HDHS had two sides in the North Essex Schools finals at Colchester Rugby Club with both the Year 7 & 8 sides dominating in the costal schools leagues making their way through to the finals. Year 7s were first in action with a match against Thurstable. Harwich dominated from the start and a rampaging run from Harley Cipov led to a Harwich try almost from the kick off. Harley then came provider as he again pushed forward and was able to set Lex Walls away for the first of his 3… tries. Further tries came from Sam Parker who made an excellent break down the left hand side of the field to score in the corner as Harwich continued to dominate. Ryan Birch was inspired in the middle of the park both steeling opposition ball and putting his team mates into space with good off loads. Final score HDHS 30 Thurstable 0.
Next game was against TTC. A strong performance from Harwich who were pushed by good counter rucking from Tendring. Harwich again started the game strongly with Walls scoring 2 quick tries through strong direct running in the middle of the park. Jack Clover provided a resilient display the front rower taking several big hits in efforts to purse the ball. Shae Shoedine showed his flair and strength powering his way through TTC to score HDHS next try. Walls then added his third to stretch the lead. With a few minutes left on the clock Thomas Stacey broke the TTC defensive line and accelerated through for a great solo try. Final score TTC 0 HDHS 25.
The final match saw Harwich face an undefeated side from St Helena, a superb contest with both sides refusing to give an inch. St Helena gained a good field position from dominating the breakdown and were first to score. HDHS pushed them back and great passing play from Kobé Ayling and captain Sam Parker stretched the St Helena defence making space for Lex Walls to score again. With the game poised little could be done to break the deadlock and the sides were forced to share the spoils at joint winners of the North Essex Championship.
HDHS 5 St Helena 5. Man of the match went to Jack Clover with runners up Kobé Ayling, Lex Walls, Ryan Birch and Shae Shoedine.
Harwich side
Jack Clover, Harley Cipov, Josh Reason, Ryan Dykes, Korbin Burdis, Sam Parker, Shae Shoedine, Thomas Stacey, Harvey Harris, Danyel Dobrin, Nathaniel Gardiner and Ryan Birch.
