Epping Upper Clapton vs. Rochford Under 9s, 29 November 2009

Rochford made a great start to this game, pinching the ball from an Upper Clapton maul, and passing out for Chris Hastings to run through and score the opening try. The heavens then opened, and both teams did well to continue through some horrible conditions.

Upper Clapton were starting to get into their game, which was essentially to get the ball to their loosehead prop and for him to bulldoze across the line supported by their maul. Using this tactic soon brought them level to 1-1, but Rochford were playing some good attacking rugby, and were soon ahead again, with another try from Chris H.

The first half finished even at 2-2, with Upper Clapton mauling well and levelling right on the whistle, but Rochford were holding their own by usually pushing them into touch and getting the throw. The second half though was mostly one way traffic. Upper Clapton's mauling was pushing the boys back continually, and we seemed unable to tackle around the legs and bring our opponents to the ground.

Despite our best efforts, the game finished with a 3-6 loss, with the 3rd Rochford try,again coming from Chris Hastings, being really only a consolation.