London One North Harpenden v Brentwood Match abandoned (22-3) HARPENDEN will be looking forward to the New Year and hopefully a change in fortune as Lady Luck dealt them another blow on Saturday. After struggling with a plethora of injuries and near misse

London One North

Harpenden v Brentwood

Match abandoned (22-3)

HARPENDEN will be looking forward to the New Year and hopefully a change in fortune as Lady Luck dealt them another blow on Saturday.

After struggling with a plethora of injuries and near misses this season, they looked to have put this all behind them as they took the game to Brentwood from the start and built up a 14-0 half time lead courtesy of two tries from Muskett, converted by Jon Barton.

In front of a packed stand the second half continued in similar fashion as the Men in Black played a high tempo game that kept Brentwood on the back foot.

The visitors' pack put the pressure on the home side but were unable to cross the try line and only managed to claim a penalty kick to their name. It was a quick tap from Healey that led to Peck bulldozing through a tackle before quick ball found Graham slip through a gap before off-loading to Alan Barton who scythed his way through a couple of would-be tacklers to dot down under the posts.

A further Jon Barton penalty increased the lead to 22-3 and it looked as though Harpenden were on course for a comfortable and long-awaited victory.

However, this has not been Harpenden's season and fate had one more cruel card to play.

On 55 minutes and with the home side very much in control, the referee blew and the game was brought to a halt. After much discussion the referee declared he was unable to continue due to a torn calf muscle.

Referees on neighbouring pitches were considered but deemed unqualified to officiate at this level and the game was abandoned.

The outcome is a replay is required, to be played sometime in 2010.

Although the fault of no-one, this was a gutting result for Harpenden who have finally got their squad close to full strength again and in need of league points.

However, it was a very promising performance and one which they will take great heart from. They will aim for a similar level this Saturday when they face Welwyn in the final fixture of 2009.

Harpenden: Cross, Singleton, Blake, Roberts, Peck, Ireland, Read, Graham, Healey, J Tennant, Pattison, Humphrey, J Barton, Muskett, A Barton. D Tennant, Green, Ayad.