HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT II 84

MERSEA ISLAND 0

Eastern Counties League division three south

HARWICH dominated this match and have their sights firmly set on second spot in the table.

They demonstrated a killer-instinct that has been missing in previous seasons.

Despite the tricky conditions, Harwich produced no less than 14 tries, scored by 11 players.

Adam Eldridge, Joe Francis and Dan Farrington bagged two apiece and there was one each for Oly Bray, Sam Jewell, James Cullen, Andy Hanlan, Tom Fitch, Adrian Dalby, Alfie Milne and Simon Pitham.

Kicking duties were shared between Craig Wilson and Adam Eldridge, managing to secure seven conversions between them.

Despite the score, Mersea started the stronger, with their forwards dominating Harwich’s pack.

However, it wasn’t long before the hosts’ pace showed, with Pitham making a decisive break and off-loading to Francis.

Farrington eventually touched down in the corner.

While most of the game was a contest in the middle of the park, Harwich passed the ball freely and were able to amass a solid 38-point lead at the break.

Mersea’s commitment and enthusiasm did not waiver, but it was Harwich who handled the conditions better.

The forwards got the measure of their opposite numbers, creating a solid platform and space out wide.

Fitch and Eldridge, who have had recent spells in the first team, showed how their games have developed by putting in sterling performances in the backs.

They provided a vital link with Guy Williams and Francis, at nine and ten respectively.

Harwich’s man-of-the-match was Francis, following an outstanding performance at number ten.

However, the whole squad were worthy of the accolade.

Harwich squad: O Bray (captain), A Hanlan, M Sanders-Crook, R Wood, I Woodward, S Pitham, S Mills Snr, A Milne, G Williams, J Francis, D Farrington, J Cullen, T Fitch, S Jewell, C Wilson, S Woodley, A Eldridge, C Coyles, A Dalby, A Palmer.