Andrew Grimes Shield

Both of whom are not unfamiliar with one another in league action as they locked horns again in the aid of charity. Organised by the Halstead club to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Charity and Taps a local Charity providing transport for sick children to Hospital saw the inaugural game for the Andrew Grimes Shield.

Harwich travelled with a mixed side for the day with Simon Woodley playing his first competitive game for the club, Richard Miller and Marcus Turner also turned out for the first time this season following long absences.

The visitors started the stronger but were unable to convert possession into points as the Halstead defence stood firm as both sides settled into the game.

There was little to choose between the teams and it took great awareness and foresight by the Harwich Full Back Sam Male who spotted a gap and chipped through for Matt Green to chase and collect to run the ball in for a try which was converted by Male.

Harwich did extend their lead with a further try out wide when they showed good line speed moving the ball through the hands leaving Craig Wilson to release Adam Palmer on the wing to touch down for an unconverted try to consolidate a slender lead.

James Cullen came close to increasing the visitors lead only to run out of steam just before the line allowing the home defence to swallow him up as they continued to play with great commitment, creating opportunities of their own coming within touching distance of the Harwich line which was proving impregnable. That was until they won a turnover ball on the their five meter line which saw Halstead break with pace to outstrip the defence for the try of the day and fair reward for their effort.

The Green brothers of Kyran and Matt both put in outstanding performances which were rounded off when they linked in open play leaving Kyran with the honour of touching down to add to the Harwich score tally.

Man of the Match was awarded to Matt Green following an impressive all round performance by the young flanker.

The day was rounded off with a game of touch rugby which enabled Andrew and his family and friends to participate on the field, after which all adjourned back the pub for a well-supported auction event.

Whilst Harwich emerged victorious on the day the real winners were the Charities after the clubs raised nearly £700.00 in what is to become an annual fixture on their calendars.

Report By Andy Bray