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CLAPTON DISPATCH BARKING TO THE DOGS! BARKING RUFC 0 V 38 EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC

CLAPTON DISPATCH BARKING TO THE DOGS! BARKING RUFC 0 V 38 EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC

Danny Elmer15 Jan 2019 - 16:48
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A PEDIGREE PERFORMANCE BY THE 1STXV

CLAPTON DISPATCH BARKING TO THE DOGS!
BARKING RUFC 0 V 38 EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC
As Clapton sit atop London Essex 3, each game is going to throw up a particular challenge which will need to be overcome on the way to the end of the season. Barking have competed in the far higher reaches of the league structure in past years although the last few years have seen their fortunes reverse somewhat. However they still have an infrastructure and mentality which is geared to competing in the upper echelons and that is what Clapton were confronted with on Saturday. EUCRFC were ready and had brought their ‘A’ game too and went on to produce their best performance of the campaign so far, sustaining an all-around approach for all the game with confident contributions from many of their personnel.
Barking featured briefly at the start of proceedings but gradually the visitors gained a foothold in the game. The Clapton forwards have been a potent force in recent weeks and a combination of driving play in both the set and loose allowed them to create a platform initially for Dave Allen to crash over for the opener. Their forward platform was starting to control matters and providing ample possession for the team to utilize and create good attacking positions. One such passage of play was only halted when Barking were peanalised in their 22. Reece Reed quickly took the ‘tap’ and fed James Hack who touched down for the second score. Barking rallied briefly but with one successful EUCRFC conversion it was 12-0 to them at the break.
As the second period got underway, Barking again signaled some intent but it was to be to no avail. They couldn’t breach the Clapton defence and gradually EUCRFC started to run amok as the half progressed. Firstly Dave Allen ran in from half way as he intercepted and showed a ‘mean’ turn of pace to cross for his second try, Dan Jones then dummied his way through for a further score. The Clapton backs were enjoying the space they were afforded and this allowed Hack to collect his second whilst George Douglas completed a fine move when gliding in for the final score. Dan Jones added 4 conversions in total to complete the scoring. As pleasing as the scoring of tries was, the prevention of their opponents to register any score was equally satisfying.
There were fine contributions from many of the Clapton players. Des Griggs showed a welcome return to form, George Douglas continues to mature in his role, Joe Mbu had his best outing for a while whilst John Robinson reveled in the role of No. 8! The half backs combined well and the front five continue to power their way through games generating a stream of quality ball. Next up will be Maldon; who will present a whole new set of challenges for Clapton to have to overcome!
EUCRFC: G. Douglas, D. Merrett, G. Cook, J. Mbu, J. Hack, D. Jones, R. Reed, C. Furlong, D. Allen, N. Trevellion, TC Brabant-Rudd, O. Stokes, W. Parrish, D. Griggs, J. Robinson, D. Gardiner, A. Ayres, L. Neat
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