Pegasus Palmerians 21 – 53 H&D

H&D travelled to face Pegasus Palmerians in the second round of fixtures in the Counties 2 Essex Shield - Pool A.

After a close encounter earlier in the season, which saw H&D narrowly beat Pegasus Palmerians by four points. H&D knew that they had to be at the races to avoid defeat. The game was open from the get-go, leading to two early tries for H&D wingers Nemani Ledua and Alex Morton. Setting the tone for the visitors.

With the game being very loose, H&D played frantically at times, trying to force the ball too often. Pegasus had a good spell on possession mid-way through the half and were and were rewarded with two converted tries. Hayden Cowley then extended the visitors’ lead before halftime, scoring a fantastic individual try from within his own half.

H&D were fast out of the blocks, going into the second half and playing in a much more controlled manner. Three H&D tries scored by Eldridge, Cowley and Sterry dented any hopes of a second half comeback from the home side.

Jack Huggett and Zach Keeley put in standout performances in the H&D pack. Huggett was immense in attack and defence. Whilst Keeley’s workrate and support play was outstanding. Eldridge and Huggett increased the visitors’ lead with further tries. Credit must go to Pegasus Palmerians, who continued to threaten the visitors’ defence and deservedly scored their third try of the afternoon.

Hayden Cowley topped off a great individual performance by scoring the last try of the match and completing his hattrick, before the final whistle. Lewis Williams converted four of the nine tries to give H&D a 21 - 53 victory at the final whistle.

Man of the Match was awarded to Jack Huggett for a stand out performance in the second row.

Next Saturday H&D face Canvey Island at home, 2:30pm Kick Off.