Clapton loose away

An independent observer of this game who has coached for prolonged periods at this level and above said ‘There’s not much wrong with Clapton other than sorting out a couple of important tactical and operational issues’. And that really has been the view of many involved with this team all along…the problem is they continue to make the same old mistakes and yet again it has cost them, this time in a resounding defeat for the eighth time in a row. The final score though is not a fitting illustration of the differences between these two teams. When Clapton had pressure, they failed to convert but when the home side had the chance it was reflected on the scoreboard.
The first quarter saw the teams well matched. However when throwing to a line out in their own 22, Clapton for the fourth game in a row unnecessarily threw long, conceded ball and Wymondham registered their first score. In quick succession, 3 more scores came before half time as Wymondham moved the ball wide with the a pacey elusive home winger causing havoc and creating scoring opportunities. This led to Wymondham leading 24-0 at half time.
The third quarter belonged to Clapton. Set piece dominance and possession could not be converted to points. Poor luck and poor final options prevented them from making inroads in to the score-line. The more they pressed and the more they committed, then the more they became vulnerable as the field opened up. From one such attack, the bounce of the ball went against them and Wymondham raced the length of the field to add to their tally.
With changes now in place, Jack Scully became the latest Academy graduate to be ‘capped’ by EUCRFC and acquit himself. However further scores followed for the home team and they ran out winner’s 41-0 crossing for 7 tries in the process.
Next week League leaders Norwich visit Upland Road for another test of the Thornwood based club. Clapton’s availability issues are eased and they are able to select from a better position of strength. They now know they are in a serious situation and have to come out of it very quickly for them to have any chance of turning their fortunes around for the remainder of the season. On Friday evening too, the Epping Ladies XV has their second outing at Braintree.
EUCRFC: R. Forsyth, J. Hack, G. Cook, J. Mbu, L. Neat, G. Douglass, R. Reed, A. Ayres, D.Allen, C. Dorling, A. Reynolds, O. Stokes, D. Griggs, L. Moretta, B. Grace, N. Frederick, N. Trevellion, J. Scully.