Epping Upper Clapton vs. Rochford Under 8s, 29 November 2009
Match report by Matthew Lyon and Steve King Epping start the second game as they started the first, good passing, forward running and tight. This time Rochford were ready and defend doggedly 4 yards from the try line to keep Epping at bay. Excellent ta
The Epping forward-runs finally penetrate the Rochford line to give first blood to Epping. A slow restart from Rochford gives the home team further advantage and a dazed Rochford find themselves again 2 – 0 down to the home team. Good support play again from Edward and Toby sees a late starting Rochford feed the ball to Blake on the wing. A change in direction appears to catch Epping unaware and a great solo sprint from Blake wrong foots four Epping players to score his 3rd of the game.
The pressure on Epping is short lived and a further two tries from the home team ensure their dominance is felt again. Rochford were not prepared to give up yet. A slick pass from Finlay at the restart sends Edward on a driving run at the Epping line-up. Edward finds a small gap and drives for the try line. Strong defence from Epping curtails the move and Edward is forced into touch despite great back up & positioning from Matthew & Dalton.
A unforced knock on from Epping hands Rochford a great position, an inspired individual effort from Dalton sees Rochford register a second try for the game and keep the score line just two adrift at the interval.
…half time Epping (4) – (2) Rochford
Despite some tired and despondent faces, coach Fin finds the words to lift his team for one final push. No matter what the result, Rochford will take much from this game to the next training day on Saturday.
Rochford start well with yet another driving run from Matthew who turns quick once tagged to keep the passage of play moving via a short pass to the ever present Finlay.
The move suffers another rain induced knock on and from the restart Epping dominate a 10 minute period of play which puts the game well beyond the reach of the Rochford warriors. One more superb try from Blake provides only consulation to a well beaten Rochford. The weather did nothing to donate advantage to the away team and it was fitting that the last determined strive for the line was delivered by the home team.
A spirited period of congratulations signified the decency of the Rochford team, gracious in defeat, but now determined to fight hard to learn from the result. Well done Rochford and unlucky this time!
…Final score
Epping (7) – (3) Rochford
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