Harwich started slowly and an arm wrestle in the middle of the park told the story of the first 15mins. Harwich were rushing things and few scoring chances went begging. Once they did show composure they managed to score the first try of the new season to John Skargon on debut after stretching a tiring Felixstowe defence.

Two more tries were scored before halftime, the first to Ian Flook who finished off a flowing backs move. The next went to Jack Cairns who found himself on the end of a well timed pass from Kier Blacker, halftime score 19-0 to Harwich.

Despite the half time lead, the Harwich players and Head Coach Shane Manning were not impressed with their performance. More control, patience and discipline was called for, and that’s what the players delivered. Live-wire scrum half Josh Jones was first to score, followed by another to Flook. All tries coming from flowing backs moves. This would continue until the final whistle.

Another five tries were scored through Alex Cullen, another to Flook for his hat trick to go with his award for player of the day, Blacker and Captain Kyle Hutchins, and Jones for his brace. With 8 of the 11 tries scored converted the final score was 71-0 to Harwich. An excellent second half of running rugby with glimpses of the form that ensured Harwich only lost twice last year in all competitions.

Harwich are away this Saturday to Hadleigh. This will be a much sterner test for Harwich who will have to play for the full 80 minutes if they wish to come with a win in their first Eastern Counties 2 clash of the new season.

Report by Shane Manning