RUGBY: Dees edge past Market Harborough

The hosts were on the front foot from the start as after a line-out five metres from the Market line, the ball was knocked and Chris Chandler was quickest to react as he bundled over.

Aiden Kenny, making his home debut, found his range early as the conversion sailed between the posts.

On 20 minutes, Harborough conceded another penalty in range as they tried to slow down the Dees attack and Kenny made it 10-0.

The visitors finally started to get into the game, although two kickable penalties were missed by their fly half.

They were on the scoresheet though when Market’s winger finished off a good backs move to touch down.

Dees turned over a number of balls in loose play and pinned Harborough back with some fine clearance kicking from fly half, Kevin Boland.

Unfortunately mistakes crept in, as Dunstablians couldn’t extend their lead any further at the break.

After the interval, Harborough immediately made use of the high ball as the strong wind picked up, with Dees’ back three of Kenny, Sam Wilkins and Jordan Warner standing firm.

A Market penalty reduced the Dees lead further to 10-8 and they started throwing everything at their opponents.

They were awarded a penalty and opted for the corner, but Dunstablians defended for their lives as they managed to keep out the opposition forwards out.

With their defence holding firm, Dees started to gain some control and the forwards had the upper hand at the scrum. They almost strengthened their advantage as Boland found Campbell Haig, but as he was poised to score, brave defending stopped a certain try.

With time running out, Aaron White used his power to blunt another attack and Dees finally made the full time whistle to run out narrow winners.

Dees go to Leicester Forest this weekend.