Harwich convincing away at Stowmarket

Another win was vital to keep the pressure on league leaders Colchester.

Harwich kicked off just as the rain began to fall and put pressure on the home side. With the front row of Robert Wood, Rob Kemp and veteran Paul Sewell dominating the scrums, Stowmarket were finding it very difficult to clear their ball as their scrum was being pushed all over the park. It was from one of these dominant scrums that Harwich won a penalty, the ball was kicked into the corner, from the resulting lineout the Harwich backs ran at the Stowmarket try line and created quick ruck ball for George Brunning to score the first try of the day. The try was converted by Shaun Fox for a 7-0 lead.

Harwich then began showing there class with hard running from forwards Josh Leeks, Alex Cullen and Kyran Green. With quick ruck ball, and despite the wet conditions two tries were scored by 17 year-old Josh Newlyn in the right hand corner after some slick handling by the Harwich backs, with one of the tries converted Harwich were 19-0 up after 25 minutes.

Stowmarket then had a period on the Harwich try line but were unable to cross with flanker and stand in captain Jack Cairns putting in some big tackles. Harwich were then able to clear their lines. With more quick ball, live-wire scrum-half Josh Jones then stunned the Stowmarket defence by out-pacing their outside backs to score under the post and repeat the feat 5 minutes later, with Fox converting the first try, Harwich went into half time 31-0 ahead.

The second half was not as one sided as the first and Stowmarket began to enjoy some field position and some time in possession. Harwich found themselves camped in their twenty two and had to absorb wave after wave of Stowmarket attacks.

With Sam Male and Shane Manning providing some fresh legs Harwich were able to clear their lines. Harwich had become disjointed and drifted away from their game plan, this combined with the rain caused for a scrappy first 25 minutes of the second half. With senior players Fox, Sewell and Manning directing play Harwich got back on track and ran in three more tries.

Green scored after running through some tiring defence. This was followed by Tommy Kite scoring in the left hand corner after a flowing backs move. Brunning then grabbed his second after some inter-passing amongst the Harwich forwards. Fox converted the last try which signaled the end of the game and Harwich ran out 48-0 winners.

Harwich will be happy with the bonus point win but frustrated at not being able to play for the full 80 minutes. Harwich now have a week off with the rugby world turning their attention to the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia. When they resume league action they will be playing host to Ipswich YM and looking to continue on their winning ways.

Report by Shane Manning