Harwich second string having amassed an impressive score tally last week went one step further as they gave this week’s visitors Clacton slim pickings as they amassed an impressive 12 tries and produced yet another display of open free-flowing rugby.

Despite the score line Clacton put in a very credible and committed performance from their young side which left them trailing by only 19 points and very much in contention as much of the opening encounter was contested in the middle of the park with no side being able to establish any real dominance for any length of time.

Tries from Kyle Hutchins, Mark Bowe and Rob Kemp with two conversations from the boot of Craig Wilson Harwich reward for their efforts but were forced to reshuffle after a flurry of injury losing three players in quick succession including influential scrum half and try scorer Mark Bowe hampering proceedings.

The second half was played very much in the same vein as the first, both sides playing very committed rugby and with the ball moving freely about the park it was the structure and experience of the Harwich side which was proving to be the difference as their support play allowed them to string passages of play and establish a rhythm to their game which was hard to contain as Clacton were forced to defend for long periods of time as the points started to come as they produced nine further tries by five different player, Kyle Hutchins completing a hat trick, Eddie Mayhew, Sean Mills Snr., James Gold and Rob Page, Wilson racking up another four conversation, Ian Flook was unlucky not to add to the points tally but found himself being stopped just short of the line but as ever his experience and calming influence on the park proved an important component of the Harwich side’s performance.

Rob Page impressed from the bench as he took up station on the wing coming on from the bench at half time as he continues to improve demonstrating electric pace making the most of the space created out wide whilst showing strength to retain the ball in the contact zone, Damien Smith also made a welcome return to the club following a six year absence in the back row.

Whilst the final score line would suggest a comfortable win, it was anything but as the Clacton side to their credit competed throughout the whole eighty minutes making Harwich work for every point and did come up with a consolation try which was little reward for their efforts on the day.#

Captain Oliver Bray was pleased with yet another good performance from the side and the team ambition to play open fifteen-man rugby.
This week Harwich 2s have a week to rest before closing out their league season with a trip to Halstead Templars.

Report by Andy Bray