For the 3rd time since the turn of the year Epping Upper Clapton have failed to take advantage of a winning position against a fellow team from the lower reaches of the league effectively snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 18 -5 down at half time, Clapton were 29-18 ahead with less than 20 minutes to follow. The bonus point secured, all they had to do was to contain their opposition in their own territory, control the ball and the points would be secured. Alas it was not to be.
James Hayward, the Cantabs No.10 had a powerful boot on him, Not only did he contribute 14 points including an audacious first half dropped goal from close to half way, he time after time secured huge distance with punts allowing his team to re-establish attacking positions. EUCRFC by contrast had no one that could either match the power or the tactical acumen. The net result was in a frantic last quarter Cantabs scored 3 converted tries, over took Clapton in the process only for EUCRFC to secure a fortuitous last minute Cam Furlong try and subsequent losing bonus point. Fortuitous in that they had given up the simple option of 2 kicks for goal which would have achieved exactly the same outcome.
Cantabs were ahead within the first minute scoring wide out adding a penalty and a further try before Clapton could register their first score, Liam Rogers crossing from a lineout. No revival at this point as ‘that dropped goal’ completed the first half’s scoring for Cantabs!
The first few exchanges of the second period suggested a similar pattern of play but then suddenly the home side snapped into action. Firstly Mitch Dins added a penalty, and then tries from Dan Jones, Archie Unstead, and Mitch Sinfield all with the additional points from Dins ensured a healthy lead for Clapton. Alas it was to be a horror final quarter, Cantabs 3 tries allowing them to leap-frog Clapton in the league and ensures the upcoming fixtures with local rivalries Woodford and Harlow take on even greater significance.
EUCRFC were missing four of their most senior players for this game and this showed ultimately in the decision making and leadership departments. 3 points from a potential 15 in 3 critical games now mean that their focus will be on survival rather than challenging for the upper echelons of the league. 5 games remain to turn this season around.