Harpenden got the better of Old Priorians in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 season, the Twisters falling to a 36-21 defeat at Redbourn Lane in a game best characterised by its number of errors.

The hosts had all of the early possession and took just five minutes to get points on the board through winger Zeph Nkomo, following some OPs indiscipline.

Able to grow into the game a little, the visitors made forays into the opposition half only to lose crucial ball at the lineout ; conceded penalties gave Harpenden the chance to move into the 22, scrum half Archie Wilson taking a quick tap before Kian Middleton crashed over as a result of lax defending at the ruck, Alex Birch converting for a 12-0 lead towards the end of the first quarter ; an errant pass in the midfield was intercepted by centre Luca Bruzas minutes later, sprinting in to make it 19-0.

David Howe scored the first Priorian points of the season, able to power through after a poor Harpenden lineout fell allowed the ball to fall into his grasp, Michael Jobling converting.

The Hertfordshire outfit had a chance to increase their lead once more towards the end of the half but excellent away defence kept them at bay, 19-7 at half time.

With OPs seeking improvement in the second half, they had the best of the opening quarter but were unable to make their chances count. A mishandling from a clearing kick handed momentum back to Harpenden, who then slowly built their way to the line, Nkomo released in the corner for his second of the afternoon on the hour Wilson added a fifth for the team with 65 minutes as another promising OPs move went to ground.

How's impressive lineout steals continued and was able to pop a pass to replacement Funbi Osuntoki, mixing pace and power to work through would be defenders, captain Cathal Sheehan in support who had more than enough gas to beat the backline and score his 100th point for the 1st XV.

However, Harpenden hit straight back as the OPs attack came to a complete standstill with a poor pass hitting the deck, Nkomo gathering for a well taken hat trick, 36-14 the score with a little over five minutes to play.

The Twisters remained dogged to the last, Sheehan presented with a golden opportunity as Harpenden dropped the ball, the newly installed skipper once again making haste to secure his brace. Jobling added two, the full time whistle blowing soon after as it finished 36-21.

The hosts deserved the win on balance but the match was probably closer than the scoreline suggests, neither side completely hitting their stride across the 80 minutes.

OPs play London Irish Wild Geese at Perivale next Saturday.

SCORERS

OPRFC 21

T : Howe, Sheehan 2

C : Jobling 3

HARPENDEN 36

T : Nkomo 3, Middleton, Bruzas, Wilson

C : Birch 3