H&D 20 - 12 Bancroft

It was clear that the weather was going to play a pivotal part in the game and whatever side played the conditions the better would likely prevail.

From the initial kick off Bancroft gathered the ball and went straight on the attack through some strong forward carrying to put the Harwich defence under pressure. Harwich knew that the away side had come to play!!

After some strong scramble defence the Harwich back line were able to break free with the ball and went on the attack themselves. A strong carry to the line to half break the tackle allowed Ben 'The Body' Moore to offload to an onrushing Sean Mills to dive over the line for the first try of the game.

From the kick off Harwich were back on the attack, and trying to play some of the expansive rugby they have been aiming for, although conditions resulted in a number of handling errors and the ball being turned over, it was good to see the intention to play from the outset.

Some hefty collisions were now occurring in the middle of the park and with an almighty clear out at ruck time from returning veteran prop, Paul Sewell, the ball was able to be recycled quickly to be passed wide for Moore to score himself.

Not to be outdone from the kick off the Harwich forwards again took the ball to the line and a youthful Simpson rolled back the years to carry into the opposition 22 once again. Unfortunately the ball was knocked on and turned over but it was clear Harwich were looking to play quickly.

Bancroft held their defensive line well and were able to repel the remaining attacks from the Harwich side and were then rewarded with some good work of their own working the ball upfield nd then opting to kick a penalty to the corner.

The resulting lineout led to a strong lineout drive from the travelling team to pin Harwich back and move the ball 15 metres in the maul to go over in the corner for their first score of the game.

Half time came and saw both teams taking a well earned rest in a fiercely contested game.

With the first kick off from the restart Bancroft recovered the ball and attacked the Harwich line. Through some good play they were able to breach the defence again and score a second try which was converted making it 10-12.

Clearly incensed by this, the Harwich side were back to it with some good carrying up front from Leeks and home debutant Hugget who continued to offer options to run the ball.
From these strong carries the ball was released to Moore and on to returning centre Morton, to perform some magically footwork to put the defence under pressure only to provide the ball to Keeley to score Harwich's 3rd try of the game and making the score 15-12.

The game then spent a bit of time in the midfield with both teams trying to take hold of the contest, but with conditions worsening it was becoming more difficult to handle the ball.

The home side were able to start generating some pressure and even in defence were beginning to force the travelling Bancroft side back. From a clearing kick under pressure, the ball landed in the hands of Moore and showing some of his skills he was able to work through the defence to score himself again in the corner making the score 20-12.

The final whistle came a few minutes later giving Harwich a much needed home win in front of a great crowd in poor conditions.

Harwich next entertain Barking side at home, 3:00 pm kick off. The second 2nd XV also have a home fixture, facing Felixstowe.

Report by Robert Wood