Harwich retain Suffolk Plate at Mistley

Harwich were the defending champions and would be hoping for a similar score-line as last week when they had run out comfortable winners, but Mistley would be trying to cause a huge upset and at halftime it looked like they just might.

Harwich kicked off on a cold but dry day and were immediately on the attack. With speedster Josh Jones playing in the centre Harwich had got the ball wide for Jones to outpace the Mistley defence and score an early try, Harwich were up 5-0 in the first few minutes of the game and a repeat of the previous week looked likely.

Mistley however recovered and began to gain good territory and possession, this was mainly due to the Harwich forwards being out rucked and also out scrummed on occasion. Mistley then stunned Harwich with 13 unanswered points. After kicking two penalties to take a 6-5 lead, Mistley then scored a fine try which was converted, with a 13-5 lead an upset looked on.

Harwich were becoming desperate to stay in the game. After managing to work their way into the Mistley 22 Harwich retained possession, recycling the ball quickly they got the ball wide for winger Josh Newlyn to score a converted try to pull it back to 13-12 to Mistley at the halftime break.

Stern words from coach Shane Manning left the Harwich side in no doubt that their first half performance was not good enough. With a strong bench at his disposal changes were made. Kier Blacker, Kyle Hutchins and player/coach Manning were bought on to hopefully provide a boost to the out-of-sorts side. From the restart Harwich looked a different side.

The Harwich scrum looked transformed and repeatedly pushed the Mistley pack off the ball. With ample ball Harwich began to put pressure on the Mistley side and secured a penalty which was kicked by Shaun Fox to give them back the lead, 15-13 Harwich.

Mistley's restart was out on the full so Harwich had another chance to attack from the resulting scrum. Harwich attacked the short side and Mistley's defence was found wanting as Robert Edgar burst through three defenders to score, try converted 22-13.

Mistley to their credit didn't lay down and managed to kick a ball long and with a lucky bounce of the ball their winger scored a converted try to bring them right back into the game at 22-20.

With the front row of Robert Wood, Manning and Paul Sewell winning or disrupting every scrum Harwich began to dominate possession. As the game moved into the last quarter Harwich's fitness and speed began to prove too much. Kier Blacker was creating mayhem with quick darts from scrum half and Kyle Hutchins was tackling everything.

After another penalty kick from Fox to increase the lead to 25-20, Harwich scored a try to Josh Jones who's pace was proving too much for the Mistley backs. Harwich spun the ball wide through the backs, putting Jones in space, using his speed to avoid the defence he dived into the right hand corner to all but guarantee victory, even with the conversion missed Harwich had a healthy lead at 30-20 and time running out.

Harwich were firmly on top now and camped in Mistley's half. After more pressure Harwich were awarded a scrum 5 metres out from the Mistley try-line, with the Mistley scrum going backwards Si Palmer capped off another powerful display by picking the ball up from number 8 and smashing his way over to score a converted try bringing the final score to 37-20.

As the final whistle sounded the Harwich and Mistley players shook hands after a very tight and entertaining game. Mistley deserve praise for their part in the game having bounced back from defeat the previous week and pushing Harwich hard for 50 minutes of the game.

With this victory Harwich have made it three victories in the competition in five seasons. Harwich now shift their focus back on to their Eastern Counties 2 campaign with the visit of Ipswich Magpies this Saturday to Low Road hoping to continue their recent good form.

Report by Shane Manning