Harwich & Dovercourt 1st XV started their Counties 2 Essex league campaign against Old Brentwoods on Saturday. Due to pitch conditions on the Low Road field, the match was moved to Colchester RFC. Playing on an artificial surface. H&D named debutants Reubin Campbell and Mike Squire in the match day squad.

After ten minutes Old Brentwoods opened the scoring with an un-converted try (0-5). Debutant Second Row, Reubin Campbell levelled the score for H&D shortly after, with Adam Eldridge converting (7-5). After taking the lead H&D started to dominate possession. Strong ball carries from Props Gary Perkins and Josh Leeks created space for H&D to exploit. George Brunning took advantage of this, crossing the line for an unconverted try, (12-5). H&D then extended their lead further before half time. Sean Mills and Tom Kite combining well off the back of a scrum,

before moving the ball to Nemani Ledua. The winger went on to out-pace the covering defence and score in the corner. 17-5 at half time.

Old Brentwoods started the half brightly, testing the H&D defence during the early stages of the second half and were rewarded with a converted try (17-12).

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Winger Ledua was shown a yellow card. H&D showed great resilience during this critical period. Adam Eldridge and brothers Owen and Hayden Cowley making outstanding breaks through the the Old Brentwoods backline, putting H&D on the front foot. Still down to 14 men, H&D scored their fourth try of the afternoon. Owen Cowley, crossing the line for a well deserved try, scoring on his return to H&D. 22-12. Now ten points ahead and with Ledua returning to the field, H&D stayed composed to see out the bonus point win.

Thanks to all those who travelled over to support and to Colchester RFC for their hospitality.

Harwich & Dovercourt will look to build on this performance next week, when they travel to Canvey Island, 3pm Kick Off.

Team Photo
Back Row - L. Williams (head coach), M. Squire, J. Allen, N. Ledua, A. Eldridge, S. Pitham, J. Leeks, P. Sewell. O. Bray.
Front Row - H. Cowley, O. Cowley, T. Kite, G. Brunning, S. Mills (c), A. Morton, G. Perkins, J. Mulligan, R. Pitham, R. Campbell