The league title continues to hang on a knife edge, and although matters are unlikely to be resolved until the end of the month, the Senior Academy did have the considerable satisfaction of bursting the bubble of hitherto unbeaten Harrow, writes Jonathan Landi.

Given that Aylesbury secured a home walk over against Hampstead, it means that the former (with a better points differential) and EIRFC continue to share first place on 19 points, with both sides having now wrapped up their respective league campaigns.

The fly in the ointment continues to be Harrow. Despite languishing in third with 15 points, the title will be their theirs should they wrap up all five points against one of the teams of the lower order, namely Welwyn, later in the month.

Whatever their eventual fate, EIRFC have enjoyed a very productive campaign which has yielded three wins and a draw from in their five league games. Had they not suffered a costly last-minute blip against Staines, the conversation may well have been different.

Still the performance, although not perfect, was good enough to earn lavish praise from head coach Andy Roper. “It was our best performance of the season,” he said.

A very willing side if still a little raw, the Senior Academy, not for the first time this season, did themselves no favours early doors, with Harrow capitalising in the form of successful kick at goal, followed by a converted try, to lead 10-0.

Andy Corgan, part of the coaching panel, lamented that the team were still stuck in the changing room, but he was a lot happier man after EIRFC responded positively to fashion two tries of their own and forge a 12-10 half-time lead.

Unleashing their big ball carriers to deadly effect, Cassius’s try was particularly pleasing as the side successfully executed a Shift Two move, something I’m told emanates from the Northampton Saints playbook, and the coach was back in his heaven.

Isiah also gave Harrow chapter and verse by forcing his way over from short range, with Ben, the author of three successful conversions, just about edging his side in front at the half-way stage.

The Senior Academy (with Josh C prominent) continued to siege the Harrow line after the interval and they were held up on or over the line on three occasions, before scrum-half, Luke Roper, finally crossed as the hosts extended their lead to 19-10.

Not that Harrow were ever gone to go quietly and, with EIRFC’s defensive alignment found wanting, followed by having had a player yellow carded for a clothes-line tackle, the visitors, with title ambitions of their own, got themselves back on track.

It was a costly time to go AWOL in the game for EIRFC. As they conceded two tries, one of which was well worked and scored in the corner, with Harrow threatening to turn the game on its head after going 22-19 up with minutes remaining.

However, there was time on the clock for one last valiant charge, and key to the turnaround was Ira securing a priceless turnover, which ultimately proved pivotal in captain Will crossing for the winning try.

The decibel levels and whoops of delight reached stratospheric levels after Ben applied the extras. Perhaps they thought they had won the title. Perhaps not. However, what isn’t in doubt is that they had played with the heart of champions.

The league campaign may be over but Andy Roper is still planning on organising a few friendlies. Some of the players may well be tested at senior level, and one of two are harbouring county ambitions. So plenty still to play for. Exciting times ahead.