Colchester III/IV 19 - 38 H&D

Harwich travelled to Colchester on Saturday for their penultimate pre season warm up game. It was a typical September afternoon in the countries oldest town and the Harwich side knew that this was going to be a tough afternoon for all involved, but none more so than the recently invigorated prop forward, rob Kemp, AKA 'The Kraken'.

It is fair to say that the rugby facilities at Colchester are amazing and certainly laid the foundation for some flowing delightful rugby, and no one more so than 'The Kraken' were looking forward to playing on the new artificial pitch.

Straight from the start, Harwich came out of the blocks firing with some strong forward carries, and providing some quick ball for the backs to unleash their skills, with some impressive footwork and guile shown by Miles and Moore (A good accountancy name coincidentally). Both sides were clearly keen to put on strong performances and although some resolute defense was on show from Harwich, the Colchester team put together some impressive phase play to score the first try of the game.

'This is going to be a long day' thought Kemp, but actually he and the Harwich team picked themselves up straight away and went back on the attack generating some fast ball and forcing the home team into multiple penalties. This gave Josh 'The Head' Leeks the chance to go over the line, only to have been ruled to be held up surprisingly.
Harwich continued to attack and were rewarded with a try through some smart play through the middle of the park to then score a well deserved try.

Both sides, now more settled into their game plans continued to press and test each sides tackling and it was at this moment that 'The Kraken' struck by charging down a Colchester clearing kick allowing Harwich to get a score to take the lead.

Colchester came back very strongly towards the end of the first third of play scoring another try in the corner after some strong defense from Harwich.

With both sides making some changes, the second period began in much the same way that the first had finished. Strong forward carrying resulting in some blistering play from the Harwich back line to go over under the posts. That was pretty good thought Kemp!!!

Harwich continued to pressure the home side scoring another well worked try in the corner after some strong ball carrying from Woods and Warren. (coincidentally a good name for a pub!!)

Colchester however were not keen to be outdone on their home ground and scored a powerful try of heir own through the forwards not long after.

Leading into the final period of play, again both sides made changes to ensure everyone got a good level of rugby and with the towering presences of Sewell and 'The Kraken' back in the fray, Harwich looked to apply further pressure to the Home side.

Colchester found themselves camped in the Harwich 22 for a significant period of play, but were unable to break the final defense, with especially effective tackling coming from the better Pitham, resulting in a quick turnover and Andrew 'Speedy Gonzalez' Sterry outpacing all of the Colchester defense to score a marvelous try under the posts.

Both ides continued to press all over the pitch and coming close on a number of occasions, Harwich finished the scoring with another break away try with Sterry again finishing in the corner.

At this point 'The Kraken' was heard pleading with the ref to blow the final whistle and the ref, hearing the poor sea beasts plight duly obliged, giving Harwich a very satisfying win over some incredibly tough and skilled opposition.

After the game Captain for the day Leeks said that it was such a gritty and determined effort by all 26 players and he was so proud to have been a part of it. 'The Kraken' was unable to comment due to lack of breath.

Man of the match went to David Castleman for continued effort and playing on the edge of the rule book to secure possession and some strong ball carrying.

Harwich next host Mistley at Low road on September the 4th in a local derby and the last of their pre season warm up games.

Report by Robert Wood