First Team End on a High-

There was a significant reversal of fortunes from when they were beaten heavily in the first game of the season by Bancroft’s 45-8, but things have changed
The influence of Keith Green the coach has meant a new style of rugby, Greenie took over from Alex Leo, an excellent young coach who started the process of change and lifted the boys out of the bottom of the league. Greenie has carried that on and his calm authority has worked with the team
Prior to the game, a club lunch was held and these together with a large number of supporters meant the home side were going to be cheered by the largest crowd this season
The side were missing two ever present player this season, both Dave Allen and Liam Rogers being unavailable, in stepped Alex Babb on the wing and James Hack onto the bench for his first game of the season. Young Lewis Howard came onto the bench as Lee Garwood picked up a groin injury at training, he stated that he couldn’t sidestep with the injury; if anyone has ever seen Lee sidestep I would like a photo!!
Bancroft set of at a pace and started to boss the forward game for the first twenty minutes.
This led to fierce defence from Clapton but unfortunately also saw two yellow cards issued to Nicky Trevillion and Tom Roberts in quick succession. Now down to 13 men Clapton at last conceded the opening converted try.
Back to full strength 25 minutes gone Clapton had hardly been out of their own half but with 10 minutes to go they worked their way up into the Bancroft’s half; by now the unfortunate Adam Prince had left the field with an Asthma attack, Alex Babb moved into scrum half and on came James Hack, quick ball along the line saw Hack score a converted try with his first touch of the ball after a typical weaving run. More was to come when Clapton next entered the 22 Cameron Furlong on his 21st birthday scored a fine try set up by Ross Stalley who converted in front of the posts
Unfortunately in the build-up the influential Ash Somers playing at no 8 injured his shoulder and went off to hospital, Lewis Howard came on and Laurie Dobbin moved from number 7 to no 8
Clapton led 14-7 at half time, having spent much of the first half conceding territory and playing with 13 men for a 25 % of the game
Clapton continued where they left of when in the second half Cameron Furlong scored a further two tries through the middle. Bancroft’s returned with a converted try but in one of the finest moves of the day Ross Stalley broke the line linked with Tim Mathews who found Mcdonald for him to score a fine converted try under the post

The forwards worked tirelessly in the second phase with Ash ,Laurie, Matt and finally Lewis all making their mark, Second rows of Dean and Tim Mathews worked tirelessly in the forwards and the front row of Brad, Balders and Nicky T supported by Lewis Tillett worked to secure the quality ball for the team. initially the Bancroft forwards had the upper hand but through intelligent changes in the linout and superior fitness they took control of the forward battle
The three quarters moved the ball at pace with Alex Babb really buzzing around the base
Ross Stalley has grown this year and he is now starting to run the game from FH whilst his brother Scott has formed a real solid partnership with Cam. Tom Roberts at full back is his normal assured self and finally the little battle ship that is Johnny Gunnell on the wing makes things happen whenever he is on the ball

Post-Christmas we have won 6 from 7 and finished in the top 4 of the league, the support from the club in the form of Owen Coyne as head of playing has been tremendous and has galvanised the resurgence of the players and in securing the services of Greenie and Alex Leo has had a huge impact on the season
A number of players have played 1’s this year and have been totally committed to the cause including lads who have returned to the club or joined us including Cam and Matt Mcdonald
Players have stepped up including Adam Prince, Andrew Green, Liam O’Connor, Louis Dix, Danie Visser, Matt Sweeney, Lindsey Dobbin and Jordon Ambrose, if i missed you off th elist, apologies!!
Ash Somers, Brad Burrell and Paddy joined us from Woodford and have become key players
Whilst Matt Drury joined us and unfortunately broke his ankle after only a few games, he will return next season and we wish Matt and Ash a speedy recovery

However we mustn’t forget the old guard who continue to lay their bodies on the line, Lee Garwood, Tom Procel and Paul Baldwin and Richard Jones and in particular Owen Coyne( officially retired)

Our season in the end hinged upon the defeat at Ilford just before Christmas, but for the author this game typified more than any other, the highs and lows of the season. We lost to a penalty try in the last minute but more importantly Stacey Teather played in the centre for the last 20 minutes
What a wonderful memory especially when he still wanted to tackle his opposite number after the final whistle
Maybe this season was all about the highs and lows, hopefully next season we will not have the awful highs and lows that life throws at you and we can carry on where we left off on Saturday

PS Note for Diary- Pre-season starts on July 1st and there will be a club tournament starting on the 4th June see website for more details

Yours in Rugby
Paul Donnelly