Owls finish as runners-up at prestigious GKIPA Sevens tournament

Although minus a couple of key players, they still fielded a strong squad and didn’t let the club down.

Their first game was against the speedy UEA ladies.

However, a good defensive structure and excellent counter-attacking saw the Owls run out winners 19-5.

The next game was against rivals Bury Foxes.

This required a change of tactics by Harwich and, despite conceding the first score through an intercepted pass, the Owls dominated the game, scoring five tries in response to win 29-7.

This saw the side move to the main pitches, to play their next game, this time against Woodbridge, who play a league higher than the Owls.

The bigger pitch suited Harwich's style.

Moving the ball quickly against their bigger opposition soon paid dividends and the Owls had the Woodbridge side pinned in their own half.

Only last-gasp defending on more than one occasion prevented Harwich posting a much bigger score.

At the full-time whistle, they were 19-0 winners.

The victory put Harwich into the final, against FRN.

Playing in front of over 1,000 spectators, the Owls took the field against a side who solely specialise in playing sevens rugby and the difference in skill was soon evident.

FRN moved the ball quickly and at speed, challenging the Harwich defence, who were having to work very hard to stem the attacks.

When the Owls were able to build attacks, they were met by a very physical, defensive wall that they struggled to break down.

FRN won 29-0 but Harwich can take a lot from the game.

It was the winners’ smallest winning margin of the day and the Owls certainly made it difficult for them.

Harwich received the trophy from England legend Andy Goode, who complimented them on the spirit with which they played.

The Harwich squad consisted of Mimi Montgomery, Sophia Tricker, Abi Cutts, Naomi Dobner, Maisie Green, Beth Lemessurier, Bronwyn Skipworth, Laura Hudson, Courtney Bruner, Ami Humphreys, Poppy Flatt, Lauren Richardson and Yas Amber.