Phantoms 11 Upper Clapton 27

Clapton went back to East London’s ground for the second time this season. Whilst East London RFU sit top of Essex League 1 Clapton find themselves close to the top of League 2. East London are strong favourites to be promoted at the end of the season. On this performance whilst Clapton have one of the best set up in the county Clapton may yet struggle to win promotion. Competition for places in this side remains strong, and saw a number of changes some due to availability others through the selection process.

The changes in the front row saw Nicky Trevillion, Clinton Dorling and Adam Ayres start with Pablo Beccera benching. In came John Gardiner into the second row for Dean McFarlane to warm the bench until half time, this was Gardiner's first league start of the season. Captain Garwood moved to 7 for Liam Hunt who benched and much to the delight of all fly halves, inside and outside centres Ollie Stokes moved to No 8 for the absent Adam Paine. If only the Phantoms midfield players realise what they missed! Tom Winkworth Started at Scrum Half, Cameron Furlong came into the centre for his debut, another young talent with real potential; he partnered Mike Tindall. These two could terrorise opposition for many years to come

And finally Hack returned from family commitments to play full back for absent Thompson, could he have the same impact on the game from this position?

Clapton played scintillating rugby for the first two minutes and scored after great break from the half way line by James Hack saw him feed Sweeney in the right hand corner. That was probably the most exiting passage of play for the next 78 minutes (5-0)

The next try was to the Phantoms on 15 minutes, after indiscipline from Clapton saw territory conceded a number of times 5-5

Clapton forwards started to take control and after a simple passing move by Clapton Stalley scored in the left hand corner with 20 minutes gone (10-5)

Another fine scintillating run from Hack saw him pass to the improving and Man of the Match, Scott Stalley who although forced into touch passed the ball inside for Winkworth to score (15-5)

The dour first half finished with a Phantoms Penalty in front of the posts (15-8).

The second half saw Hack move into Scrum Half were he played his youth rugby, Dean McFarlane, Pablo Beccera and Liam Hunt came off the bench to replace Gardiner, Ayres and Jones respectively. After one minute Hack went over from 20 metres having picked from the base of a scrum the conversion was successful 22-8. Phantoms continued to come back at Clapton and scored another penalty after more indiscipline 22-11. The final score of the game was scored by Ollie Stokes after a concerted effort by the forwards to lift the game out of the East London gloom.

Tom Webb, Club Coach was critical of his side and said to “play with a degree of confidence is great, to cross the line into arrogance is not acceptable".

As individuals theses players could become the best we have seen for twenty plus years and it would be hard to look around the field to find an individual who had a bad game, but it is not an individual game - it is played by a team, this team never came together on this day and Phantoms were a credit to the spirit of teamwork

Clapton were lucky to get way with a number of incidents off the ball and their indiscipline will cost them dear if it continues. Maybe the other sides in the league will now look at this score and think Clapton are there for the taking?

First team that is up to you!

Next home game this Saturday 20th preceded by Club Lunch

Next home league game 27th November 2-15

1. Clinton Dorling.
2. Adam Ayres.
3. Nicky Trevillion.
4. Tom Procel.
5. John Gardiner.
6. Richard Jones.
7. Lee Garwood.
8. Olly Stokes.
9. Tom Winkworth.
10. Bryan Day.
11. Toby Sweeney.
12. Cameron Furlong.
13. Mike Tindall.
14. Scott Stalley.
15. James Hack.

Replacements:

1. Pablo Beccera.
2. Dean McFarlane.
3. Liam Hunt