseph Pankhurst converted 24-7. The final try from Old Brentwoods was bizarre. From a Harlow line out off the top to our scrum half Jack Rushworth was intercepted by the Old Brentwoods player before it reached our fly half Joseph Pankhurst. The Old Brentwoods player covered the 20 yards at a record speed and gathered it cleanly. 29-7 something an Olympic sprinter would struggle to achieve. Special mentions today for the teamwork and support all the players showed each other. Final Score 29 –7 Our next league game is against Chelmsford and Old Brentwoods need to travel to Thurrock. We look forward to two entertaining games of rugby to settle the league title. We wish Thurrock the best of luck. Next week we have week off and a training session subject to pitch availability. The following week we play Saffron Walden with a chance for some of our players to play against school friends. This week’s training will focus on enjoying our rugby once more. Thank you to Felix Waugh for washing the shirts this week. You can see the league table as it is updated here: https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?competition=129&team=9441&division=34892&season=2021-2022#table Please make sure players update their forthcoming availability in SportMember. Join our Facebook group for more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/harlowunder16s202122 Tries: Montelle Levy Conversions: Joseph Pankhurst Penalties: None Referee: From Old Brentwoods Team 1. Felix Waugh, 2. Danny Billington, 3. Atakan Alagoz, 4. Brandon Jackson, 5. Corey Kelman, 6. Matt MacFarlane, 7. Alfie Dutnall, 8. Ben Ferrier, 9. Jack Rushworth, 10. Joseph Pankhurst, 11. Montelle Levy, 12. Jamie Oliver, 13. Henry Stovell, 14. Kai Young, 15. Tobie Westbrook, 16. Joseph Williams, 17. Ed Lea, 18. Freddie Adams, 19. Owen Eynon