Harwich stun Colchester at home.

Colchester had not lost all season and had the best attacking and defensive record in the league, so Harwich were definitely the underdogs in this encounter, but were determined to cause a huge upset.

The game started with Colchester attacking with their quick backs and Harwich defending. Harwich's scrum however was causing Colchester some problems and it was from one against the head that Harwich's Shaun Fox cleared down field. After some time in possession Harwich then won a penalty that was converted by Fox for a well deserved 3-0 lead.

Josh Jones came close scoring a try after an excellent 60 metre break but was tackled into touch by a good covering tackle by the Colchester defence.

Harwich continued to frustrate their more fancied rivals who were trying to run the ball from their own line instead of kicking. Excellent tackling from Jack Cairns, Elliot Hawkins and Kyle Hutchins kept Colchester pinned in their own 22.

This frustration caused Colchester to give away two more kickable penalties that Fox converted for a 9-0 lead to Harwich. Harwich then scored a try through George Woodley after Harwich maintained possession and showed excellent handling to ship the ball to the bulldozing prop, the try was unconverted and Harwich went into halftime with a shock 14-0 lead.

The half-time talk from coach Manning was simple, more of the same and stick to the structure in defence and attack.

Colchester came out all guns blazing after the break and immediately put Harwich under pressure. Harwich again cleared their lines through Fox and began to have some possession in the Colchester half. It was from another penalty to Harwich that livewire scrum half Jones took a quick tap to step through the defence and offload to Woodley giving the prop his second try and Harwich a 19-0 lead with 20 minutes to play.

Colchester's superior fitness was starting to take its toll on the tiring Harwich side as they began making several charges at the Harwich try-line. Colchester then scored their first converted try of the game to Gareth Osbourne after he picked the ball up and crashed over the try line from close range, 19-7 to Harwich with 5 minutes to play.

Harwich were really struggling to hold Colchester out but with the cheering home supporters driving them on Harwich looked like they might hold on.

Colchester then had another attack and managed another try to Alex Mitchell from close range but unconverted. This much to the relief of the Harwich players and supporters was the final act of the game as the referee blew the whistle for full-time. Harwich had managed to pull off mission impossible by beating their much more fancied opponents.

Harwich now have another difficult game this Saturday as they play away in the local derby against Mistley, kick-off 2.30pm.
Report by Shane Manning