Clapton achieve Target

As Clapton came into the New Year, Owen Coyne the Head of Playing stated they needed to achieve 4 wins from seven games to ensure survival in Essex 1. On Saturday this was achieved when they secured their fourth win from five games with two games still to play
The mantra for this season was “no wasted season”, this has been achieved

Since Christmas they have the best form in the league even though two of the home games had to be played away (due to unplayable pitches)

On a beautiful afternoon Clapton took on league leaders Dagenham in their first home game since the 7th December
In the prior game in October, Dagenham won 36-7 so this was to be a good benchmark for the side as to how they had progressed, but so is every game
Clapton set off at a pace andscored with a fine try in the first two minutes from Cameron Furlong wide on the left and whilst Dagenham came back with a penalty it was Clapton who scored another try through Laurie Dobbin . It needs to be mentioned that he also kicked the conversion.
Ross Stalley, our Fly Half had to pull out through illness and Owen Coyne who now becomes an “Old Stalwart” deputised for him and gave others the kicking responsibilities on the day
Owen hit everything with his tenacious tackling and everything seemed to hit him to the delight of some of our supporters, he knows who you are
The kicking out of hand by Tom Roberts was exceptional
Half time the score was 12-3 to Clapton
The second half saw Clapton score an unconverted try again through Dobbin after sustained pressure through numerous phases, unfortunately Clapton went to into their shell and within five minutes allowed Dagenham back in the game with an unconverted try 17-8 to Clapton
The game was finally balanced and the yellow card given to Nicky Trevillion allowed Dagenham to exert pressure on the Clapton and from a resulting penalty Dagenham scored a converted try under the post17-15
Lewis Tillett was sent on at the next scrum and did a wonderful job unsettling his opposite number, whilst Ash Somers took an enforced break. From a powerful Clapton scrum Tim Mathews scored an unconverted fourth try Clapton were now ahead 22-15. With the yellow card over Ash returned, unfortunately Lewis had to go off with an ankle injury and Nicky T returned, Ash and Nicky had a fine final 15 minutes, the scrum was going forward, the defence was solid the lineouts functioned and ultimately keeping their discipline saw Clapton win 22-15
The attitude, desire and intensity of this side has risen as the season has progressed

The coach Keith Green will be working on a number of areas this week at training before the first team travel away to Writtle on the 12th March
When Clapton played to plan in about three or four ten minute spells, it worked.
Although they improved, if they can work the plan for the full 80 then the future looks promising

The whole club looks forward to welcoming Bancroft’s to the last game of the season on the 5th April. The lunch that day will sell out please book early
Please book through Swin or Paul Donnelly