Harpenden 20 Barnet Saracens Elizabethans 24

London League Three (North-West)

Barnet Saracens Elizabethans left it late to complete their second league win and ensure a 100 per cent success rate in September. However, their victory over Harpenden should have been secured much earlier in the match.

Barnet were indebted to the accurate kicking of Rob Glenister for keeping them in the game until they took control in the last 15 minutes.

A series of errors in passing and missed tackles let in their opponents for too many opportunities. Too often, passes were poorly aimed at wingers Julian Baker and Glyn Bayley, who had the beating of their opposite numbers if decent possession had been obtained.

Even the normally disciplined forwards had an off day, losing possession and not dominating proceedings in their usual way.

They were hampered because the home side were too weak in the front row, and Barnet were often penalised for lifting, due to Harpenden's inefficiency among the front three.

A Harpenden prop was injured early on, and another sin-binned late in the first half. Harpenden were pleading for uncontested scrums until they were reminded (by Barnet supporters and not the referee, who did not seem to understand the point) that failure to field a front row in the scrum meant that the game was conceded. Needless to say, Harpenden found a prop from their remaining pack.

Though Glenister kicked three penalties, Barnet were behind 13-9 after an hour.

Then a blistering try by last week's hero Glyn Bayley, converted by Glenister, triggered an upturn in their fortunes.

Within minutes, Barnet had scored again, with Aaron Bell storming through for another try.

Between the tries, Glenister landed another penalty, and Barnet were leading 24-13. Not even a late converted try could affect the result and a triumphant month.

Barnet entertain Ealing in the league on Saturday in another league game. Herts RFU President John Atkinson will preside over the club's draw, with a new car as the first prize.

Barnet are away to Bishop's Stortford in the Powergen Intermediate Cup on Saturday, October 19.

October 2, 2002 18:30