London One North Harpenden 77 Welwyn 12 After putting last weekend s disappointment behind them, Harpenden gave seven players their first starts of the season for the arrival of Welwyn to Redbourn Lane. Harpenden started the brighter of the two teams and

London One North

Harpenden 77 Welwyn 12

After putting last weekend's disappointment behind them, Harpenden gave seven players their first starts of the season for the arrival of Welwyn to Redbourn Lane.

Harpenden started the brighter of the two teams and showed their intent to play some open running rugby with their youthful backline.

Muskett out-sprinted two markers to touch down for the first score of the match.

It wasn't long before Muskett got his second of the game after some good phases were put together from the Harpenden pack. Not to be out done, Marchon crossed the line for a double before half time, with his first try a particularly fine solo effort from inside his own half. The Welwyn forwards replied from these set-backs to set up their left wing for a score under the posts. This only seemed to spur on the Men in Black and further tries before half-time from Collins, Read and Tennant meant Harpenden led 51-5 at the break.

With some stern words at half time, Harpenden came out in the second half looking to keep the ball alive and produce some rugby that would see the score board ticking over. This unfortunately didn't materialise as Harpenden were penalised on numerous occasion at the breakdown.

It was left for Charlie Pattison to add two tries to his season's tally, the second seeing him test his pre-season fitness levels when he ran the length of the pitch.

A fine effort from the Welwyn tight five produced a number of unforced errors from the home side which ultimately allowed them to touch down for their second try of the day.

However, the day belonged to Harpenden and it was left to Jon Barton, who had a good day with the boot, Singleton, Haddock and Wolfe to complete the scoring.

Harpenden will take confidence from the 77-12 victory going into this week's tough trip away to Chingford, though know improvement is required.

Team: Blake, Tennant D, Lewin, Cornthwaite, Peck, Read, Wolfe, Speirs, Collins, Tennant, Pattison, Barton, Marchon, Muskett, Thach. Peters, Singleton, Haddock.