Writtle travelled the short distance to Witham for their league match. In good conditions for rugby Writtle were looking to get their league campaign back on track, still struggling with injuries, it was a welcome return for Fraser Battye after a long layoff.
The game started well for Writtle gaining lots of possession and probing the Witham defence. Numerous attacked into the home sides 22 came to nothing as mistakes by the visitors let Witham exit the danger zone. Writtle were reminded of thé Witham attack when the home side speedy winger broke and was tackled just short of line, and with their fly half having a canon for a boot, they were pushed back. Eventually Writtle put together a good phase resulting in Harry Duddridge crossing for the first try, James Gresty added the extras. Writtle we’re now gaining momentum and attacked again, when it looked like Writtle we’re about to add to their tally an inception, when a try was begging, saw the Witham winger sprint the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Writtle regrouped and continue to press, again another mistake by Writtle lead to a Witham scrum, a successful scrum saw their no8 pick and go and slip an inside pass to his teammate to again dot down under the posts. 7-14 to Witham.
Second half saw Witham play with a bit more belief and started to put some phase together. Writtle defended well and started to get the advantage in the line out and scrum. With this Writtle still found it hard to break down the home sides resolve, a sin binning for Writtle added to the pressure. But the forward pack still cause problems for the Witham scrum. Eventually Writtle again put together some phases and continual pressure saw Fraser Battye score from a successful drive and maul. With Writtle now back to 15 men the final 10 minutes were frantic, Writtle put more pressure on Witham who were defending hard, a break by Writtle saw Witham concede a penalty within range. James Gresty stepped up and slotted over giving the lead back to Writtle and for the tightest of wins. Witham can feel very disappointed that this game slipped away but Writtle must take the positive that they keep going until the end.