Once again they were greeted by a well drilled Colchester side that were quick to put points on the board with an unconverted try thanks to some strong running and support play as Harwich ran out of defenders.

Harwich where unfortunate not to offer a quick reply from a scrum close to the try line, the forwards taking control driving forward over the line only for No.8 Rob Wood to be adjudge to knock on as he went to ground the ball, despite the disappointment Harwich continued to compete as they dominated possession and territory eventually turning into points as James Cullen strong running was able to break the defence thanks to the efforts of his fellow backs, Henry Cooper, Sam Jewel and Simon Keen, who demonstrating good pace and crisp handling skills to keep the hosts on the back foot.

Despite Harwich having the lion share of possession Colchester always looked dangerous and were also able to counter attack at pace with numbers which resulted in two further unconverted tries to regain and extend their lead.

Harwich stalwart Richard Woods managed to get on the score board, rewarding his fellow forwards efforts in the scrum, as the set play broke down close to the Colchester line Woods emerged with the ball driving forward with Jon Skargon powering over the line for his try.

Harwich Full Back Craig Wilson had a successful half with the boot converting both tries as his side trailed by a single point at the half way point with all to play for.

Colchester put Harwich to the sword at the restart thanks to a strong bench which produced an injection of pace which the visitors struggled to contain and it wasn’t long before they further extended the lead despite some resolute defence.

Despite the pressure Harwich remained defiant, the introduction of Joe Francis at full back was working as he pressed forward at every opportunity giving a solid platform to hold the oppositions advance and give Cullen opportunity to produce another try to round of his day’s performance.

Trailing Harwich where hit by a number of injuries losing Cooper, Skargon and Crook-Sanders which didn’t help the cause, but as they settled they finished the stronger of the sides by which time it was game over having conceded three further tries.

Harwich man of the match was awarded to Birthday Boy Rob Wood.

Captain Oly Bray was proud of his team efforts and the spirit shown again, we came with intent to play and put our stamp on the game which produced a great team performance as well as fine individual display’s but Colchester were too strong over the eighty minutes which is why they top the table.
Report by Andy Bray