Epping 2s 10 - Saracens Amateurs 2s 18

Epping 2s 7 match unbeaten run finally came to an end on Saturday as they succomed to Saracens after a tight physical encounter.
As the norm with 2 be rugby Clapton had made 8 changes from the team that at started the last match at UCS.
Most noticeable was the first start of the season for James Hack at scrum half, also the return of Rhys Brown on the flank after a call from the President. It was also good to see the return of the colts to 2nd team rugby with Captain Des Griggs and Danny Knights both starting on the bench.
Epping kicked off and for the first ten minutes both team shared possession, testing each others defensive capabilities.
Clapton were first on the scoreboard on the fifteen minute mark after wing Harry Wood charged down a clearance kick and then regained possession. . The ball was moved wide to find Hack who's pace was too much for the Sarries defensnce with the scrum half touching down out wide.
This score seemed to galvanise the visitors as for the next twenty minutes rather dominated play which resulted in a match levelling try and then a second moments later that was converted to go ahead.
As the half entered the last few minutes Clapton were back on the attack that saw another try, this time player/ coach Mark Kent driving over from close range. Again the conversion missed to leave the half time score at 12-10 to the visitors.
More crucially for the club, number 8 Kent had pulled a calf muscle that forced him from the field being replaced by Des Griggs.
Epping made one change at half time with Danny Knights coming on for Fly half George Douglass.
No tries in the second half but possession favoured the visitors which enabled them to convert two penalties to leave the final score at 18 points to 10. Claptons chances were few but should have managed a try when an excellent solo effort from Hack saw the flying scrum half break several tackles as he sprinted to the line. Unfortunately the final try scoring pass didn't go to hand and the momentum was lost.
Saracens were fully deserved winners with their ability to retain possession getting them over the line. In a tight match small things have a huge impact and with a penalty count of 18 to 4 against you cannot expect to win rugby matches.
As with UCS, Epping will face Saracens again before the end of the season and will be hoping to avenge this defeat at Bramley Road.

A good defensive performance for the home side but lack of attacking quality as they struggled to achieve quick ball from the breakdown.
Both colts are worth a mention with Des Griggs especially standing out with ball in hand.
It was great seeing James Hack back in a Clapton shirt. Man of the match though went to Captain Tom Roberts who was a bloody good chap!
Next week the 2s host Bishops Stortford in another merit table match, 2pm KO