HDHS Year 7’s travel to Colchester for the Essex and Suffolk Rugby League Championship playing against 9 teams across Essex and Suffolk. The first game saw Harwich up against Colne. Harwich were quick to score with a try from Lex Walls from close to the Colne line. Superb support play and good ball distribution from Captain Sam Parker led to winger Michael Keeley crossing the line in the corner for Harwich’s next score. Continued pressure and strong running from the forwards opened up the Colne defence and Lex Walls was able to power through for his second. The last of Harwich’s 4 tries came from hooker Kobé Ayling who’s quick feet and agility allowed him to scoot around the side of a ruck for a touch down. Final score HDHS 16 Colne 0.
The next match was against a very strong side from King Edwards Grammar school. Strong defensive play from Harley Cipov and Jack Clover kept Harwich in the game. Quick thinking and fast footwork enabled Kobé Ayling to score two tries with the Grammar school adding their own late in the game. HDHS 8 KEGS 4
The final match of the pool stages saw Harwich up against Stanway, despite a poor defensive display from Harwich they were able to hold Stanway out of the game and Lex Walls scored the only try of the game. Being undefeated put Harwich through to the finals against a well drilled side from Finborough. Finborough were just too strong for Harwich and were able to run in 4 unanswered tries. A superb effort to make the final undefeated. Man of the Match went Kobé Ayling with runners up Thomas Stacey, Harley Cipov and Jack Clover.
Harwich side – Kobé Ayling, Harley Cipov, Jack Clover, Thomas Stacey, Jack Desmond, Sam Parker, Ryan Birch, Lex Walls, Harvey Harris, Kian Rawson, Danyel Dobrin, Charlie Smith, Michael Keeley, Korbin Burdis, Josh Reason.
