Harwich took a small squad of sixteen who welcomed the challenge to test themselves and take on Mistley who play in the league above together with the Harwich 1st string. With Mistley at almost full strength with a large squad it was always going to take a big performance from the visitors as they stepped out the under-dogs.

It was Mistley who started off the stronger applying constant pressure and it wasn’t long before they crossed the line for the 1st try of the game to the great delight of the home supporters. Harwich continued to struggle with ball retention despite their efforts against a dominant Mistley side but tackled liked demons as they contained the home side advances but were unable to prevent them further extending their lead with an individual try from the No.8 and with only fifteen minutes gone they were starting to look at a cricket score.

Never a team to give up Harwich rallied under skipper Oly Bray as the forwards of Paul Sewell, Shane Manning, Oly Bray, Oly Wingfield, Andy Hanlan, Harley, Sean Mills, Rob Kemp and veteran Michael Scarfe gelled. Stepping up the intensity proving more than an even match for their opposite number and providing a stable platform for scrum-half Josh Jones to release his centres on the offensive.

Jack Cairn playing at No. 10 was full of running as were his centre pairing of James King and Craig Wilson as they made the most of the possession making inroads into the Mistley half and with the forwards cleaning up in the breakdowns Harwich play started to flow as they strung together phases of play and encouraging Full Back Tom Kite forward together with wings Danny Horrigan and Elliot Hawkins on the attack.

As the Harwich attack grew ever closer to the Mistley line the defence became frantic and with that came the penalties and rather than kick for the points to close the deficit the visitors entered into the spirit of the day and ran the ball with every opportunity but were unable to put points on the board before the break and conceded another try despite their effort.

As Mistley rang the changes at half time bringing on fresh legs to the park, Harwich remained unchanged and in buoyant mood as they looked to reduce the 21 point lead accrued by the hosts. It was clear right from the off as they pressured the Mistley defence preventing them from settling and thanks to some quick hands through the Harwich back line saw Elliot Hawkins slice through the defence line to touch down for an unconverted try which was to be the only points of the second half as both teams although very evenly match could not break each other’s defensive lines despite both teams coming very close as they entertained the crowds. Man of the Match for Harwich was awarded to flanker Rob Kemp who continues to improve as the season matures.

Harwich Skipper Oly Bray was full of praise for his teams efforts and commitment during the game again as the squad continues to demonstrate great character in rising to all challenges thrown at them and giving a good account of themselves. Harwich 2’s have no game this Saturday but the first team take on local coastal rivals Clacton in the cup competition as reward for winning the Suffolk Plate competition.

Report by Andy Bray