HARROW'S desperation to record their first league win of the season perhaps cost them victory away at Chiswick on Saturday, October 6.

Chiswick proved streetwise opponents and once ahead, played intelligent risk-free rugby, and were content to allow Harrow to make the mistakes and convert the resulting penalties.

It had looked so different in the opening exchanges when Harrow tore into the home side, but one penalty from Michael Smith was scant reward for their endeavours.

Already the penalties were mounting, and Harrow were put under severe pressure for long periods.

Excellent tackling, notably by Graham James, restricted the home team to only two penalties and a score of 6-3, but Harrow were struggling, and conceded an important try just on the stroke of half time to fall 11-3 behind.

In the second period, Harrow typically came back strong, but the penalties continued, and unforced errors prevented them scoring.

Good breaks from Lee Johnson, Danny Williams and Paul Wakeford were all wasted through poor handling or a lack of support, and, overall, Harrow lacked the required continuity to mount sustained attacks and cross for a decisive score.

Almost inevitably Chiswick broke out in the last five minutes, taking full advantage of a loose Harrow kick when an overlap was available, and a speculative kick took them into Harrow's 22.

Yet another penalty and a well-worked line out move allowed the home side to score against the run of play, demonstrating at this higher level the few chances created must be clinically finished.

Individually there were fine performances, but Harrow must look to cut out the penalties and improve finishing skills.

October 11, 2001 19:53

Kevin Affleck