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Under 13 Match Report

Sunday 13th April 2008

COUNTY CUP FINAL

Market Harborough 0pts  v  Lutterworth  3pts

Following on from the excesses of the Blackpool Tour Lutterworth U13’s were on the road again this weekend to Market Harborough for the County Cup Finals Day. At our age group the host club were the opposition in the County Cup Final.

Whilst we had heard many good reports of Market Harborough from our various spies around the County, we had not until today played Market Harborough this season, as a result of our fixture scheduled for early December having fallen victim to the weather.

The game itself lived up to its billing between what must undoubtedly be the two best sides in the county at this age group with no quarter asked or given throughout the whole of the game. Lutterworth began extremely brightly and dominated possession in the early exchanges leading to a penalty being conceded by Market Harborough in front of the posts which was calmly slotted over by James Gamble. Lutterworth continued to have the better of the exchanges and to dominate possession during the remainder of the first half with George Ball being released on two occasions only to be thwarted by excellent cover tackling by the Market Harborough full back on both occasions to leave a half time score of Market Harborough 0, Lutterworth 3.

Market Harborough restarted the second half and for once Lutterworth were indecisive allowing the ball to bounce and conceding ground to allow Market Harborough set up camp in our 22. Market Harborough tried everything they knew to break the resolute Lutterworth defence. Alternating between moving the ball across the line to their dangerous outside centre and driving the ball forward by their pack. Lutterworth were forced to drive the ball back from over their own try line on at least two occasions. As the half wore on however Lutterworth were able to relieve the pressure and move the ball back into the Market Harborough half of the pitch where it remained until the end of the game, which despite its lack of tries was a tremendous advert for under 13’s rugby in Leicestershire. Both teams deserve great credit for their spirit, endeavour and sportsmanship which reflects great credit on themselves and their clubs.

In its final moments however, the game threatened to be overshadowed by what appeared to be a serious injury to Callum McDonald the Lutterworth flanker but thankfully the injury sustained by Callum was not as serious as had first been feared and we all wish him a speedy recovery in readiness for next season.  Neither side were able to add any further points to the penalty kicked in the first half, which ironically were the first points we have scored directly from a penalty kick all season.

It was nice to see the County Cup presented on the day of the competition and for the boys to actually get their hands on it this year following the disappointment of not seeing the County Cup ‘shared’ last year with Oakham!!

The final score Market Harborough 0 Lutterworth 3