The Saxons returned to Warners Bridge in Round 9 of their Regional Anglia 2 campaign after their heroics the week before at Eton Manor. This week they welcomed third placed Harlow, new to the league but taking no time at all to announce their arrival. The Saxons welcomed back Blue Newton, whilst Nik Grier also took his place amongst the matchday eighteen.
The Saxons played away from the airport in the first half and they made their mark early, playing some fantastic attacking rugby deep in their opponents half. The physicality was evident from both sides, a real arm wrestle was about to unfold and the Saxons registered the first points of the afternoon from the tee as Ben Lloyd made use of some poor discipline from the visitors. From there, Harlow soon made in roads into the Saxons half and it was them that registered the first try of the afternoon. Their lineout was impressive throughout the afternoon, the Saxons struggled to tame their aerial set piece, The try was just to the right of the posts, a given additional two you would think, but Tom Ramsey managed to charge down the conversion attempt, the score went to 3-5. For the remainder of the first half the hosts flexed their muscles, playing some fluent attacking rugby, at times Harlow couldn't get near them, the skills on show was a joy to watch for the crowd who were enjoying some autumnal sun! Having camped themselves outside the visitors 22, the space became available out wide and it was Tom Day who crossed the whitewash to finish off a well worked team try. Ben Lloyd added the two from the touchline before adding another three soon after, a terrific kicking performance from the fly half. The contest was fierce, Harlow began to attack and earnt a penalty which the fly half failed to convert from in front of the posts, a let off for the hosts. Harlow continued to try and gain some go forward, but the Saxons defence was impressive, a wall of brown and white greeted Harlow every phase. Frustration grew as the hosts ill-discipline was evident, a number of penalties was gifting Harlow easy field position and a chance to set up their impressive maul. The Saxons held firm however, and there was one last chance of the half for the Saxons to pressure the try line. Lloyd received the ball after a number of good carries from the men up front and when he took it to the line, he had full back Tom Sly on his right hand shoulder to offload to and dive over for another seven before the break. 20-5.
As the sun disappeared and the flood lights shone down, the hope was that the Saxons would push on in the second half and register more of the same. The two teams battered into each other throughout the third quarter, Harlow were direct with their large pack, whilst the Saxons offered a more varied attack creating space across the pitch. Just before the hour mark the hosts made headway into the Harlow 22, and after a brilliant compilation of catch and pass Tom Day once again added the finishing touch to a fine team sequence of play. Lloyd once again added the extras and the Saxons had an emphatic. 27-5 lead. From then it was to their credit Harlow who took control of the final quarter. The Saxons continued to gift penalties and the visitors made use of the easy access demonstrating what a dangerous driving maul they have, securing another two tries, the game became a ten point game. The closing stages remained on edge as Harlow tried to secure their fourth try and a potential losing bonus point, whilst the Saxons were searching for a try bonus point of their own. Harlow marched into the Saxons 22 to set up their lineout, which for once lacked accuracy and the hosts pounced on the loose ball. Kenward had seen enough and kicked the ball off as the Saxons secured another four points and an eighth straight win.
A disappointing second half after glimpses of excellence from the team throughout, three excellent tries but when the opportunity to put their foot on the accelerator came, they didn't do so. Credit to Harlow, a very good side who had their moments, but the Saxons march on, another win and a good performance to back up the week before.
Next up, a trip to Brentwood, another tough test. We hope to see as many of you there as possible to support.
