HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT 36

COLCHESTER 29

Friendly

HARWICH just got the better of their neighbours in this friendly.

However, it was a close encounter as both clubs fielded experimental squads.

Both are now looking forward to their summer break with one eye on next season.

It was the home side who started the stronger.

After a period of sustained pressure, Rob Kemp touched down for the first try of the game, which was converted by Shaun Fox.

As both teams tried to establish dominance, Harwich claimed the territorial advantage, thanks to their tactical kicking.

However, Colchester notched up the points with two tries.

Harwich drew level thanks to the efforts of Kemp, once more, as he charged down a clearance kick and touched down to keep it all-square at the halfway point.

Harwich looked much more confident after the restart.

Joe Francis stepped in at ten and played a more expansive game, keeping ball in hand and the visitors on the back foot as they struggled to contain the injection of pace.

This produced three tries without reply, as Colchester suffered from a lack of cohesion.

Matt Green, Francis and Danny Horrigan all crossed the line and there was a single conversion from Nick Falvino.

As Harwich continued to press, throwing everything into attack, Colchester struck back with an individual effort.

They attacked from their own 22, after turnover ball, to close the gap and another quick converted try kept the game in the balance.

With both teams going for the win, the game was an entertaining spectacle for the spectators on the sidelines.

Harwich number nine Josh Jones looked sharp and took the opposition on at every opportunity.

He showed his electric pace, giving the home side field advantage, and his team were rewarded with a further try as George Brunnen and the forwards powered over for the winning try, which was converted by Adam Eldridge.

Harwich had a lucky escape from the final play, when Colchester’s wing crossed the line – only to spill the ball before being able to ground it.

Man-of-the-match was awarded to Elliott Hawkins, following another impressive performance, demonstrating his improvement this season.

This weekend, Harwich’s seniors and youth players are the guests of Haverhill, as the Suffolk side celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first league game.