H&D kicked of the 2023-24 season in the Counties 2 Essex (North), by hosting South Woodham Ferrers. Special mention to Brad Durrant, making his debut for the H&D 1st XV.

The home side started strongly with a good 20 minute period , camped in the South Woodham Ferrers. But a few silly mistakes and cheap penalties cost the home side coming away with points. The home side were strong in the scrum and their driving maul was very dominant. Winger, Nemani Ledua broke the deadlock before half-time, beating three or four defenders and running in from 40 meter. Lewis converted, giving H&D a seven point lead at half time.

The second half started in the same fashion with H&D looking good and putting pressure on the visitors. This resulted in a try for Josh Leeks. Leeks crossed the line after a few close phase of play from the H&D pack. Williams again converting, 14-0

At this point the game turned and the home side conceded far too many penalties from continual offsides and infringements for tackling. This let South Woodham Ferrers back into the match, the visitors taking an easy penalty. 14- 3. H&D struggled to gain momentum and test the South Woodham Ferrers defence and the visitors continued to attack well, resulting in two converted tries. South Woodham Ferrers were now winning, 14-17, with just a few minutes left on the clock.

It looked as though H&D had one last chance to win the game by going to the corner and having a driving maul which the referee called as held up. From the resulting goal-line dropout, Tommy Kite caught the ball on the wing, passing the ball to Adam Eldridge. Eldridge then went on to beat four defenders and cross the try-line in the corner. The final whistle followed the conversion, with H&D winning the game 19-17. Man of the Match was awarded to Adam Eldridge for a solid all round performance and superb match winning try.

H&D now have a week off, before hosting Clacton on Saturday 30th September, 3pm kick off on the Low Road.

Report by Josh Leeks