Felixstowe II’s v H&D II’s

It’s was the host Felixstowe looking sharper at the start securing an early try out wide as they demonstrated there pace but were unlucky not to get the conversion as the ball hit the uprights in the blustery conditions.

Despite the early set back Harwich remained calm and settled into the game with the usual old heads in the pack complemented with the return of John Skargon back from injury and Craig Mowle back in town after a long absents reacquainted himself with forwards etiquette where stringing together phases of play as the enjoyed the lion share of the possession it wasn’t long before they drew level and then passed the home side with two tries of their own, the first being score by young wing Ryan Boyne who touched down in the corner for his first senior try thanks to his committed support play

Danny Horrigan is quickly adjusting to life in the centres having made the transition from the wing his speed and strength evident as he consistently makes the gain line which created the second try, Adam Eldridge converted to take the lead.

Harwich scrum half Guy Williams was in uncompromising mood giving no quarter in the tackle was making his presence felt until a knock to the face took him out of the game and off to hospital and is now likely to mess most of the remainder of the season, forced to re-shuffle with Craig Wilson coming on at No.10 and Shaun Fox filling in for Guy Williams the visitors momentum stuttered give Felixstowe the opportunity to regain the lead with two converted tries following a couple of way wood kicks.
Regaining composure the Harwich forwards and backs linked well as they launch their offensive on the Felixstowe line which was proving a tough nut to crack until Harwich were award a penalty 5 meters out and with Mike Cowley using all his experience slipping out wide unnoticed he was able to cross the line in the corner for the easiest of tries.

Felixstowe soon consolidated the lead for a further try as the half time whistle drew close, but didn’t take account of the pace of Harwich winger Rob Page who gathered the ball in his own half to cross opposition territory untouched and with Eldridge converting put both teams level at the turn round 24 apiece.

From the restart the home side started the smartest caught Harwich napping and were able to produce yet another try following a kick through and foot race to the line as the two side continued to battle there was little to separate them as both team battled on but with fatigue setting in following the pace of the first half so where the games starting to immerge and it was the pace of Felixstowe on the front foot that created the next try with the Harwich eventually running out of defenders.
The Harwich centre combination of Chuck Henney and Danny Horrigan and later Chris Coyle’s work hard as the pack set up solid possession for them to launch the offensive and linked well with the forwards in open play resulting in big lock Jim Hayter taking ball in hand to touch down for a converted try, Eldrige slotting the ball between the uprights.

Harwich gave Young Charlton Wheelie his first run out for the club as he impressed on the wing and was unlucky not to find himself on the score sheet, coming close on a couple of occasion as the sea siders forced the play in the their efforts to secure the victory as Felixstowe extended the lead with a break away converted try there was nothing else to loose throwing caution to the wind went all out attack camping themselves deep in the oppositions half, with a line out on the five metre line it was Felixstowe securing the ball only to be turned over by Mark Green and the Harwich forwards for No.8 Richard Miller to muscle over and take the try.
Harwich continued to apply pressure and pushed to the wire but were unable to get that last crucial score leaving Felixstowe deserved winners on the day as the defence held out.

Harwich man of the match was a hotly contest honour with a host of candidate with Captain Oliver making an unlikely first appearance of the season following surgery as he donned opposition colours to make up numbers in the front row, Young Ben Eldridge who put in a solid performance jumping two in the line and in open play in the back row, Veteran Sean Mills senior who’s enthusiasm for the game shone through as hit put the youngsters to shame beating them to the break down time and time again as he lead from the front but the honour was awarded to Craig Wilson following his outstanding performance as he get back to his best.
This week Harwich 2’s are at home in the league to neighbours Colchester