With both Harwich and Colchester coming into the fixture on the back of two successive wins, the meeting at Wick Lane was an eagerly anticipated early-season contest. Mild conditions once again made for a day of attacking rugby, but it was defence that would ultimately prove decisive. Colchester began the stronger, putting Harwich under sustained pressure during the opening stages.

For much of the first 15 minutes, Harwich found themselves pinned close to their own try line. Colchester looked certain to open the scoring when they created space in the corner, only for Owen Potter to produce a crucial try-saving tackle and force the knock-on.

The pressure eventually told on 20 minutes. Quick thinking from the Colchester scrum-half saw him tap a penalty around ten metres from the Harwich line and catch the defence off guard before going beneath the posts. The straightforward conversion gave the visitors a 0-7 lead and left Harwich behind on the scoreboard for the first time this season.

Harwich responded well and gradually began to establish themselves in Colchester territory. A promising attack saw the ball moved wide with the try line in sight, but an unforced error brought the opportunity to an end.

Their persistence was rewarded five minutes later. After several phases close to the Colchester line had stretched the defence, Owen Potter picked from the base of the ruck and forced his way over from close range. Captain Sam Parker added the conversion to level the scores at 7–7.

As the first half wore on, Harwich grew into the contest and began to apply increasing pressure. On 30 minutes, Paddi Hawkins powered over from the base of another ruck to give Harwich their second try of the afternoon. Parker was again accurate from the tee, sending Harwich into the interval with a 14–7 advantage.

Half-time: Harwich & Dovercourt 14 - 7 Colchester A’s

Harwich looked to build on their lead after the restart, but it was Colchester who once again started on the front foot.
A line break followed by a grubber kick offered one of Harwich's few attacking opportunities of the second half, but the kick ran beyond the supporting runners.

Instead, the second period became an examination of the Harwich defence. Colchester spent long periods camped close to the Harwich line, but the host’s repeatedly held firm as the visitors searched for a way through.

That resistance was finally broken in the 74th minute when Colchester crossed for their second try of the afternoon. The conversion was missed, leaving Harwich clinging to a narrow 14–12 advantage.

The closing minutes brought further pressure. With fatigue setting in and Colchester pushing for the winning score, Harwich conceded a succession of offside penalties inside their own 22.

With time already expired, Colchester were handed one final opportunity to snatch the victory from the kicking tee. The penalty attempt looked to have the distance but grazed the outside of the post, bringing the contest to a dramatic conclusion and securing a third successive victory for Harwich.

Final score: Harwich & Dovercourt 14 - 12 Colchester A’s
After convincing wins over Woodbridge and Halstead in the opening two rounds, this was a very different test for Harwich. Their ability to withstand prolonged pressure and defend their line proved decisive in a closely fought contest.
Harwich now face arguably their toughest test of the season so far when they travel to unbeaten Thurston Rangers on Saturday 17th October, who sit top of the table following an emphatic 102–7 victory last weekend.