A day for laying on the beach not a sandy pitch !

We were a full team on a weekend the club was able to get FIVE teams out and we were hoping for a win at home.
Southend had not disappointed us by sending a very competitive side and it was the top pitch for us with its hard ground and 'well used' look.
The game started at its usual flat out pace which suited Southend a bit more than us. Our defensive powers was tested from the first minute as we were driven back from the start, but some resilience from some of the forwards and backs were keeping Southend away from the try line. Southend got a penalty in front of the posts and kicked for the posts, which went under the crossbar, but the ref had insisted it over. Fair play to the Southend players who actually told him it hadn't gone over (great sportsmanship on there part) and this set the tone for the rest of the match. They kept the pressure up and scored two quick tries which put us on a back foot and leading to some frustration from us about our state of play.
While we gathered behind the posts we had some harsh words to each other and a stiff kick up the rear seemed to inspire the fight and game we can and should play for the rest of the half. The lineout's were working well with Gracie (old birthday boy) taking good ball, as well as Brownlee clearing the loose balls from Southend, we charged forward and looked like scoring as the backs started to get some runs on and break the line.

Half time saw us 19-0 down but looking in a promising position for the 2nd half, Anderson came off to allow Wilby (miscommunication meant he turned up at home, rather than away), Faulkner came off to get Daly on. The start looked promising as we drove forward and still making breaks on a regular basis. A quick ball off a lineout saw the ball move through the hands and out to George on the wing who broke through a few along the touchline and went over for our only try of the afternoon.

It was a great game to both watch and play but unfortunately we were unable to get the win. The team put in a great performance in going down to the defeat. Jurgen Reid played through problems with both wrist and hamstring to see the game through, the backs were great in defence and attack, Pete Van Den Breck played on the flank annoying the oppositions scrum half, but the man of the match went to Nic Brownlee for his constant tackling, mauling and short bursts at eight.
Although afterwards, in the bar, Mr Brownlee had great concern for the state of his knees, lets hope next week the ground is a little softer ?
Report by Capt. Kev Anderson