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‘JUST CHAMPION’

‘JUST CHAMPION’

Danny Elmer9 Apr 2019 - 12:33
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LARGE HOME CROWD GATHER TO CELEBRATE AND THE TEAM DOESN’T LET THEM DOWN! EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC 52 V 25 KINGS CROSS STEELERS RFC

‘JUST CHAMPION’
LARGE HOME CROWD GATHER TO CELEBRATE AND THE TEAM DOESN’T LET THEM DOWN!
EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC 52 V 25 KINGS CROSS STEELERS RFC
The EUCRFC League season was brought to an end as they overwhelmed Kings Cross Steelers in a manner that ably demonstrated their credentials as League Champions. Steelers had been their opponents in the very first game of the campaign and had illustrated then their ability to compete before eventually succumbing to Clapton’s greater all round strength. Now in the season curtain raiser they were equally combative and prepared initially to match the EUCRFC physicality only to eventually succumb to Clapton’s all round game and pace of play. At times in front of a large, expectant crowd EUCRFC were able to show just why they had won this league in style and are set to move on and compete at a higher level next season. On this display too KCS will be a force to be reckoned with in this League next season too if they replicate the level of intensity as produced in their performance in this game. Clapton ran in eight tries including a hat-trick for the returning John Robinson, back in the team after an enforced lay off.
From the kick-off there was an expectation from the crowd, they wanted to crown their champions with a resounding display. KCS were intent on more than just playing second fiddle; they matched the physical challenge and had plenty of possession in the early stages. Their reward was an early penalty goal. From the restart Clapton began to assert themselves. The scrum and lineout which had functioned so well throughout the season was starting to dictate play. They created positions and platforms to ensure EUCRFC had responded with 2 Robinson tries, both of which had originated from set pieces and edged the home team ahead by the end of the first quarter of the match.
The two teams shared 4 more tries before half time. EUCRFC Captain Cam Furlong crossed having been at the centre of a couple of line breaking moves and then Dom Merrett showed some great one on one skill to beat his opposite number and touchdown completing a fine team move out wide. Reece Reed added the conversions whilst KCS failed with theirs and so Clapton had a 24-13 lead at half time with the elements to follow in their favour.
As the season has progressed Mitch Sinfield and Des Griggs have had increasing influence in their powerful running from open play, the two young Georges of Cook and Douglass have continued to mature with additional responsibility and Reed and Jones have added a level of pace to the attacks which many have found difficult to handle. The whole season has evolved in to a mix of the experienced being supported by the up and coming youth. Representing the experienced have been the warhorses of Trevellion, Allen, Stokes, Ayres and Mbu whilst in the youth camp have been served well by Parrish, Smith and Morretta. The whole season has been an all-round team performance.
The second half started and it was Clapton that were quick out of the blocks. Robinson completed his hat-trick, Dan Jones in his final outing for the Upland Road Club scored in his customary mercurial manner. James Hack rounded another fine team move and finally for Clapton Morretta completed the try scoring for the day and the season. Reed converted all of them whilst Steelers replied with two scores for a final score of 52-25.
At the final whistle, the boys in Red and White were cheered from the field and able to enjoy the celebrations as they received and toasted the achievement of the League Trophy. Champagne rugby was on show at times on the field and the champagne certainly flowed into the night as the ‘Club’ looked to celebrate well into the evening!
EUCRFC: D. Jones, J. Hack, G. Cook, D. Smith, D. Merrett, G. Douglass, R. Reed, C. Furlong, D. Allen, N. Trevellion, O. Stokes, J. Robinson, W. Parrish, D. Griggs, M. Sinfield, J. Mbu, L. Morretta, A. Ayres.

EUCRFC PLAYING RECORD SEASON 2018/19
PLAYED WON LOST POINTS FOR POINTS AGAINST
22 20 2 922 303
• MOST POINTS SCORED BY A TEAM
• FEWEST POINTS CONCEDED BY A TEAM
• POINTS DIFFERENCE ALMOST 200 BETTER THAN NEAREST OPPONENT

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