Epping Upper Clapton vs. Rochford Under 8s, 29 November 2009

Epping started strongly and within 10 minutes a slow to form Rochford found themselves the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline. Soon after some on pitch directives from the coach, Rochford started to string some passing together with good communication and positioning. Though never managing to challenge the Epping try line in the first half, Rochford were making some ground and ensuring no more easy tries were conceded before the break.

…half time Epping (3) – (0) Rochford

After some tough talking at half time from coach Fin, Rochford were charged and ready to rise to the challenge. Rochford applied pressure immediately and within the first two minutes, Edward found acres of space on the nearside sending Blake a long ball to start his run for the try line. With Dalton and Finlay close behind a great individual effort from Blake saw Rochford register their first try.

Two further tries from Epping ensures their dominance of the game, but Rochford dig deep with some surging runs from Matthew and Finlay to gain ground on the opposition. Superb link-up play between Finlay and Toby gave the opportunity for Toby to put daylight between him and the last of the Epping back line.

Toby checks once over his shoulder and strides to the line for a morale boosting second Rochford score.
Rochford find themselves in the ascendancy as repeated periods of passing and calling leaves Epping stunned. Good driving play from Rochford’s Finlay again offers Blake a clear view of the try line, no mistakes here and Blake registers his second of the game. Again Matthew finds weakness in the middle of the Epping line up and drives the Rochford possession forward to set up Dalton with a magnificent individual effort, darting and dodging four Epping players, Dalton scores a stunning try to bring a respectable scoreline within reach for Rochford.

Despite the huge efforts, Rochford start to flag and in allowing two further Epping scores, Rochford have lost the scent. A last gasp try by Dalton set-up by an incisive pass from Finlay and a quick footed move by Edward did much to boost the Rochford confidence again, but sadly the match was lost to a better team. Rochford walked off the pitch, happier than the first period, but knowing hard work lay ahead in the second game if they were to turn over a well drilled opposition.

…final score Epping (8) – (4) Rochford