AFTER losing to Braintree in their opening game of the Essex League season, Harwich and Dovercourt travelled to Witham and romped to their first win, 81-0.

They got off to a cracking start when full-back Adam Eldridge finished off a sweeping move to score in the corner.

This was quickly followed by a try in the same corner by Heeney, playing on the right wing.

Eldridge was in for his second soon after, but Fox was struggling with the boot and missed all three conversions, making the score 15-0.

Number eight Simon Palmer, in his first game of the season, scored closer to the posts to assist Fox, who duly converted.

Wing forward Brunning then scored a quickfire brace, the second from 40 metres out with a sublime step and acceleration to leave the defender chasing thin air.

Fox converted both tries.

During this period, Harwich's forwards were completely dominant, winning every lineout and disrupting the Witham scrum.

Despite this, Harwich became guilty of some handling errors, costing them further points, and their impatience allowed the opposition to gain some territorial advantage.

However, their defence remained well organised, preventing the hosts from scoring.

The second half saw Harwich reassert their dominance and this time their discipline ensured they remained in control of the game.

Inevitably, Eldridge again made it over the line as he cut some fine running lines to burst through Witham's defence.

Fox converted, taking the score to 43-0.

George Woodley, normally a prop but starting at outside centre, latched on to some good passing in the backs and forced his way over the line.

This was followed by a sweeping move from the Harwich back line, giving winger Adam Palmer the opportunity, at last, to show his devastating pace to score under the posts, giving Fox an easy conversion.

Adrian Dalby, enjoying his rugby, was instrumental in several of the three-quarters' tries and managed to bag a try of his own.

This led to another simple conversion for Fox.

Simon Palmer, to celebrate his birthday, forced his way through the defensive line and dashed over the line to score his second of the afternoon.

Following more good work in the backs, Rob Page was sent sprinting away and would have scored but for a head high tackle.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, making the conversion a formality for Fox.

Harwich entertain Burnham-on-Crouch next Saturday (3pm).