BRIGHTLINGSEA 29

HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT II 14

Eastern Counties League division three south

HAVING been out of action since mid-December, Harwich’s second string donned their boots again to take on coastal rivals Brightlingsea.

However, they produced a rusty, hit-and-miss performance and were powerless to stop the hosts boosting their promotion challenge.

Harwich started the stronger of the two teams, retaining ball possession from the kick-off and shipping it through hands.

However, one of their passes was intercepted by the home defence and they ran in unopposed for a converted try.

Harwich’s heavier and more experienced pack dominated the scrums early on.

They were able to make good ground, with powerful running from Sandy Sanders-Crook, Mike Cowley, Richard Miller, Richard Woods, Robert Wood, Nick Logie, Dave Southgate, Andy Hannan and Sean Mills.

All linked up well and relished the physicality of the game, giving the visitors territorial advantage.

Contesting a scrum inside the Brightlingsea 22, Harwich’s dominance showed as they won the ball against the head, giving number eight Miller a strong platform to break from the back and force his way over the line.

Craig Wilson split the posts to restore the status quo.

The visitors were keen to maintain their momentum and continued to push.

However, they had little time on the ball, as the Brightlingsea defence pressured them and pounced on any mistakes.

They were able to regain the lead with two further unconverted tries before the break, as Harwich were punished for an uncharacteristic high number of missed tackles.

Brightlingsea started the stronger from the restart and were able to extend the lead with another try.

Their young forward gave Harwich’s pack the runaround in open play to break the gain line.

Harwich also suffered the loss of influential lock Richard Woods, as he fell foul of the referee and received a yellow card.

Harwich battled hard but, with fatigue setting in and Brightlingsea full of running, they could not stop the home side’s advances as they secured a further converted try.

Harwich dug deep, playing for pride, and raised a brutal assault on the Brightlingsea line.

Their forwards battered their way forward over the line for Nick Logie to touch down, with Wilson converting to close out the game.

Despite the ups and down of the Harwich performance, Harwich skipper Oliver Bray says the team are full of character and will build on the positives aspects in next week’s encounter when Harwich’s second team are at home to Stowmarket (kick-off 2pm).