Cantabs 10 - Epping 29

Epping arrived at Sedley Taylor Road full of confidence after an emphatic win over Chelmsford the previous week.
Both clubs have struggled so far this season and languish at the wrong end of the table which meant the result of this match would have a major impact for both sides.
Clapton had made a few changes due to injuries from the previous week. In came John Gunnel and Nick Trower in the backs replacing Villi and Archie Unstead. Club Captain Oliver Stokes also returned after a week off with a hurty toe.
The game kicked off and for the first ten minutes the visitors dominated proceedings with Cam Furlong, Tim Mathews and Conor Reynolds all finding space in midfield.
With Clapton appearing in control it was Cantabs first on the scoreboard after an interception from there fly half who coasted in from the half way line.
That score seemed to galvanise the home side who began to show some of there own attacking intentions. Quite ironically however this was to lead to yet another interception, this time New Zealand import Dan Jones running in to level the scores.
For the remainder of the half Epping retook the front foot with Cantabs conceeding a number of penalties. Rather than kick for goal Clapton kicked to the corner which was to show reward as the ball was moved wide from a line out deep in the Cantabs twenty two. Full back Mitch Din gratefully taking the ball at pace and bulldozing over from close range. Cantabs kicked a penalty as half drew to a close to leave the score at 14 points to 10 at the break.
The second half kicked off with Cantabs back on the front foot and keeping possession well. In response Clapton's defense held firm and is really showing as a major strength for the squad this season. At the forefront of this is the centre partnership of Conor Reynolds and Harry Barker who both put in several filling removing hits through out the match
With Cantabs unable to add to there scores from the first half Clapton took advantage with tries from the versatile Liam Rogers and the soon to be departing Alfred Reynolds.
With the front five rotating through the match Clapton made one full time replacement with Nick Conway replacing Jack Glass on the wing.
The youngster was to almost immediately make an impact when ghosting around his opposite number and touching the ball down in the corner.
Unfortunately the referee was to disallow the score as he believed the ball had been dotted down short of the line. This was to be one of four potential tries not given to the away side.
Clapton eventually had to be content with a Mitch Dinn penalty that ended the scoring for the day.

So for the second week in concession Clapton earn themselves a bonus point victory that has elevated them to seventh in the league.
Next week the club host old rivals Woodford in another league encounter

Positive performances from the entire squad this week but to name but a few. Conor Reynolds had an outstanding afternoon in both attack and defence (will forget the interception pass). Tim Mathews and Cam Furlong for putting us on the front foot and Nick Conway who is growing in confidence every game he plays.
The Man of the match however went to Ollie Stokes who didn't leave anything in the tank by the end of the game. Ollie also produced the moment of the match when taking the ball in midfield and putting in a deft kick into the corner. The 20 stone second row then sprinted 40 yards in chase of said kick and finally tackled the home sides winger who thought he would be able to cut inside him... Top banana that!!