A thrilling match and a big occasion that saw the lead change several times.
The game kicked off and it was clear that both sides were up for it with several big hits flying in straight from the start. It was a good 10 minutes before either side could break through with Phillip Morant building pressure and reaping the rewards with the first try coming through some well worked forward play.
Harwich were quick to retaliate with good yards gained from winger Bradley Stanford and Centre Tommy Palmer lead to a strong run from Andrew Bird. Bird drove to the line set up a ruck and Floyd Barker picked up from the back and drove through four players to touch down. The first half finished even with one try a piece.
The second half kicked off and again the game ebbed back and forth as each team tested the others defence, the tackles were ferociously flying in with Joe Taylor making several try saving tackles.
Excellent rucking from Charlie Cockburn and Harrison Mann lead to Harwich camping on the Morant line. From the strong field position Zachary Keeley drove through and touched down to give Harwich the lead with less than 10 minutes to go.
Harwich defended well throughout but the experienced Morant team (who have not lost a game in three years) started to pull through and some excellent offloading and inter-passing lead to them scoring a well worked try to draw the match. With 4 minutes to play Harwich were tiered and Morant looked comfortable from the kick off Morant made a fast break down the left hand side of the field and despite several valiant tackles Harwich could do little to prevent the winning try.
A great day out and a performance to be proud of.
