Harlow got off to a very strong start with the game speed high, big runs, quick rucks and fast ruck speed. This was demonstrated at lineouts where there back 3 would take them quick etc.

On the 15min mark after relentless pressure Harlow opened the scoring down the right flank after good hands opened up space for there outside centre to score, conversion missed.
Cockermouth then had the correct answer with Ed Gate using his kick game to find field possession and the pack making hard yards from good drives and mauls from line outs. After a great period of pressure, second row Ant Davies managed to pick up at the ruck at great speed and stretched out to ground the ball on the line. Dan Woodcock converted. 5-7.
The game was now a great contest and the Wasps had raised their game to a new level and the introduction of veteran Ian McDowell of the bench settled the lads. However in cup rugby there are always key moments and on the 37min mark a training ground scrum move saw the speedy Harlow centre score under the sticks, 12-7.
Would the Wasps have time to get back in the lead. They did turning the ball over from the restart and a penalty awarded. Ed Gate went for broke and a good kick marginally went the wrong side of the corner post and the chance for our impressive forwards to drive over was lost, fine margins!

Harlow were quick to get off the field and took a little longer to get out of the sheds, a sign they were in their biggest challenge of the season which there excellent supporters were keen to share with us during half time refreshments.

All credit to Harlow who were the quickest team to get going again in the second half got the game pace to a new level. There big athletics forwards were taking 3 defenders at times to bring them down and their back 3 with full of pace. Two tries and one conversion in this period got them out to 24-7 and it was evident why they averaged 54 attacking points and only 6 points against. Would the Wasps be able to change the game, stop them scoring and find a way back in the game?

Of course the answer was yes from this bunch of players. There answer was to play high risk rugby, play with more width, keep ball in hand from all areas of the field and go right at Harlow. This was rewarded with a great try from outside centre Shane Cusack who beat three defenders to score on the right edge, unfortunately the conversion from Woodcock was just wide.

Unfortunately Wasps were not able to get over the line again to really put the home side under pressure. As man of the match open side flanker Ben Irving made a good carry from his own forty beating defenders as he does, he was wrongly penalised for moving on the floor as he went to create clean ruck ball. However as always the decision was respected and Harlow made the obvious choice to kick the penalty and conclude the game 27-12.

Thank you to Harlow for wonderful hospitality and what an amazing set up you have, we wish you all the best for the final and next season at Level 6. Thank you to the three officials who helped ensure a great spectacle of rugby was produced. Well done to the man of matches which could have gone to many of the Wasps lads but was rightly awarded to Ben, who amplifies our team spirit, skill and relentless work rate.

The final words were said by Jeff Clare which left the lads excited for next season and having full confidence they are ready for Level 6 rugby and all the challenges it will create. After that we enjoyed a lively bus trip home. ?? .

So, a mammoth effort from these players, who can hold their heads up high for their commitment and dedication to their club and community. Bob Huck

Fantastic performance today lads, well done. Very proud Mam and supporter. ??? Val Bell

You guys should be amazingly proud of your performance today - you fronted up and pushed us so hard all the way through. Well done from us at Harlow RFC - safe journey home! Thanks, guys. Ken Potter Harlow Rufc