Match Report - 21st October 2007

There is a fine line between winning and losing as England discovered in last night’s Rugby World Cup Final. The Bs discovered it today. Harlington won this through three well taken goals and through better control and movement of the ball. But, though the Bs found it harder to create good chances, they hit the post three times and saw two other shots cleared off the line. An inch the other way and the result might have been different. But in the end Harlington were deserved winners though the scoreline flattered them.

With captain Russell Butlin out injured, the Bs had to readjust the team. Joe Jordan took over as captain and he played and led the team well. Thomas Green stepped in at centre back, a role he hadn’t played in for the Bs before. It is credit to Thomas that he plays any role he is asked, not only without complaint, but to very good effect. Besides them the two full backs, Ciaran and Luis, also worked very hard and played well.

In the early stages there was little between the teams and the Bs had plenty of possession, forced Harlington back and used the ball well. But after Harlington scored they resorted to more desperate hoofball, pumping high balls forward. Harlington’s two strong centre backs won all of these so possession was quickly squandered. Harlington took the lead on 16 minutes with a very well taken goal from a swift break. Ciaran had come forward to help build an attack but when the Bs lost the ball Harlington quickly slotted an accurate pass into the corner with Ciaran caught up field. Suddenly the defence was stretched and the midfield was too slow to support. A deep cross found two attackers unmarked and one of them controlled the ball and shot low into the corner. It was a very good break and a well taken goal.

The Bs best chance came from a free kick awarded 20 yards out. Luis stepped up and took it quickly, his shot catching the visitors unaware. It was low and hard and came back off the post and no-one from the Bs was on hand to follow it up. Then in the 24th minute Harlington extended their lead with a very well finished goal. They broke down the right wing and crossed the ball into the penalty area where one of the strikers neatly side footed the ball first time into the corner. Stephen, in goal, had no chance of getting anywhere near it. The Bs had two opportunities this half to close the gap. From their only corner, Jordan Coleman sent over a tempting cross which Joe closed in on but couldn’t turn it in. Then right on half time, Sid seized the ball and, head down, he charged past a couple of defenders and sent in a shot that went very close.

For the second half Nicholas came on for his first game of the season in place of Francis. He showed some neat touches and had a few long range efforts but struggled to find the space to test the keeper. But this half there were fewer up and unders and better passing from the Bs and more chances. Conor latched onto a fast cross from wide on the left and steered the ball past the keeper only to see the effort hit the post and bounce back along the line before it was cleared. Kyle made space just outside the box for an excellent high, curling right footer that missed the far post by a whisker. Sid, in typical style, beat a defender, drew and beat the keeper and then saw his shot rebound off the post. And Nicholas also beat the keeper, who had bravely dived in at his feet, but saw his shot scrambled off the line. Jordan had also delivered an excellent cross to the near post but no-one made a move to attack it.

Harlington also had chances and Stephen was called in to action several times but he responded well with some good saves. One, in particular, stood out as he dived low to his left to deflect a strong shot around the post. Midway through the half Jordan Wright came on in pace of Conor. Jordan played in midfield and Nicholas joined Sid up front. As time ticked down Luis pushed further forward as the Bs went in search of the elusive goal. Credit to all the players as they never let their heads go down and they never stopped working. But three minutes from time Harlington grabbed a third with a goal from a free kick awarded about 35 yards out. The ball was curled into the box and fell loose six yards out where Harlington pounced to prod it home.

The Bs can reflect on chances that went so close but it was Harlington’s clinical finishing that won them the points. The Bs man of the match was Luis who played very well at right back, defending solidly and getting forward whenever he could to support the forward players.