Harborough under 10’s travelled to Hinckley today to compete in the inaugural Hinckley invitational competition for strong and development squads.
Game 1 v Ashby
Having lost the toss giving Ashby early possession the A team started strongly by immediately recovering the ball following some aggressive work by Max P and first up tackling by Adam. Harborough’s rush defence and close quarters play pinned Ashby in their own half for the opening quarter before the first line break of the game came from Alex. Ripping the ball from Ashby and with his trade mark ‘show and go’ he found himself just short of the line, unfortunately the final pass for the score was judged forward. Harborough were gaining the upper hand in the forward battle with Ethan putting Adam in for the first try just before half time. Harborough were made to wait for their second score as they began to force the game resulting in basic errors. Rowan came close with a run from deep early in the second half before good hands from Oliver and Ben saw Finn cross the white wash. Ashby collected a consolation score just before time.
Game 2 v Bromsgrove
Harborough knew they were in for a tough match against Bromsgrove following a 1 all draw against them earlier in the season. The game started with real tempo. Both sides showed real attacking endeavour and defensive steel. The tackles were big and the handling slick. Nothing separated the teams going into half time. More of the same followed and it was looking like a draw was likely until Finn spotted the smallest off gaps to race through. Hugging the touch line it was a foot race to the line. Unfortunately Bromsgrove snagged him a few yards short. The resulting tackle resulted in him leaving the field injured. A minute to time and the forced change seemed to unsettle Harborough and with the last play Bromsgrove broke through what had seemed like an impenetrable defence to score. A game like this was always going to come down to small margins and Bromsgrove took their opportunity well and deserved the score
Game 3 v Hinckley
The final game of the tournament pitched Harborough against their long-time rivals Hinckley. Harborough started poorly allowing a line break by Hinckley. Despite the player being felled short of the line by Oliver and Max P the ref ignored the triple movement and awarded the try. Harborough were quick to respond with a strong run from Ethan who was stopped just short of the line. Finally Harborough levelled the score with a long range run by Rowan finished by the impressive Adam. Another score followed soon after through industrious centre play from Oliver and Dan V putting Max P away. The boys finished strongly before half time with a well worked try from Rowan finishing a touchline sprint by Ethan. Hinckley started the second half strongly forcing some robust defence from Harborough lead by Matty. From an enforced turn over Rowan went in at the corner for his second of the match thanks to good midfield play by Jonah and Dan V. Hinckley’s resilience was rewarded just before time with a second try to finish the game 4-2 to Harborough.

Harborough finished joint top of the table but took the silverware on merit of a try count back.

An U10s squad also travelled to Hinckley to take place in the Development Tournament

They acquitted themselves & MH U10s superbly well, deserving much more than the 4th place they achieved. Each game was played at a break neck pace & ultimately came down to the narrowest of margins.

Harborough Dev 2 – Bromsgrove 3

Harborough Dev 2 – Hinckley 2

Harborough Dev 1 - Ashby 3

Each player put in 100% demonstrating both the attacking & defensive skills coached over the last few weeks. Dylan & Ethan H showed some powerful direct running with Dylan continually requiring several of the opposition to bring him down each time, whilst Ethan managed to evade his opposition with some great movement. Jonny, Chris & Jo G tackled, rucked, & mauled doggedly ensuring that no quarter was given to any of the opposing teams. Edward, James M, Matt & Josh marshalled the midfield ensuring that whether in attack or defence they held their positions & linked up well with each other to display some good continuity – on one occasion this allowed Josh to dive into the muddiest corner of the pitch, score a try & emerge covered head to foot in mud but smiling!

The team showed what great strength in depth the club has at this age - a special mention goes to Chris Branch who won the sportsmanship award for his team.

The squad were:Ethan H, Edward , Jonny, James M, Chris, Joseph, Matt, Dylan and Josh

Thanks must go to Kev and his team at Hinckley for organising the day’s events.