Ipswich 21  Harlow 14

A scintillating first half laid the groundwork for a gritty win over Harlow in London Division Three North East on Saturday, cementing Ipswich’s second-placing in the league.

A late start due to Harlow being delayed en route disrupted the home side’s preparation but the amber-and-blacks took two penalties following repeated desperate infringements by the visitors to lead 6-0, Chris Hadwen coolly taking the points on offer.

Harlow snapped out of their lethargy and mauled the Ipswich pack around the pitch to earn a converted try when captain and number eight Paul Eynon crossed, flyhalf Phil Ellis converting to sneak ahead 7-6.

The defining moment of Ipswich’s attack came next as outstanding blindside flanker Cristoffel Blom ripped the pitch open with a scorching run through the dumbfounded Harlow defence, feeding Martin Holland for an unconverted try.

Minutes later Blom and his fellow South African flanker Gert Rossouw linked to carve up the bewildered visitors before the ball was recycled through the backline for try-hungry Martin Holland to swoop round for his second try.

Hadwen converted and in injury time Drew Locke took over the kicking duties for the injured winger to take the half-time lead to a deserved 21-7 cushion.

Harlow stamped some authority in the forwards in the second half and Ipswich had to tackle hard and fast to prevent a decisive breakthrough. Lacking reward for their forays into Harlow’s territory inspired Locke to attempt a drop-goal, which bounced off the upright to deny the home side the confidence boosting 17-point cushion they needed.

Instead, Harlow took inspiration from their captain as Eynon scored near the posts, Ellis’ conversion putting the acid on the home side as they struggled to find rhythm.

The referee sinbinned Harlow’s Mark Pickett for  killed the ball but Ipswich were unable to string phases together, losing the advantage of an extra man when reserve Danny Reeve was himself sinbinned for handling in a ruck.

The floodlit finish saw Ipswich celebrate another vital win to keep them in contention for promotion but the new players have a lot of training to do to help build the teamwork required to knock Eton Manor off the top of the league.

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