Together with a sprinkling of youth at the other end of the spectrum in the guise of brothers Ben and Adam Eldridge in their first senior game together with Ben Jones and Rob Page as the seasiders continued to integrate their youth into the senior game.

Harwich were dominant from the whistle putting the University side on the back foot which brought them an early try after the backs demonstrated quick hands shipping the ball wide to pace man Adam Palmer to cross the line for his first try of the day, conversion was slotted over by Man of the Match Adam Eldridge.

The visitors were in confident mood and continued to apply pressure as they dominated the park with the forwards providing a solid platform giving the centres marshalled by Ben Jones the opportunity to run the ball, leading to James Cullen running a strong evasive line to secure another early try, unfortunately the conversion was out of Eldridge range this time.

The heavier and more experienced Harwich pack were dominating the scrums with Richard Miller re-acquainting himself with front row etiquette and found themselves producing a powerful running game as they found space in open play. Richard Miller, Sandy Sanders-Crook, Mike Cowley, Rob kemp, Richard Woods, Ian Woodward, Ben Eldridge and Sean Mills relishing the opportunity to string phase play and inter passing with the backs together stretching the home sides defence creating the opportunity for Adam Eldridge to cross the line for his first try of the day.

Harwich Scrum half Lloyd McPhee made a welcome return to the side and was able to provide the vital link between forwards and backs to ensure quick distribution of the ball which enabled Adam Palmer to secure two further tries out on the wing demonstrating great finishing awareness as he continues to show great form this season, Adam Eldridge with a simple conversion.

Despite Essex University commitment and tenacity they were struggling to retain the ball allowing Harwich to dominate territorially it was only a matter of time before Harwich further extended the lead having been awarded a penalty in the University 22 it was the old head of veteran Richard Woods taking the penalty quickly for Rob Kemp to power his way over for a try.

When the home side rallied towards the end of the half they looked dangerous as they recycled the ball with speed venturing deep into the Harwich territory and looked like scoring only for the defensive tackling from Vice Captain Sam Jewell and his team whilst frantic at times was enough to stem the advances, turning defence into attack saw Harwich on fire winger Adam Palmer show a clean pair of heels to further extend the lead with a converted try.

Harwich’s focus and intent was clear for the second half was to keep their shape and further extend the significant lead at it wasn’t long before No.8 Mike Cowley showed his experience as he muscled his way through the defence to touch down for another seven points.

The home side continued to contest hard but couldn't stop Palmer from collecting his fifth try with a pass interception leaving the defence in his wake after which he made way for Rob Page to make an appearance as he returned from injury putting in some try saving tackles as the home side camped close to the Harwich line.

University continued to demonstrate great team spirit and did manage to get themselves on the scoreboard with their number 12 crossing the line for an unconverted conciliation try and were unlucky not to get a second for their efforts were it not for the resilience of the Harwich team defence, but not before the Harwich Fullback Adam Eldridge added a further seven point to his day’s score tally.

Side-lined Harwich Skipper Oliver Bray was pleased with the overall team performance and discipline throughout the game as his side climbed the league table to fourth following their performance this week.

This week Harwich travel to coastal rival Clacton in the league, KO 2.00pm.

Report by Andy Bray