Harwich rise to the challenge

Harwich made the trip to Sudbury knowing that only a win would do. With both teams being in a confident frame of mind a tight game was expected but Harwich showed their class and experience to win 31-7.

In near perfect overhead conditions Harwich received the kick off and from the start of the game both sides showed their respective game plans. Sudbury were running the ball at every opportunity using the quick outside backs, Harwich using their stronger forwards to try and out maul, scrummage and ruck the Sudbury pack.

Sudbury were conceding frequent penalties which enabled Harwich fly-half Sam Male to continually kick his team downfield. Harwich were choosing to keep the ball tight and maul at every opportunity. From 10 metres out Harwich won a lineout and set up a driving maul, with Sudbury's forwards in retreat player/coach Shane Manning was driven over the try-line for the first try, Male adding the extras.

From the restart Harwich were on the march again. With more penalties conceded Harwich found themselves camped on the Sudbury try-line. Captain Josh Leeks chose to keep the pressure on and turned down a certain 3 points instead opting for a 5 metre scrum. It proved an excellent decision from the young Captain, with the Sudbury scrum back-peddling, powerhouse Simon Palmer picked up from the base of the scrum to drag 3 defenders over to score a converted try, 14-0.

Sudbury were attacking at every opportunity, from everywhere on the pitch but some excellent defence from Kyle Hutchins, Elliot Hawkins, Josh Newlyn and  Jack Cairns kept them scoreless. With halftime approaching the Harwich forwards were hammering the Sudbury line, with so many defending players needed to keep the visiting pack at bay gaps appeared out wide, scrum-half Kier Blacker released the ball and after some fast handling, young winger Newlyn went over to score, making the halftime score 19-0.

Harwich had played their best half of rugby this season. Coach Manning's halftime chat was simple, just more of the same, repeat the first half performance and the victory was theirs.

Harwich restarted the game by forcing a Sudbury knock on. This gave Harwich early field position and they went on the attack again. Sudbury's players were defending very well but again the pressure on their line opened up space elsewhere, with the ball going wide flanker Robert Edgar stepped through two defenders to score and Harwich had a four try bonus point.

Sudbury continued to attack, running the ball from everywhere, this however lead to them making mistakes and they were unable to change their game plan.

Harwich however were not done. The backs using a simple move got the ball wide to Adam Palmer on the left wing, showing his own great pace he ran around the Sudbury defence to score an excellent team try. With the score now at 31-0, the game was lost but Sudbury to their credit played until  the end and managed a try of their own after swooping on a wayward pass from the Harwich forwards to score a well deserved, converted try. This would be the last act of the game and Harwich had an emphatic 31-7 victory.

Harwich have a home fixture next Saturday against a tricky Stowmarket side, hoping to carry on their excellent form.

Report by Shane Manning