Epping v Ilford 13.12.14

Local derby win for visitors

Epping 1st XV travelled away to our neighbours in Ilford with a vastly disrupted front row, brought about by last minute injuries and personal work commitments for the fast approaching silly season

With a larger than average pack and good possession the home side mounted a number of attacks on the visitors ' line. But the men in red and white were determined to win this local derby from the very first whistle.

Despite good work by the forwards securing possession, and disrupting the home side's scrum and line-out Epping were unable to finish off some good attacking moves. But when the ‘school boy’ errors were eradicated this resulted in some excellent running lines. Although the excellent condition of the pitch for this time of year lent itself to a game that one would have thought favoured the backs, it was in fact the forwards that had the greatest impact on the score line today.

The home team clearly tired towards the end of the match and, despite some excellent running, tight defence and dominant forwards they began to leave gaps that allowed the visitors to exploit the opportunities to score.

Couple of special mentions this week go to Nicky Trevillion for giving up his works Christmas party in favour of helping the coaching team field the strongest possible possible, also mentioned is Paul Baldwin for once again playing out of position in support of the cause, well done guys, this is what being part of a cohesive ‘team’ is all about.

Next week sees Epping welcome Bancrofts for our first match of the second half of the season, having now played each team in the league once.