Harwich Win Local Derby

Mistley had a mixed side of local players and 5 Fijian players from the Colchester barracks so Harwich had to be at the top of their game to claim victory and secure second spot out-right in the league.

The game started at very a fast pace. Mistley trying to use their size and strong running Fijians to break down the Harwich defence and Harwich moving the ball at pace.

The first points came after 10 minutes when the ball was spun wide to Adam Eldridge who managed to crash over in the right corner to score his first 1st team try for Harwich, the try was unconverted, 5-0 to Harwich. The second try came five minutes later when Kier Blacker released the ball wide to Josh Jones who out-paced his opposite winger and covering fullback to score under the posts, try converted by Shaun Fox, 12-0 to Harwich.

Some ill discipline by Harwich fullback Nick Faliveno saw the player yellow carded. This did not stop Harwich though, with the Harwich forwards not to be out done by their backs then scored a fantastic try to prop George Woodley from a well executed lineout move, converted by Fox, 19-0 to Harwich.

Harwich weren't done and after several phases Robert Edgar scored a great team try to finish off the half with the score at 24-0 to Harwich.

The start of the second half saw Mistley come into the game using their big running forwards to gain field position, this combined with Harwich giving away several penalties at the ruck gave Mistley momentum and they scored a try through their prop which was converted, 24-7 Harwich.

The rest of the half saw both sides trying to crack the others defence. Harwich with their superior fitness were able hold out the Mistley side to record a well-deserved win and secure out-right second in the league. Harwich now turn their focus to Felixstowe who are having a mixed season but have been coming into some form as of late winning their last two games.

Report by Shane Manning