H&D 03 - Maldon 19

With a cold wet day on the cards, the conditions were always going to play their part, although both sides decided to put on a wonderful game of rugby, even with the weather as it was.

Harwich started the game kicking off to the Maldon forwards and it was clear from the first collision that both teams were here to provide a very physical match, with the Harwich defence putting the league leaders under pressure from the off.

The first 10 minutes of the match saw Maldon building into their phase play and taking the action to the home team, but the Harwich defence met the attack with feverish and physical defence to repel the attacks of the travelling team.

Harwich also had some opportunity of their own to attack the visitors, and putting together some good forward carrying of their own, were able to release their backline to good effect, but neither side were going to let a score go past without a fight and the Harwich attack broken down.

After some strong forward rucking, the Maldon attack was able to breach the Harwich defence and a strong carry from the Maldon Centres allowed some front foot ball, giving the travelling side the first score of the game making the score 0-5.

Again, from the kick off, Harwich went on the attack ieven i defence and were not allowing Maldon to get into their rhythm, and this was evident as the pressure started to generate some mistakes from the travelling team. Harwich, keen to pounce on any mistakes made, continued to attack the Maldon line, but again were unable to come away with points.

Both sides continued to throw bone shuddering tackles into each other and the half closed with no further scores, but plenty of bruised bodies from the first half.

With the weather now easing, Maldon started the second half and straight from the off made their intent clear. Strong physical direct running from their forward pack, with some deft handling to offload the ball in contact allowed them to breach the Harwich defence again and go over for a converted try 0-12.

The feverish pace continued from both sides, along with the physicality and this was apparant in the injuries coming from the physical punishment.

Harwich continued to press the Maldon line and with some good flowing rugby of their own, found themselves attacking the Maldon line once again, but again the travelling team showed why they are top of the league. With relentless defence, they were able to hold the Harwich attack and turn the ball over to release the pressure by clearing to mid field.

The Harwich back 3, picked the ball up and attacked once again and catching Maldon on the back foot were able to generate a penalty of their own which Fly Half, Ben Moore, was able to convert from 45 metres. 3-12.

Maldon went straight back on the attack and with 15 minutes remaining were able to work the ball wide and make good yards down the pitch. With further strong rucking and forward pressure, they were able to break down the short side and breach the Harwich defence again and score in the corner which was converted making the score 3-19.

Knowing a bonus point victory was now on the cards, Maldon continued to attack the Harwich line, but yet more tremendous defence kept the travelling side at bay, and Harwich continued to generate turn overs and pressure of their own, but again were unable to find the clinical part of their game to generate more points.

The game finished 3-19 and both sides could walk away proud of their performances after a cracking game of rugby in the rain.

Harwich 1st 15 have a week off next week, but Harwich 2nd team welcome Maldon 2nd team to the Low road pitch for a 2 pm kick off on the 15th of January.

Report by Robert Wood