May & Baker 24 Upper Clapton 33

What a game of mixed fortunes.

Clapton lost Lee Garwood their Captain and highly regarded mainstay from the side for the rest of the season with a broken hand, having already lost, in midweek training the influential fullback Thompson for the rest of the season as well. Writtle Wanderers, second in the table lost their game against Ilford and finally Club Coach Tom Webb announced that the hugely popular Ollie Stokes would captain the side next week against Phantoms at home, a game which should see Clapton promoted as Essex 2 Champions. Ollie Captained the side for a number of years always playing the way a captain should, from the front, although the team lost many more than it won Ollie stuck at it and next week he should savour the day, as should many of the Clapton supporters who are expected to attend

Clapton travelled to May & Baker with Tom Roberts reverting to full back in the absence of Thompson, young 18 year old Cameron Furlong found himself on the wing for the first time. The forwards saw the return of20 years old Tim Mathews to the second row along with Tom Procel, whilst Pablo Becerra played an admirable game in the back row along with Jones and Garwood

The front row was the a powerful base with Trevilion, Ayres and Dorling

The games started with Clapton missing a number of first up tackles resulting in a May & Baker try after 10 minutes (5-0) Clapton drew level on 20 minutes a fine move from lineout out led to Roberts scoring a converted try (5-7) the next score was by Cameron this time Roberts provided the final pass but the winger had plenty to do and burst through three tackles to score out wide, try converted confidently by Brett (5-14) May and Baker came back quickly their prop scoring under the posts and conversion slotted (12-14) Clapton with two minutes remaining to half time secured a penalty in the opposition half, this time quick ball along the line allowed Cameron to score his second try of the game, Brett failed with his conversion (12-19) half time.

The second half was going to see Clapton play into the wind and concede an early try by May and Baker, converted (19-19) Clapton found themselves with a five yard scrum indiscipline led to a penalty on the half way line and Mathews being yellow carded with 15 minutes remaining. Clapton with 14 men scored a converted try) under the posts by Hack after a terrific break by Tindall (Ross Stalley taking over the kicking duties having replaced Tom Winkworth (19-26) May and Baker came back from the kick off and scored immediately wide of the post (24-26)

Clapton scored the final converted try of the day through Hack (24-33). Whilst Hack was scoring under the post; on the half way line some of this young team stood toe to toe with the opposition trading blows, the referee issued a general warning to both Captains but the game was over

The referee referred to the game as one that would grace a level 7 league, not level 10. The pace and intensity was apparent with both sides, the return match on the 12 March ( the same day as the final lunch of the season) is bound to be a hard fought game of exciting rugby

Now Clapton face Phantoms this Saturday at Home K/O 2-15 to secure the league and promotion to Essex 1

Please support your first team this Saturday, they along with the entire Adult, Mini and Youth Section deserve your support for helping reshape our club and give us a future to be proud of!