MISTLEY 15

HARWICH AND DOVERCOURT II 12

Thorn Cup

THESE rivals met in their annual Boxing Day showdown and it was Mistley who claimed the bragging rights after a 15-12 victory at Furze Hill.

There was an air of anticipation beforehand as the hosts looked to overturn their neighbours again and they turned out in force against a mixed Harwich contingent.

Mistley started the stronger, advancing with intensity and pace and making their intentions clear, pinning Harwich back in their own half as they soaked up pressure.

Patiently, the visitors bided their time and it wasn’t long before an opportunity presented itself when, against the run of play, they took the lead.

They broke from deep for their first venture into Mistley territory, with strong running from Gareth Sanders-Crook breaking the gain line, leaving Lewis Williams in space to evade the remaining defence and touch down in the corner.

Craig Wilson converted, splitting the posts from the touchline.

Despite the setback, the hosts continued in the same vein, with their big men hitting up and keeping Harwich on the back foot.

Despite going close, though, they were unable to penetrate the organised defensive line.

Mistley man Steve Betts did manage to cross the line - only to spill the ball, thanks to the visitors' commitment.

Harwich, while playing under constant pressure, started to make inroads as they countered with numbers and pace, demonstrating slick hand skills and strong running lines.

They turned defence into attack as they started to play rugby in the right section of the park, causing the Mistley defence to rock with pressure.

Feeling the intensity of Harwich's advances, Mistley’s defence looked fragile, giving away a long line of infringements, eventually leading to a yellow card and reducing them to 14 men.

The visitors continued to play open rugby and pressed their numerical and territorial advantages to further extend the lead.

Full-back Adam Eldridge hit the line from deep, leaving the defence in his wake before offloading to wing Ryan Boyne to drag the defence over the line and touch down.

Wilson was unlucky with the conversation as he hit the upright - only for the ball to ricochet wide.

Mistley introduced John Vine into their centre line and his quality was to prove the undoing of the visitors.

He produced two individual tries to keep the home side within two points, leaving the game very much in the balance.

Mistley's discipline let them down again as their tight head prop received the second yellow of the game.

However, his side rallied to produce an unconverted try for a narrow lead, forcing Harwich to chase the game which they did with great gusto.

They went close to equalising and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts to draw level but it sailed wide.

In the end, though, Mistley dug deep to hold onto the lead and secure the win and the coveted silverware.