Harlow fail to grab points after Rom raid

1:02pm Thursday 6th November 2008

Romford & Gidea Park 17
Harlow 0
(London & SE Div 3NE)

UNDERSTRENGTH Harlow fought hard to stay in contention but were edged out by Romford.

The majority of the game was spent as a midfield battle, with the heavy conditions and defensive play combining to break down any attempt at open rugby.

The Rams came back into the game after weathering some early Romford pressure and went close to opening the scoring on 30 minutes when James McFerran sent a penalty just wide of the post.

Just two minutes later Romford took the lead when winger John Davies went over. Dave Gilmore kicked the extras.

And Gilmore slotted over a penalty just after the break to put the hosts into a commanding position.

Harlow began to work their way into the game but struggled to recycle the ball quickly enough.

Wingers Will Grimley and Simon Vanbeck both had breaks which put pressure on the hosts, but in the wet conditions did not have the pace to exploit the gaps.

In the closing moments Romford mounted several strong attacks and loose head prop Jay Carter crashed over.

Matthew Phillips converted with the final kick of the match to compound a miserable day for Harlow.