EPPING UPPER CLAPTON RFC 71 V 14 MILLWALL RFC
On paper there wasn’t much on this game! It was top v bottom, final positions were not going to be effected by the outcome and Clapton had inflicted a big defeat on their opponents in the previous outing. There was a sense of inevitability about the outcome but to take matters for granted would be both unwise and unfair for both teams. What ensued was a game that rather lacked in structure, where both teams made plenty of mistakes despite plentiful opportunities on a ‘field’ which opened up from the very beginning. There was no lack of effort on behalf of either team and at times Millwall’s play belied their position at the base of the table, but EUCRFC eventually went on to run in 11 tries, converting 8 along the way. Millwall more than played their part and posted scores on 2 occasions themselves.
Clapton had scored the first try by the end of first minute when Reece Reed opened his and his team’s account along the way to a personal tally of 24 points. However Millwall were quick to level but from that point onwards EUCRFC dominated proceedings through until half time. The game was so loose at times that mistakes were too prevalent from both sides and generally there was a lack of continuity in the play. EUCRFC had enough pedigree in their game garnered from their success so far in the season and in so doing managed a pair of ‘pairs of tries’ from Des Griggs and George Cook and a Mitch Sinfield effort before the break. Although 40-7 at half time, so many chances had been spilled by Clapton that the score could and should have been even greater! ‘Young’ Dom Merrett was not having any luck as chance after chance that was coming his way was going begging!
The second half started in exactly the same manner as the first, Reed crossed after a minute and then Millwall followed up almost immediately and responded with their second score. The game meandered for a while and then in the last quarter, Clapton managed to exert their authority again. 4 more scores from Joey Mbu, Dan Smith with his season opener, Dan Jones with a typical break from hallway and finally Dom Merrett whom managed to cling on to a pass and cross in the corner. There were 7 conversions from Reed and Jones converted his own try to complete the scoring.
EUCRFC welcome Kings Cross Steelers for the end of season game this coming week-end. Whilst they will want to celebrate their season’s achievements, they will have focus a lot more on their game to ensure they complete the season on a positive note against an opponent that cannot be taken lightly.
EUCRFC: D. Jones, D. Merrett, G. Cook, D. Smith, J. Hack, G. Douglass, R. Reed, C. Furlong, A. Ayres, N. Trevellion, O. Stokes, A. Reynolds, W. Parrish, D. Griggs, M. Sinfield, J. Mbu, L. Morretta, D. Allen.