Canvey Island 10 - 25 H&D

Harwich & Dovercourt travelled to Canvey Island, looking to build on last weekend’s bonus point win against Old Brentwoods. H&D made a handful of changes from the previous week’s squad. With special mention to Adem Osman, making his debut for H&D.

The two sides locked horns for the opening ten minutes, with the game being played in the middle of the pitch and possession evenly shared. But it wasn’t long before H&D started to gain the upper hand. Twenty minutes in to the game, the visitors moved the ball from wing to wing. Forwards and backs combining well to give winger Andrew Sterry space to exploit and score his first try of the season. Adam Eldridge converting the kick. 0-7

H&D dominated possession for the rest of the half, but failed to cross the try line. With two or three clear try scoring opportunities missed, this could have been an afternoon of ‘what could have been’ for H&D. 0-7 at Half Time.

Canvey Island come out fighting and had H&D on the ropes during the opening ten minutes of the second half. The home side scoring a well-deserved try, when the forwards crossed the line from close range. 5-7

This was a pivotal period in the game for H&D, as injuries to Leeks, Edgar and Squire lead to the majority of the pack playing out of their regular positions. But, an unconverted try from Nemani Ledua increased the visitors lead and helped settle any nerves, 5-12.

A fantastic solo try from Full Back, Hayden Cowley soon followed. Extending the visitors lead to twelve points, 5-17.

Fly half, Adam Eldridge increasing the visitors lead shortly after, converting a penalty kick. 5-20.

Convey Island then bounced back, scoring a well worked try from the scrum set piece. The two centres combining well and crossing the line. 10-20.

Both sides also picked up yellow cards during the second half, adding more twists to this entertaining contest. Tighthead Prop, Sewell earning himself a ten minute rest, after putting in a solid shift for H&D. With 5 minutes left on the clock H&D went after the try scoring bonus point and were rewarded after playing some expansive rugby. Wingers Sterry and Ledua combining well. Sterry assisting Ledua for his second try of the afternoon and sealing the win and bonus point for H&D.

Final Score Canvey Island 10 - Harwich & Dovercourt 25.

Man of the Match - Adam Eldridge

Harwich & Dovercourt will now look forward to next Saturday when they host Kings Cross Steelers, 3pm Kick Off. This will be the 1st XV's first match of the season on the Low Road, all support welcome. Clubhouse open from midday.