Mistley II 27 - H&D II 22

Harwich and Dovercourt RUFC’s 2nd team were on the road on Saturday to face Mistley RFC for the first round of the Suffolk Bronze Cup. The intermittent rain made it a perfect day for a well contested game but did not make the H&D support shy away as they travelled in great numbers. There was an added element of excitement to what was already expected to be an exhilarating cup game with H&D having 8 previous colts (B. Durrant*, T. Callen*, F. Garwood*, P. Mann*, M. Mccue, T. Moore, B. Smith*, L. Warren), 5 of which were debutants plus front row debutant C. Allen*. (Debutants*)

H&D started strong with Lee Durrant scoring the first try off the back of a fantastic driving lineout, showing that even as the visitors they were not shying away from the competition. H&D we’re unable to add the extra 2 points with a challenging conversion from the left touchline. (Score 0-5)

Mistley did not allow for the H&D score to go unanswered with a quick return score. Capitalising off of a H&D error off of the kick off with the wet conditions making retaining the ball more challenging than usual. Mistley were too unable to add the points with their conversion. (Score 5-5)

This would soon show to be the trend of the next 2 try’s with H&D being awarded a penalty try for their second. However, the home team responded well with 2 try’s but missed out on the converted points. (Score 15-12)

After some motivational half time words of wisdom, both teams reconvened ready to go back into battle for another 40 minutes of exciting rugby. With some well structured changes, Mistley were able to construct 2 try’s throughout the well fought 2nd half with their number 10 being able to add 2 extra points, converting 1 of the 2 try’s. But not without H&D showing they were not shying away from the home team with a responding score through F. Dyer. Unfortunately H&D were not able to add the extra points with conversion. (Score 27-17)

H&D showed heart and played with the passion they had displayed throughout the season, not giving up until the final whistle. H&D were rewarded with a well constructed try, scored by B. Smith, with the previous H&D colts and now senior debutants, showing their creativity and vigour to end the game with an exciting score. Unfortunately unlike H&D’s drive and ambition, the time ran out seeing the game end 27-22.

Voted by the coaching staff Forward MOTM was previous colt T. Callen, as a result of his display of physicality and fearlessness in both attack and defence. The Backs MOTM was young flyhalf M. Mccue who showed an amazing level of skill as he puppeteered H&D throughout the 80 minute contest. As always Mistley RFC were amazing hosts and as expected the players put on a spectacular display of heart and skill. Good luck to Mistley RFC who will now progress onto the next round of the Suffolk Bronze Cup.

Report by Lewis Williams