Mistley 15 - 12 H&D II

As the two clubs converged on Furze Hill this Boxing day for their annual festive fixture to compete for the Thorn Cup there was an air of anticipation as Mistley once again looked to overturn their Neighbours at Harwich and looked like favourites as the they turned out in mass to press the home advantage against a mixed Harwich contingent.

Mistley started the strongest advancing with intensity and pace making their intentions clear, pinning Harwich back in their own half of the pitch as they soaked up the pressure. Patiently the visitors bided their time and it wasn’t long before opportunity presented itself as against the run of play they took the lead, breaking from deep for their first venture into the opponent’s territory with strong running from Gareth Sanders-Crook breaking the gain line and leaving Lewis Williams in space to evade the remaining defence to touch down in the corner, Craig Wilson converted splitting the post from the touchline.

Despite the set-back the hosts continued in the same vein with the big men hitting up and keeping Harwich on the back foot and although coming close to the line they were unable to penetrate the organised defensive line, Mistley man Steve Betts did managed to cross the line only to spill the ball thanks to the visitor’s commitment.

Harwich whilst playing under constant pressure were starting to make inroads into the games as they countered with number and pace demonstrating slick hand skills and strong running lines in contrast to Mistley more agricultural methods as they turned the tables and defence into attack as they started to play rugby in the right section of the park, causing the Mistley defence to rock with the pressure.

Feeling the intensity of the Harwich advances Mistley’s defence looked fragile giving away a long line of infringements as they tried to contain the advances eventualy leading to a yellow card as they tried the official patience, reducing them to fourteen men.

The visitors continued to play open rugby pressed their numerical and territorial advantages to further extend the lead as Fullback Adam Eldridge hit the line from deep leaving the defence in his wake before offloading to wing Ryan Boyne to drag the defence over the line to touch down, Wilson was unlucky with the conversation as he hit the upright only for the ball to ricochet wide.

Mistley introduced John Vine into their centre line who’s quality was to prove to be the undoing of the visitors as he produced two individual tries to keep the home side with two points, leaving the game very much in the balance.

As the game played out Mistley discipline let them down again as the tight head prop demonstrated some unnecessary footwork not likely to been seen on strictly? Reducing his side numbers once more as they received the second yellow of the game but his side rallied to produce an un-converted try for a narrow lead against the run of play, forcing Harwich to chase the game which they did with great gusto as they came close to equalise being awarded a penalty in front of the post to draw level which sailed wide.

Mistley dug deep to hold onto the lead and secure the win and the silverware to their delight.