HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club’s Owls won a prestigious Sevens festival at North Walsham.

They were a force right from the start and saved their best until last, sweeping to a 52-0 victory in the final against Woodbridge.

Captain Mimi Montgomery was later named player-of-the-tournament, putting the icing on the cake.

Ironically, the Owls started as underdogs as they were up against three teams who compete in higher leagues.

However, from the first whistle, they showed they were a force to be reckoned with.

Playing an expansive style of free-flowing rugby, Harwich showed excellent handling and running skills to put favourites Woodbridge Amazons on the back foot and quickly open a 15-0 lead.

Although they conceded a second-half try, the Owls went into their second game full of confidence.

Again, they started quickly against Lakenham Hewitt and strong running and quick passing saw a couple of tries for the Owls.

The opposition tried to apply pressure but solid defending and strong tackling kept the Harwich team on top to win 29-5.

The last pool game against Wymondham showed the Owls at their best.

Quickly shifting the ball wide and using the extra pace they had on the wings, Harwich ran in six unanswered tries to win 36-0.

The semi-final was a repeat of this game, ending in an Owls victory of 38-0.

The final was against Woodbridge and Harwich dominated from start to finish, playing their best rugby of the day to run out 52-0 winners.