Epping Upper Clapton vs. Rochford Under 11s, 29 November 2009

The more cynical amongst us suspected that this may explain why we were playing on an unusually narrow pitch. However, it seemed that sense would prevail as just before the game started the Upper Clapton coaches held up proceedings, explaining that the pitch needed to be adjusted. Unfortunately the pitch was adjusted to make it even narrower. This narrow pitch, coupled with an aggressive Upper Clapton team lead to an extremely physical match.

This style of play suited some of our more robust players, such as Stefan King, Tom Finch and Lewis Cooper. It didn’t suit some of our smaller lads who are more comfortable in open play. A lot of the first half meant that our lads were camped on their own try line, defending furiously. Had Upper Clapton been organised they could have scored at will. The frustrating thing was they were not organised and Rochford were needlessly sucked in to a physical game totally contrary to our strengths.

The breakdown was again a big disappointment, with boys just standing back and letting the more physical Upper Clapton pick the ball up. The rucking was also non-existent, which is really damaging Rochford this season. However, our break finally came after Callum Lazell picked up a loose ball and dashed over the line to open up the score. This came following Tom Child taking control
of events and kicking the ball up pitch effectively opening up the play.

Into the restart and Upper Clapton kicked long, with the ball finding its way almost to the Rochford try line. The ball also found Michael Sheilds waiting in the back. Michael sprinted along the length of the pitch getting our second try. This was better and with the open play we had the clear advantage. Harry Gibson, another Rochford sprinter was chasing ball and all of a sudden we were pressurizing Upper Clapton.
Into the second half and Upper Clapton looked out of ideas other than the physical game. Rochford were holding up defensively and surely this would be a win.

However, after more line outs than I cared to count, again due to the narrow pitch, we made some changes. Within ten minutes Upper Clapton had scored three tries, breaking the heart of Rochford, going on to win after all the hard work already put in.