Harps win again
Men In Black run in three tries at West London
London Two NW
West London 8 Harpenden 22
HARPENDEN outscored West London by three tries to one to take all four points and keep within sight of league leaders Hammersmith & Fulham.
The Men In Black dominated proceedings throughout helping to erase the memory of the embarrassing 12-9 defeat in the reverse fixture at Redbourn Lane in October.
Forwards Read and Graham enjoyed a profitable time stealing the ball away from the home side.
The first try came following a clever break from scrum-half Barton that ended with Muskett chipping the ball into the path of Green who gathered and scored. Full-back Haddock duly added the extras.
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The home side came back at Harpenden but were unable to break down the visitors’ stubborn defence while The Men In Black failed to take advantage of some incisive breaks in midfield.
The half ended with a trading of penalties between the home kicker and full-back Haddock, making the interval score 8-3 in Harpenden’s favour.
Coach Robin Longdon’s half-time team talk had the desired effect as Harpenden came out and battered their opponents.
The all-important second try came after some excellent play between Dan Tennant and Dumbleton. The two hammered at their opponents’ defence creating space for Jonny Barton to cross the whitewash from close range. Haddock’s conversion attempt fell agonizingly wide.
Longdon’s side were guilty of switching off momentarily following the restart and West London gratefully accepted their opportunity touching down to give themselves hope of a comeback.
There chances were increased when Dumbleton found himself in the sin-bin for persistent infringements but Harpenden killed off any hopes of a West London revival with a third try that owed much to the individual brilliance of winger Smith.
The speedster displayed his best footballing skills to kick and collect the ball three times in a 50 metre dash to the line to put the game beyond the home side. Haddock added the conversion.
Harpenden went in search of a fourth try to bring up a bonus point but a mixture of poor execution and bad luck meant The Men In Black had to settle for just the four points.
