HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club’s second team organised a tournament at Low Road.

The side completed their league fixtures several weeks ago, securing a very credible fourth-place finish in what has been a transitional season, blooding younger players into the senior game.

However, they were keen to keep their boots on and extend their season up to the traditional closing dinner and dance, which is taking place tomorrow night.

Second teams from Halstead, Clacton, Mistley and Hadleigh converged at Low Road and braved the uninviting April weather, as the heavy rain came down and cold temperature prevailed.

To all the clubs’ credit, the day was well-attended.

All entered into the spirit, making the most of the heavy pitches and weather conditions to produce an entertaining day of rugby.

There were closely-contested games throughout, with narrow scorelines – much to the spectators’ delight and disappointment as they watched their team battle for bragging rights.

Proceedings were halted for a period and the players’ spirits were dampened towards the end of the day, following an injury to Harwich’s Robert Edger.

It ended with an ambulance trip to hospital and all wish him well for a speedy recovery.

The final game was between unbeaten Clacton and hosts Harwich, whose squad had only lost a single game and needed to win to take the tournament.

Clacton’s superior strength made a difference in the end, though, settling a close final, as they finished the tournament undefeated and deserving champions, with the hosts taking second spot.

Harwich will play their traditional captains’ and presidents’ game tomorrow, before attending their end-of-season awards dinner-dance to close out the season.