Harpenden RFC battled to a 3-3 draw at rivals St Albans in London North West Two on Saturday.

The match began at a tremendous pace and the Harpenden pack played up to expectations right until the referee’s final whistle.

The game swung to and fro with both teams finding, at times, their progress halted by firm tackling.

The story of the first half was similar to the second; Harpenden stood firm but too many unnecessary penalties were conceded.

However, the visitors’ speed in the tackle prevented the St Albans’ backs from taking advantage of any possession they had.

The second half was as tight as the first period with some positive results.

The combination of Zak Kent and Simon McGee was a success and Mike Goode in the back row, with his partners Ed Preston and captain Adam Wheatley, comprised a formidable combination.

Finally, after a scoreless 62 minutes, Jack Haddock was successful with a penalty kick.

But St Albans full-back Mark Kentish, who had a good game, replied in similar fashion soon afterwards.

Harpenden’s man-of-the-match was Ed Preston.

Harp resume their league campaign in the New Year after a break with a home game against Chiswick on January 4.