HARLOW rugby club picked up a fifth successive win as they picked up a 41-35 win over Wanstead at Latton Park on Saturday (31/10).

The conditions were vastly different than last week and the home side wasted no time in showing what they’re capable off as they raced into a comfortable lead. 

Brad Etherington opened the scoring early on before Dale Stalley doubled the score soon after. Fly half Liam Batty converted both scores before slotting a penalty to put Harlow 17-0 up and looking comfortable. 

Winger Adam Nnochiri added Harlow’s third try before Stalley doubled his tally for the day securing the bonus point in the process. 

The Redmen now had a 31 point advantage but the visitors weren’t willing to go back into the changing rooms without getting some points on the board before the break. They managed to score two tries before half time to make the score somewhat more respectable.

Discipline was a recurring theme throughout this match and both sides had a man sent to the sin bin in the first half. Wanstead went down to 14 men in between their two scores whilst Ben Cranwell was yellow carded for Harlow before half time. 

Harlow had wrapped up the bonus point in the first half thanks to their 4 tries and with the score at half time 31-14 it perhaps felt like the job was done. 

Wanstead however had other ideas and scored the opening try of the second half before Casey Baldock restored Harlow’s lead as he went over for the home sides fifth try of the day; Batty again adding a successful conversion. 

Discipline once again played a part in the game, first Luke Bowering was sent to the sin bin before being joined by prop Mobashar Mahmood. Wanstead were also awarded a penalty try to give them a bonus point. 

Harlow had held a 31 point lead at one stage in the first half but they soon found themselves with a slender lead of just 3 points when the visitors added their fifth try of the game with the clock ticking. 

The hosts had 13 players on the pitch for the final 10 minutes of the game but there was a real determination and a real grit as they continued to push Wanstead back and deny them any potential score. 

Harlow were awarded a penalty in a good position and Liam Batty was able to once again drill the ball between the uprights to put Harlow 6 points ahead with no chance of a final comeback from the visitors.

Very much a game of two halves but Harlow got the job done and have made it through the first block of fixtures with 5 big wins against tough opposition. They now have a week to regroup before heading to Woodford on November 14^th in what will be another good test. 

Elsewhere there was another win for Harlow II’s as they beat East London II’s 40-17 to extend their unbeaten run to 4, 

Full time: Harlow 41-35 Wanstead

Harlow tries: Etherington, Stalley x2, Nnochiri, Baldock 

Harlow conversions: Liam Batty x5 

Harlow penalties: Liam Batty x2