"Drill Sergeant" tests the Rams more than Upminster !

Rochford had a lot to prove to themselves today, having lost the last 3 games to flukes, debatable decisions (the opinion of the reporter, not the club) and appalling weather.
The game was delayed due to a no-show from the Ref, Simon Watkins changed and was ready to jump in at the last minute as he is often willing to do (thanks Simon). However, the Drill Sgt ... er sorry, 'Ref' duly arrived and the game got under way.
Upminster kicked off and very soon the Rams knew they had a game on their hands. Within ten minutes 'fourteen' penalty's were awarded to the away team and this set the tempo for much of the game. John Johnson was yellow-carded for hands in the ruck and spent the next ten minutes watching from behind the posts.
Upminster collected the ball and drove down the touch line, an infringement by the attacking side went unnoticed by the Ref (but not by the numerous spectators watching). Rams naively waited for the whistle to blow but were sorely disappointed and watched as an Upminster player took advantage and ran in their first try under the posts, this was then converted. Home team 0 Visitors 7.
Mike O'Connor, in the starting line up for the first time in two seasons stood in at fly-half in the absence of Dave Isaacs (away on domestic duties ?) kicked off. The play went to and fro but Rochford started to show some spirit and upped their game, good play between forwards and backs had the Rams pushing up the field. Wally McAlpine and Macca McCready played well together in the centre and soon the Rams were only a matter of yards from the opposition try line. Yet another apparent "infringement" gave the ball back to Upminster and soon they were back in the Rochford 22. Mike O' got the ball and trundled forward, nearing the half way line he put boot to ball and sent it flying into the Upminster 22. The fullback caught the ball but was stopped in his tracks by Mike O' who was following up his kick but managed to off load to his team mates. What happened next is a mystery, especially to the Ref(?) who, having seen nothing of the incident called Mike O to one side, pulled out a RED Card and gave Mike O his marching orders, leaving everyone mystified ???
The Rams really had a fight on their hands now. Simon Ashton went into the vacant fly half position and Jonny Johnson; now back on the pitch, went into scrum half. To say Rochford stepped it up a gear would be an understatement. The whole team pulled together and very soon had two tries both of which were converted. Rams 14 V Upminster 7. This was how the first half ended.
The second half got under way and Rochford still had the wind in their sails and the smell of a victory in their noses . . . unfortunately the Ref seemed to have other ideas. A multitude of 'off-sides' from the visitors backs and 'coming in from the sides' from their forwards went unnoticed by the ref. The game swung back and forth, Rams playing well then Upminster giving it their all, the game was anybodies.
Rochford cracked on and this time it was the turn of two of the 'Ashton Clan', Simon and Adam to set the game alight. Simon kicked and passed the ball and kept the game flowing. Adam tackled hard and ran the ball into the opposition at every opportunity. This was Adams first senior game and the try he scored was well taken, well worked and well deserved. Simon, not wanting to be out shone by his kid brother slotted over the conversion to take his tally to 3 from 3 kicks. Rams 21 Upminster 7.
Not long remained now and Upminster were throwing everything into attack. Rochfords fourteen players kept them at bay but eventually Upminster seized their chance and scored, this was converted and the score stood at 21-14.
The next player to shine was Chris Morgan. Chris still carrying a niggling injury ran the ball brilliantly past the visitors and over the try line then with a dive and a wave to the crowd (not showing off really?) scored under the posts. Simon then converted with ease. 28-14.
The away team now started to make numbers tell and with a few of the Rams carrying injuries Upminster applied the pressure. With the clock running down and the nerves of the Rochford supporters on the brink of shattering Upminster came back with another converted try.
Was this going to be another upset for the Rams after playing nearly sixty mins with only fourteen players?? The answer came after an agonising five minutess of defending and yet more defending......NO !! After 80 mins of faaannnntastic rugby Rochford emerged victorious ! Final Score on the Refs card 28 - 28 ???
Errrr . . . Final score after a little word, RAMS 28 UPMINSTER 23 !
Thank you to the following;
Upminster III's for a keenly fought game, hampered by a keenly blown whistle. Simon Watkins for being ready to jump in at the last minute. Neil Freeman, Lee La Roche, Simon and Adam Ashton for all your efforts. Hope you all enjoyed your time with the Rams. A BIG hand to ALL the Rams for your "GLADITORIAL" efforts and a well deserved win.
I wish to send my apologies to ALL the Rams and the Club for my reckless actions on the pitch that led to my sending off. (I will collect my drinks at a later date). [Is this a cough Mike ? - Editor]
My "Man of The Match" goes to Johnny Johnson, who, after getting the Yellow Card out of his system and changing to Scrum Half played like a man possessed. This was also mentioned to me numerous times after the game by other players. WELL DONE John. Johns 15 minutes of fame comes with a price however. John is also the recipient of "The Bear", we cannot have SENIOR players, (who should know better), getting YELLOW CARDS!!!! We look forward to the pictures.
Regards Mike O.