The game was true to form, with the game remaining scoreless after 15 minutes despite both teams threatening the opposition try line. Defenses were on top. Unfortunately, H&D then sustained a yellow card, seeing Andrew Sterry sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. However, the home side remained strong, and the 14 men were able to keep the game scoreless.

Twenty-five minutes into the game, Harwich & Dovercourt linked some amazing passages of play together, with interlinking ball play between both forwards and backs, seeing Ben Moore go over for the first score of the game, converted by Samuel Parker. 7-0. Harwich were now on top and continued as such, with Samuel Parker shortly after following up with a penalty kick, leaving the score 10-0 to the home side.

Stanford-le-Hope did not take this lying down and saw the clash of two great sides, with responses from both teams exchanging scores. The visitors dotted down two converted tries, while Samuel Parker converted a try for H&D. Half-time score: 17-14.

The second half was underway, and Stanford-le-Hope started well with a try. 17-21. Unfortunately, likely feeling the toll of the physical first half, Harwich & Dovercourt found themselves falling short of being able to turn positive play into points. Stanford-le-Hope hit back again with a penalty kick, leaving the score at full-time 17-24.

The game was an entertaining battle between two great sides. Unfortunately, the home side fell just short. Man of the Match was awarded to Zak Keeley for his unbelievable work rate and physicality. This Saturday, H&D travel to Billericay RFC, who sit 2nd in the league.

Report by Lewis Williams