MALDON II 40

HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT II 19

Essex Second XV Cup

HARWICH bowed out of the cup after losing at Maldon.

The hosts started the stronger, playing a high-tempo game as their forwards ran hard and straight.

Harwich were up to the task, though, as possession ebbed and flowed in the centre of the park.

Maldon then built up a head of steam to bulldozer over the line for two unconverted tries in quick succession.

The only saving grace was that the hosts had left their kicking boots at home, as they failed to split the upright all afternoon.

While solid in the forwards, Maldon were a little less effective in the centres as Harwich tested their defence, exposing fragility in the middle of the park.

They exposed the gap when James Cullen broke free and although not quite able to make the try-line himself, he managed to offload to full-back Sam Jewell to touch down. Craig Wilson converted.

Harwich continued to press out wide and Dan Johnson went close after making a break in midfield - only to be stopped close to the line, shortly before taking a knock and having to leave the park to be replaced by James Shingler.

As the halfway point approached, Harwich suffered a cruel blow, receiving two yellow cards within as many minutes, losing flankers Matt Green and Guy Williams.

While their pack were giving a good account of themselves, they struggled in the set play and missed the familiarity that Richard Woods and Mike Cowley give, as well as the experience of prop Mark Sanders-Crook.

However, Harwich did welcome back prop James Mann from injury and newcomer Willem Smith, who dug deep to help maintain the status quo at the break.

Two men down, Harwich's defence was always going to be stretched and Maldon built a strong lead.

Harwich battled on, despite the setbacks, and thanks to a charge down, scrum-half Ciaran Johnston was able to score his first try for the club to round off a great performance.

Harwich finished the game with only 14 men as replacement flanker Josh Edwards was sinbinned.

However, playing only for pride, they had the final say as flanker Matt Green ran from his own half, leaving wing Lewis Curley for the run in and Wilson converted.

On Saturday, Harwich's second team make the short trip to Essex University.