Narrow defeat for the 2nds

The theme of the match was dominance of possession for Barnet failing to lead to points thanks in part to spectacular Harpenden defence but also a lack of cutting edge from the home side.

Despite a good squad made up of 17 players, it was evident from the body profiles present that not only was this a healthy mix of 2nd and 3rd team regulars but also that backs were conspicuous in their absence. Both centres were forwards and it was clear to everyone playing and watching (this was a record attendance for a 2nd team game with the crowd swelling dangerously close to double figures) that Barnet’s gameplan was going to be quite “agricultural”. That said, the dominance that the forwards had up front was telling, with a large amount of possession thanks to the physical advantage the home side had over the opposition and a smoothly running lineout. If Harpenden were able to field a front row with contested scrums the match may have been a very different affair. As it was, Barnet took the initiative early on but after strong mauling from the forwards a mix-up in midfield between the two zealous but inexperienced centres allowing the opposition to pick up the ball on the half way line and score a try that was unconverted. The rest of the half saw Barnet trying a range of attacks including tight forwards play and a fantastic dummy and kick from Simon Harrison rolling the clock back a few years. Despite numerous visits to the Harpenden 22, no points were scored.

The second half continued in much the same vein with strong running from Shane Kyriacou, Ben the Colt and Michael Moore putting the side in good positions without much success. This changes with less than 15 minutes to go when great support play saw the home side storm into the opposition 22. Ed MacLennan somehow managed to bounce the visitors’ fly-half onto the floor but was so surprised he stopped running with the try line beckoning. Not to be denied this time, a strong run from Shane Kyriacou from the base of the scrum sucked in a large number of Harpenden defenders and the recycled ball was quickly spun out to ANANT THE COLT to score in the corner. SHAUN HARRIS then stepped up to quick a majestic conversion to give Barnet the lead. Despite calls from the team to play sensible rugby, the inevitable happened as the return was spilled and the opposition had the ball in the Barnet 22. Shane Kyriacou then rucked a bit too eagerly for the referee’s liking and so was sent to the bin for the rest of the game along with a Harpenden player who took the law into his own hands. The penalty was knocked over and then in the final play desperate play from Barnet led to another Harpenden try to give a slight gloss to the final score.

The side should be happy that the tries scored by Harpenden were directly from turnovers and they were unable to breach the defensive line through normal attacking play but this will be scant consolation when the victory was there for the taking. The post-game meal was a chicken and ham pie where the adjective that springs most to mind is divine. It was accompanied by potatoes and mix veg, which provided a good balance to the centrepiece.

It should also be mentioned that George Whitebread unfortunately broke his left humerus putting his body on the line in the dying seconds. We all wish him a speedy recovery. The assorted BERFC press were left wondering if the scoreline would have been the same if his younger brother Charlie was playing and it was unanimously decided he would not have been so foolish as to break his arm.