Harpenden pegged back at the death (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Late setback denies Harpenden victory

11:57am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in Sport

Harpenden saw victory snatched from their grasp in the final minute of play as hosts Grasshoppers scored a last-gasp try to snatch a 15-15 draw.

The hosts started brightly, with outside centre Leo Smith opening the scoring inside five minutes.

Fly-half Mark Cunningham added the extras with a successful conversion to put Grasshoppers 7-0 up.

Alan Barton won a penalty for Harpenden shortly before half-time which Aaron Wilde converted to reduce the deficit to four points.

Grasshoppers quickly re-established the gap when Cunningham was awarded a penalty following a high tackle. He duly converted from 40 metres. Barton was again at the centre of all things good for Harpenden in the second period, scoring a try after impressive work from Robin Ajder.

With time running out, Tristram Francis received a fine pass from his number eight before adding a second try for the visitors. Wilde converted to extend the lead lead to 15-10.

Grasshoppers were not to be denied though, and in the final minute of the tie Mo Eunace touched down before Cunningham added to his personal points haul by converting to tie the score up at 15 apiece.