Epping 2s 25 - Finchley 2s 8

This result was another impressive win for Eppings second string that overcame a strong Finchley team on Saturday.
The game had been rearranged after Finchley were unable to field a team a few weeks ago, pity other clubs do not take that same approach!!
Clapton welcomed Dean McFarlane and Matt Kelley into the team to boost the average age up a year or two and with the 3s unable to field a team players that were available warmed the bench.
A big thanks also to Liam Rogers who stepped in at the last minute when two props had withdrawn the previous night. This also meant a call went in to a mate of TCs who he had met down the pub and expressed an interest in playing also, welcome Minty

Clapton kicked off and had the better of the possession during the opening spell but without troubling the scoreboard. The Club had implemented new frameworks during the week that appeared to be bearing fruit as the home side ran through the phases with ease.
In contrast the defence line wasn't coming off the line quick enough that allowed Finchley when in possession to keep the ball with ease.

It was a Finchley attack that opened the scoring but not, as you would expect, for the away side. A clearance kick had failed to hit touch and as the Finchley back 3 looked to counter the ball was intercepted by Fly Half George Douglass who Forest Gumped it up field, finally being caught on their opponents twenty two. Lindsey Dobbin was in support but fell over! Clapton recycled the ball well and with three passes had found Jordan Watson in acres of space who walked over the line to score the opening try of the afternoon.
5 minutes later and Finchley had reduced the lead with a penalty .
The final moments of the half saw the club back on the front foot and a second try when a free flowing move ended with outside centre Nick Conway coasting in.
Clapton made the changes at half time with Fraser Parris replacing Conway in the centre while Des Griggs required a blowie so on came Lucas Moretta much to the bemusement of Smelley.
As with the first half Epping started the second in the ascendancy but this time managed to cross the white wash when skipper Dean McFarlane broke through the defensive line and fed the ball to hooker Adam Power who showed a clean pair of heels (did I really type that!!) to score by the posts.
Clapton continued to exert pressure and were rewarded with a penalty under the posts that was converted by Griggs who had finally replaced Kelley.
Any thoughts that Finchley would crumble were soon extinguished as for the next ten minutes produced their best attacking rugby of the match that resulted in a well deserved try.
The final score of the day however went to the home side when a fly back through then Finchley defence saw Joe Walker first to the ball. Unfortunately the opposing winger tackled Walker when in the process of touching down which resulted in a penalty try and an early shower.
The final play of the game nearly saw a try for debutant prop Minty after a barnstorming run but alas the line was just out of reach.

This victory means that the 2s still have one defeat to their name in the league this season . This record will be severely tested next Saturday when the club host unbeaten table toppers Ampthill.
Players worth mentioning this week the two George's Douglass and Cook who controlled the back line well, Guianlucca who has been playing scrum half in recent weeks and doing a sterling job. Jakk Harty JUMPED IN THE LINE OUT, that nearly got him the MOM award but was just popped by Adam Power who had a fine around game with good off loads, made some hard yards close to the breakdown and scored a superb try.