Harwich and Dovercourt Owls took part in the prestigious Bury 7’s tournament last weekend. Although minus a couple of key players the Owls still fielded a strong squad for the occasion and they didn’t let the club down.

Their first game was against the speedy UEA ladies team but a good defensive structure and excellent counter attacking saw the Owls run out winners 19 - 5. The next game was against rivals Bury Foxes. This required a change of tactics by the Harwich side and despite conceding the first score through an intercepted pass, the Owls dominated the game, scoring five tries in response to win 29 - 7.

This saw the Harwich side move to the main pitches to play their next game, this time against Woodbridge who play a league higher than the Owls. The bigger pitch suited the Harwich style of play. Moving the ball quickly against the bigger opposition soon paid dividends and the Owls had the Woodbridge side pinned in their own half and only last gasp defending on more than one occasion prevented Harwich from posting a much bigger score. At the full-time whistle Harwich were the winners by 19 - 0.

The victory against Woodbridge put the Harwich team into the final. Playing in front of over one thousand spectators, the Owls took the field against a side who solely specialise in playing seven’s rugby and the difference in skill was soon evident. FRN moved the ball quickly and at speed challenging the Harwich defence who were having to work very hard to stem the attacks. When the Owls were able to build attacks they were met by a very physical, defensive wall that they struggled to break down. FRN won the game 29 - 0 but Harwich can take a lot from the game. This was the winners’ smallest winning margin of the day and the Owls certainly made it difficult for them.

Harwich received the trophy from England legend Andy Goode who complimented them on the spirit with which they played.

The squad was: Mimi Montgomery, Sophia Tricker, Abi Cutts, Naomi Dobner, Maisie Green, Beth Lemessurier, Bronwyn Skipworth, Laura Hudson, Courtney Bruner, Ami Humphreys, Poppy Flatt, Lauren Richardson and Yas Amber