Epping 2s 36 - Weston 24

Well that wasn't what was expected as the in form 2s arrived prior to this rearranged league game at home to Weston.
The previous week had seen the visitors heavily defeated at Bishops Stortford while Epping were on a run of six consecutive victories, there last loss again against our friends from Hertfordshire.
Weston kicked off and from the start showed there attacking intentions with hard lines being selected by both backs and forwards. It was Epping however that were first on the scoreboard after Jordan Watson was passed the ball in space and cantered in from short range, George converted.
The Clapton try rather gave a false impression of the game as Weston continued to hammer at the home sides defence. This was to lead to two Tries and a ten point to seven lead
Eppings attack was having a lot more success than its defence as they found space when the ball was passed wide.
This time wing Jamie Oliver collecting the ball on the ten meter line and after a neat dummy outpacing the chasing defence to score in the corner.
With time running out in the first half Weston again took advantage of some lack lustre defending to retake the lead with there second try of the afternoon.
Epping made one positional change at half time when Danny Knights, who had come in on the wing after Jakks mate had left the game with a hurry leg, was switched to scrum half. Luca moving onto the wing to accommodate him.
Focus on the defensive line was the main topic of half time conversation.
The second half kicked off with the home team showing an increase in tempo and a renued vigor.
within five minutes Epping had levelled the scores with Knights first try of the afternoon and a few minutes after adding his second as the visitors struggled to cope with his sniping runs. Clapton were now in full flow, dominating possession. The visitors had also fallen foul of the referee having two players in binned during the half.
With fifteen minutes remaining Epping appeared to have put the game out of Weston's reach when Center Jordan Watson added his second of the afternoon. However back Weston came to score again to close the gap to seven points.
Victory was finally secured when Knights crossed for his third try that also ended the scoring for the day.
Taking the whole 80 minutes into account this was a great result for the 2s as they managed to up there game when required and overcome an extremely strong Weston side.
Performances of note this week were Lucas Moretta who tackled his little heart out, Knights of course for three tries that were pivotal in this Victory. Luca who was playing in his last game before starting a new job that means he will not be available on Saturdays.
The MOM though went to Tom "IFL" Procell who reluctantly played the full 80 mins thanks to Smelley, made lots of yards and was a voice of experience when the team needed lifting.
Epping travel to Datchworth next week for another merit table match