H&D 14 - 20 Kings Cross Steelers

A busy clubhouse gathered to watch what was to be a feisty and entertaining game of rugby. The home side were led on to the pitch by Match Day Mascot, Ruben Oakley.

Harwich & Dovercourt had a hold on possession early on. Finding themselves camped in the visitor’s half. Hooker Oly Bray looked to have opened the scoring after crossing the line but was held up by the covering Kings Cross Steelers’ defence. Disappointingly, the home side failed to convert possession into points during his period. Letting the visitors off the hook.

Kings Cross Steelers then started to get into the game and test the H&D defence. At this point the home side started to concede multiple penalties, which eventually ended in the referee sin-binning two H&D players at the same time. With Oly Bray and Nemani Ledua off the pitch, H&D played the remainder of the half with 13 players. From the resulting penalty, Kings Cross Steelers scored the first try of the afternoon. Carrying over from five yards out.

The home side continued to work relentlessly with 13 men and their efforts were rewarded when Hayden Cowley crossed the line for H&D. Adam Eldridge converted the kick. 7-8 at Half Time.

The second half continued to be a very stop-start, scrappy game. H&D’s penalty count continued to rise, and the pressure mounted on the home side. Due to further injuries in the forwards, H&D were forced to play with 14 players, and it wasn’t long before Kings Cross Steelers extended their lead scoring a well-deserved try. 7-15.

With 20 minutes on the clock H&D could have easily thrown in the towel. But as in previous weeks, the side showed great desire to compete and stay in the game. H&D played at a fast tempo, moving the ball wide and stretching the visitors’ defence. Fly Half, Adam Eldridge then scored and converted a try, taking the score to 14-15. With ten minutes to play.

The game now very tense, with both sides wanting to earn the win. Kings Cross Steelers were reduced to 14 men, after receiving a sin-bin. Shortly after, Nemani Ledua was then shown his second yellow card of the match.

With the home side down to 13 men again, and the players now out on their feet. The visitors made good use of the space available to score the final try of the afternoon. Final score Harwich & Dovercourt 14 - Kings Cross Steelers 20. Although the home side picked up a losing bonus point after playing periods of the game with 13 players. The players and coaches will be disappointed to have not come away with a win.

Man of the match was awarded to Cameron Clark. H&D now have a week’s rest, before returning to action on 15th October, when they travel to Bancroft.