Again another week with late withdrawals but with 3’s game cancel gave an opportunity for some of the younger lads to step up.
The game kicked off with Whitham 1 short and the club scored early out wide. With Witham up to 15 a 2nd try was scored and the ref pulled up with a muscle injury. A replacement was sort with the 2’s coach stepping in whilst the man in the bar got changed.
Whitham who were in Essex 2 and few seasons ago were a decent side but the boys were firing. The forwards were hitting the rucks and securing quick ball which was well used by George Douglass picking the plays. Hard running from Liam O’Connor and Harry Barker in the centres created the platform for multiple scores. Liam, TC, George & Toby worked tirelessly in the loose.
Deano MOM playing at 8 was having his best game this season with some very direct crash ball and great support play. With Swalesy back at hooker the lineouts were straight and true setting the tune for Deano to smash it up. Whitham found it hard to contain the phases of play that ensued.
This really was our best performance of the season as a team, individuals played well but it was the hardwork in attack and defence that shone through.
Special mentions for George, Connor and Luke making the 2nd team debuts and impressing with ball in hand. The 4th 17 year old in the side Harry and now a 2nd team regular was at his allusive running best, but his tackle count really stood out and with a couple of try savers in there to boot. Excellent technique and strength that belies his years.
Swalsey scored his first ever club try from a barnstorming 2 yards out (it was all about the pass). Scorers Deano 2, Liam Rodgers 2, TC 1, Liam O’Connor 1 and my favourite of the day the man that never runs out of gas Paul Beccera.