THIS was a much better weekend for Harrow who overcame Finchley in a dour struggle.

The victory lifts them back to third, just two points behind joint leaders Tring and London New Zealand (LNZ), who visit Grove Field this week.

Both teams failed to score in a scrappy first half typified by the number of occasions Harrow's forwards squandered good attacking positions through their old failing of conceding penalties at the breakdowns.

Although they had the best of the first half, Harrow were given a wake up call at the start of the second when Finchley went ahead with a penalty on 45 minutes.

Full back Mike Smith tied the scores with his own successful kick five minutes later and from then on the pressure mounted for both sides. It seemed certain that the next team to score would be the winner.

As the half progressed Harrow reduced the number of penalties and were able to establish attacking positions. These were rewarded after 70 minutes when Dave Maskell was able to force over for a try wide out. Mike Smith was unable to add the conversion.

In the final ten minutes, Harrow were kept under extreme pressure, mostly in their own 22, but stood firm to complete the win.

Wing forward James Finn won the accolades as man of the match. However, back row partner Tony Brimson was a close second, working tirelessly at the less glamorous aspects necessary in such a hard fought game.

Next week, Harrow host second-placed LNZ (K.O. 2.30 pm), knowing another improvement will be necessary to take the points from their old rivals and stay in contention near the top of the table.