Witham Rugby Club were pushed all the way in an entertaining and hard-fought contest against Harwich & Dovercourt Rugby Club, eventually securing a deserved 31–22 victory after a game full of momentum swings.

Harwich made the brighter start, catching Witham off guard in the opening exchanges and crossing early to take the lead. The conversion was missed, but it was an early setback that demanded a response.

Witham reacted well. Luke Standbridge powered over to level the scores, and although the conversion drifted wide, the visitors had settled. On 14 minutes, sustained pressure saw Harvey Clements cross the line, with George Smith adding the conversion to edge Witham ahead.

The contest remained competitive throughout the first half, but Witham continued to make their moments count. On 31 minutes, Harry Lloyd went over to extend the lead. With time almost up before the break, George Smith calmly slotted a penalty to give Witham a strong platform heading into half-time.

The second half proved scrappier, with both sides battling for control. Harvey Clements claimed his second try of the afternoon, and George Smith again converted to stretch the lead to 24–10.

Harwich, however, were far from finished.

Witham were reduced to 14 men and the momentum shifted. Harwich capitalised, crossing to narrow the gap before adding another converted try to bring the score back to 22–24, setting up a tense final quarter.

With the game in the balance and five minutes remaining, Witham showed real character. After a determined defensive effort, they worked their way back upfield and applied pressure in the right areas. The breakthrough came when Harry Lloyd crossed for his second of the afternoon, with George Smith holding his nerve to convert and seal the result.

A match full of back-and-forth exchanges, resilience and big moments — and one where Witham’s composure at key stages proved decisive.

Special credit goes to the scrum, which provided a strong platform throughout, and to Man of the Match Luke Standbridge for his relentless effort, leadership from the front and dominant work in the set piece.

Full Time: Witham 31 – Harwich 22

A performance built on resilience, response and finishing strongly when it mattered most.