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DOGGED PERFORMANCE BY CLAPTON SEES OFF BARKING
Danny Elmer2 Oct 2018 - 14:30
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Full match report attached by N Slate
DOGGED PERFORMANCE BY CLAPTON SEES OFF BARKING
EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC 20 V 12 BARKING RFC
At times this game resembled a couple of old adversaries slugging it out! Both Clubs have enjoyed more illustrious recent histories and at times they appeared to be producing rugby principles based on memories rather than those to be found in their present League. It was a tough battle which Clapton deservedly edged, having had the better of the set piece and with it controlling possession. In reality with as much ball as they had, the margin of victory should have been a lot bigger.
EUCRFC struck first. Jordan Watson continued his try scoring habit crossing in the corner after good work off the back of a scrum by Dave Allen and Ollie Forrest. Dan Jones continued his kicking form with a touchline conversion and then added a penalty goal. Clapton’s defence was holding firm, at the heart of which was Joe Mbu putting in a man of the match performance. He was unable to prevent Barking getting a touchdown midway through the first half but soon responded himself with a bullocking run that saw him create the space to score close to the posts with Jones adding the extra points. 17-5 in favour of Clapton at half time and looking reasonably comfortable!
After half-time, Barking responded and was playing far better than their league position suggested. They managed the only try of the second half to which EUCRFC replied with a further Jones penalty. Clapton absorbed all the Barking pressure and were never really at any real risk. Their organisation was good and it had to withstand a couple of serious injuries and a yellow card. They were still able to maintain a semblance of control and also had a further score denied as the referee deemed that he couldn’t determine whether they had touched down or not.
This was Clapton’s hardest challenge so far this season, the victory ensuring they sit second in the league on goal difference. On the evidence of this game too, Barking are likely to improve their position as the season goes along. EUCRFC’s defensive organisation was a step up on previous games and there is hope they will progress a more expansive game plan as the League campaign continues to evolve. Next up is Maldon away.
EUCRFC: J. Hack, G. Douglas, G. Cook, J. Mbu, J. Watson, D. Jones, O. Forrest, C. Furlong, L. Reed, N. Trevellion, J. Robinson, L. Moretta, D. Allen. M. Mallia, T C Brabant-Rudd, A. Prince
EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC 20 V 12 BARKING RFC
At times this game resembled a couple of old adversaries slugging it out! Both Clubs have enjoyed more illustrious recent histories and at times they appeared to be producing rugby principles based on memories rather than those to be found in their present League. It was a tough battle which Clapton deservedly edged, having had the better of the set piece and with it controlling possession. In reality with as much ball as they had, the margin of victory should have been a lot bigger.
EUCRFC struck first. Jordan Watson continued his try scoring habit crossing in the corner after good work off the back of a scrum by Dave Allen and Ollie Forrest. Dan Jones continued his kicking form with a touchline conversion and then added a penalty goal. Clapton’s defence was holding firm, at the heart of which was Joe Mbu putting in a man of the match performance. He was unable to prevent Barking getting a touchdown midway through the first half but soon responded himself with a bullocking run that saw him create the space to score close to the posts with Jones adding the extra points. 17-5 in favour of Clapton at half time and looking reasonably comfortable!
After half-time, Barking responded and was playing far better than their league position suggested. They managed the only try of the second half to which EUCRFC replied with a further Jones penalty. Clapton absorbed all the Barking pressure and were never really at any real risk. Their organisation was good and it had to withstand a couple of serious injuries and a yellow card. They were still able to maintain a semblance of control and also had a further score denied as the referee deemed that he couldn’t determine whether they had touched down or not.
This was Clapton’s hardest challenge so far this season, the victory ensuring they sit second in the league on goal difference. On the evidence of this game too, Barking are likely to improve their position as the season goes along. EUCRFC’s defensive organisation was a step up on previous games and there is hope they will progress a more expansive game plan as the League campaign continues to evolve. Next up is Maldon away.
EUCRFC: J. Hack, G. Douglas, G. Cook, J. Mbu, J. Watson, D. Jones, O. Forrest, C. Furlong, L. Reed, N. Trevellion, J. Robinson, L. Moretta, D. Allen. M. Mallia, T C Brabant-Rudd, A. Prince
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