Upper Clapton 2's 19 - Bancroft 2's 17

A mix of old and new congregated at the club on Saturday for this John Adler Cup semi final match. The old was in the rotund shape of 53 year old Shrek while the new, lewis Dorling (not sure how old he is, looks about 7!!) Bancroft arrived with a similar bunch with several familiar faces from the vets game played earlier on in the season.

The game began with Bancroft having the advantage of a strong wind behind them. The visitors played the conditions well by scoring two unanswered tries. With 5 minutes of the half remaining Clapton managed to get on the score sheet when Shrek danced his way over from half way (wasn't really) but it was a Bancroft penalty that ended the half to give them a healthy 17 point to 5 lead at the break.
The home side rang the changes at half time with Lewis Dorling, Andrew Green and Ben Hestor all coming on to reduce the average age down some what.
Clapton now had the advantage of the wind which Potato used by knocking over to early penalties. Chatters was also making a nu sense of himself as Bancoft struggled to contain him.
Clapton were now in full stride and on the 20 minute mark, Kenty (get it!!) Bulldozed over for the clubs 2nd try of the afternoon and to bring the homeside to within a point (will not mention the failed conversion bit)
5 minutes later and the club took the lead when a Bancroft infringement from in front of the posts allowed Potato an easy penalty.
Now it all gets rather exciting as with 5 minutes left Bancroft attacked looking for any score to retake the lead. Unfortunately Andrew Green got a bit over excited and was sent off for a late tackle on the opposition fly half.
Again Bancroft pressed but a clapton penalty with 30 seconds remaining looked to secured the win. All that was needed was for Kenty to win the lineout (which he had done all afternoon) and knock the ball in to touch. Nope lineout lost and again Bancroft attacked.
This time referee Ferridge awarded Clapton a penalty. All that was needed was for Potato to kick the ball into touch. Nope, penalty reversed after some Chatters chirping. Again Bancroft attacked..this was exciting stuff, another Clapton penalty, this time the ball was kicked into touch before anyone could do anything wrong, match over and an excellent win for Claptons 2nd string.

The final is scheduled for 7th April against either Billericay or Burnham on Crouch

The MOM pair of granny glasses went to Shrek for being old yet lasting the full 80 minutes and doing some stuff in the mauls and scrums.