Aldeburgh v Harwich & Dovercourt II
18th January Harwich
Result: Harwich 36 - Aldeburgh 28
Progress and a Bonus Point
A match played in a good spirit continued the great progress made by Aldeburgh in the new year and was rounded off with a bonus point try.
With a bright sun shining low into Aldeburgh's faces in the first half, on a sodden pitch, in places a quagmire which made scrummaging difficult and with only 15 players it could have been a difficult start. However, Harwich offered to help out if needed, a spirit which permeated the whole game.
Aldeburgh received from the kick off, took the play into Harwich's half and kept it there until Jake Hateley scored the first try after five minutes, converted by Rupert Clogg. Harwich fought back and, although Aldeburgh had the measure of them in the scrums, managed to get the next try in the 18th minute but did not convert. Despite conceding another two tries in the first half, Aldeburgh's spirits remained high. Half time score: Harwich 17 Aldeburgh 7.
Although Aldeburgh kicked off the second half with the sun on their backs, they conceded another two converted tries in quick succession. Nevertheless, Aldeburgh fought back, Callum Goodwin scoring in the 51st minute (to add to his unacknowledged try last week). Rupert again converted. Caught off guard at the kick off, Aldeburgh allowed Harwich to barrel through for an unconverted try which turned out to be their last score.
In the 60th, John Hunt went over, again converted by Rupert. After much back and forth play, Jake Hateley got a second try in the last minute followed by a cracking kick from Rupert for the conversion.
Probably the best performance of the season gave a four try bonus point, narrowly missing out on a losing bonus point. Ed Robson at No 10 was man of the match for his excellent kicking game.