Based on previous fixtures, this was always going to be a very tight contest. Before kick-off H&D were positioned third in Counties 2 Essex, whilst the visiting Millwall placed in sixth.

The first half was a very even contest. Both teams defended intensely, limiting try scoring opportunities. H&D spent long periods in the Millwall twenty-two but failed to convert possession to points. Both teams had opportunities to kick penalties but decided to kick for touch or run the ball.

Millwall come close to scoring midway through the half, but a try saving tackle from Nemani Ledua stopped them crossing the line. Leeks and Edgar were in strong in defence for the home side, driving the Millwall attack backwards. Whilst Josh Allen’s defence was also outstanding at outside center. Towards the end of the first half, H&D started to take control of the game. Adam Eldridge kicking the ball deep into the Millwall twenty-two. But H&D were still unable to come away with any points. Eldridge looked to have scored before the break, but the Millwall defence held the ball up over the try line. 0-0 at half time.

Both teams continued to organise themselves well in defence during the second half. 55 minutes into the match the deadlock was finally broken when Nemani Ledua scored for H&D. Ledua received the ball on the wing, just outside the Millwall twenty-two. The winger then powered past four defenders to score in the corner. 5-0

As the game went on H&D started to dominant the scrum and lineout putting the visitors under constant pressure. Harley Heema was then held-up over the line, before Eldridge kicked a penalty from in front of the posts, extending H&D’s lead to eight points. 8 - 0
With three minutes left on the clock Millwall kicked a penalty to reduce the points deficit to five. 8 – 3. But H&D were able to control the possession from the re-start and secure the win. Final score Harwich & Dovercourt 8 Millwall 3.

Nemani Ledua and Adam Eldridge were awarded Men of the Match. Ledua for his work in defence and match winning try, which now takes his try tally to four for the season. Eldridge’s kicking from hand was great all afternoon, allowing H&D to play in the right areas of the pitch.

H&D will travel to Basildon next Saturday, 2:30pm Kick Off.