Ipswich Magpies 12 - 32 H&D

With no wind or rain and a very firm pitch, Harwich were hoping to use the ball and play 15 man running rugby. From the opening exchanges it became apparent Ipswich would be looking to get the ball wide to there fullback who was beating the first defender every time he ran and making easy yards. Harwich managed soak up the early pressure after some good last ditch defence from Robert Edgar and George Brunning. Harwich then began to set up play in the Ipswich half as they slowly found there way into the game. A penalty conceded by Ipswich was kicked by Shaun Fox to get Harwich on the score board after 10 minutes, 3-0. Harwich began to get on top in the set pieces so had a steady supply of ball. With continued attacks at the Ipswich try line it was a matter of time before Harwich scored as the ball was shipped wide to winger Josh Newlyn who dived in the corner to score after several phases. Harwich would continue to be camped in the home sides half with Ipswich only occasionally able to gain some territory. With all of Harwich's forwards taking turns to run at the Ipswich defence, holes were starting to appearing out wide as the Ipswich backs were coming into help there struggling forwards. In a repeat of the first try Harwich's Adam Palmer and then Elliot Hawkens both ran in out wide through space created by the forwards to score 2 tries, with Fox converting one of them Harwich went into the half time break with a commanding 20 points to nil lead.

Harwich player coach Shane Manning asked his side to simply continue playing the same structured game, being aware of Harwich's tendency to switch off in the second half.

Ipswich came out firing after the break as Harwich found themselves on the wrong end of the referee's whistle conceding several soft penalties. With there tails up Ipswich used there big forward runners to hammer the Harwich try line, eventually getting through to score a try and get themselves back in the game. From the restart Harwich refocused and using there dominant scrum and lineout were causing Ipswich to concede possession and territory. As in the first half Harwich forwards Simon Palmer, George Brunning and Josh Leeks continued to throw themselves at the defence. With so many players needed to keep the forwards at bay Ipswich's defence was found wanting out wide again, prop Robert Wood through an excellent skip pass out wide to Robert Edgar who went into score a converted try and restore Harwich's halftime lead, 27-7.

Harwich were soon again hot on attack. Scrum half Lloyd Macphee saw an open blindside and used his tiny frame to slip unnoticed over for Harwich's final try,32-7. With the game becoming a stop start affair as Ipswich had several injuries Harwich went off the boil and let Ipswich have the final score of the game as they crashed over for a try.

Harwich can be proud of there 32 points to 12 win against a strong Ipswich Magpies side. Harwich now have another week off before they play there last league game of the season against third placed Hadleigh at Low Road. Harwich are hoping for a big home crowd for there last game and will set out to try and entertain supporters and finish on a winning note.