HARLOW Colts under-19s went out of the English Clubs Colts competition on Sunday when they crashed 20-6 to Staines Colts.

Harlow, whose team was mainly made up of the under-17 squad, opened the scoring with a fine penalty kick by Ian Bates, but Staines were awarded a penalty try shortly after.

Staines then made use of a disrupted Harlow side after Harlow lost prop Jo Atwell and centre Jason Murray to injury, and gained a converted try soon after the restart.

But Harlow struck back when, after some excellent movement, they were awarded a penalty which Bates slotted over.

Staines responded by converting a penalty, making the score line 6-17 at half time.

After the break, Harlow showed great flair and were able to move the ball around at will, but were unable to penetrate Staines defensive lines and gave away a further penalty, gaining three more points which resulted in the final scoreline of 6-20 to the visitors.

Despite loosing, credit should be given to the younger side and particularly to Bates who showed good kicking skills in both defence and attack.