CLAPTON EMERGE FROM CARNAGE WITH BONUS POINT VICTORY
CAMPION 33 V 35 EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC
Such was the phrenetic activity in the final few minutes of this game that it’s fair to say no-one knew who would come out victorious! In truth the outcome was as much due to the indiscipline of Campion the home side that saw them finish the game with only12 players, as it was the clear heads of a couple of Clapton’s seasoned players. Cam Furlong’s late late try brought the scores level and a Dan Jones touchline conversion secured a bonus point victory for the Thornwood based club that keeps them atop of the London 3 League.
Early doors Clapton had been in control. Although wet and slippery conditions, the visitors had forged ahead through a Jones’ penalty goal and Dave Allen try. There were opportunities to extend this lead but mistakes prevented further scores. Campion responded with a penalty before Academy graduate Dom Merrett showed great pace in following a speculative kick ahead to register EUCRFC’s second try. Jones converted, Campion exploited the perennial post try complacency and responded with a try themselves, Jones responded with a further penalty and Campion managed another try themselves. Half time came 18-17 to Clapton and somehow Campion had played their way back into the game.
The second half started much as the first half ended. Campion had more cohesion in their game. They went ahead with a penalty and extended this further with a try and conversion. Clapton introduced Robinson and Reed, a more mature approach to the conditions and game situation was required. It took time to apply. A series of yellow cards meant that both teams were reduced at some point; Penalty goals were exchanged and as the game EUCRFC entered the last 10 minutes with a 9 point deficit. This was quickly reduced when debutant winger Dale Gardener intercepted and raced in wide out with a Jones conversion added.
In a match that was not spilling over with ill feeling, Campion’s numbers were further reduced due to a second yellow card and a red card offence due to illegal involvement. Despite this they extended their lead with a penalty goa but the very last 3 actions action of the game was to determine the outcome of the contest. With the match situation raising the intensity of the contest, a fracas ensued and both teams lost a player sent from the field. Clapton were awarded a penalty close to the Campion line and their ‘big boys’ battered the home defences and finally Furlong crossed to bring the scores level. The last kick of the match was to be the last act of the game, Clapton capturing a full complement of points
The conditions were messy, the match was messy and the performance was messy too. Campion were always going to be a strong challenge and Clapton prevailed but lessons will need to be learnt to progress further in their League programme. This week’s opposition are Barking who have in the not too distant past, have played National League rugby. Clapton drew on more youthful and squad resources for this victory, they will need to add some more aspects to their game to secure future successes.
EUCRFC: G. Douglas, D. Gardener, G. Cook, J. Mbu, D. Merrett, D. Jones, A. Prince, C. Furlong, D. Allen, N. Trevellion, A. Reynolds, O. Stokes, L. Moretta, D. Griggs, M. Sinfield, J. Robinson, L. Reed, L.Everard.