Chingstead only had 14 players on arrival and so in the spirit of rugby EppCroft lent them a player for the entire match (well 4 in total) but this kept the match at 15 aside (apart from the start of the second half when the EppCroft coaches proved they could only count to 14!).

This felt like a must win game for EppCroft, the team has been gelling, training has been going well, but we needed a “W” to help build the confidence.

The game started well for EppCroft, glimpses of the pod work were coming through and the backs were spreading the ball wide with great support from all and it was not long before the pressure told on Chingstead and Lukas crashed over by the posts, the conversion was made 7-0.

Next onto the score sheet was Dougie after Oliver made the initial break Dougie ran a fantastic support line receiving the ball as Oliver was tackled and dotting down – conversion missed 12-0.

The forwards were showing good control and strength in the scrum where there was a definite weight advantage to Chingstead. The backs looked dangerous whenever they had the ball. Oliver made a break up the middle of the pitch, outpacing the opposition and wrong footing the valiant Chingstead fullback (Joe with his Eppcroft shirt worn inside out!) before scoring under the post, making for an easy conversion 19-0.

Next on the scoresheet was Luca with a strong run down the wing and some fancy footwork, another conversion and the ½ time score was 26-0.

The opening exchanges of the second ½ belonged to Chingstead. EppCroft were perhaps guilty of being over confident and letting the intensity drop and Chingstead started stringing plays together.

First blood to the visitors 26-5. Chingstead’s second try was nicely worked 26-10, though it should be noted that it was scored by Chris, an Eppcroft player – a significant fine should surely be issued!

There was almost a 3rd for Chingstead but a great tap tackle from Harvey brought their flying centre crashing to the ground.

EppCroft started to turn up the intensity again and Lukas grabbed a second try and then Joseph sealed the win with a try from a tap penalty.

It was one of those matches where any player could have been awarded MOM, however the coaches decided that Joseph, who had recently joined EppCroft from Chingstead, was the deserved winner.

Kudos should go to the players that played for the opposition – Joe W, Danny, Connor O and Chris - they did Eppcroft proud whichever way around their shirt was.

Next week EppCroft take on Mersea in the league at Epping Upper Clapton, which undoubtedly will be a stiffer challenge, but one that our boys can rise to!