Cambridge Exiles 10 Upper Clapton AXV 0

Upper Clapton have won this competition for each of the past three seasons but when this year's draw matched the A XV with Cambridge's 4th team it was clear that just getting through the Preliminary Round was going to be a challenge. Cambridge's First XV are battling it out with Barking at the top of National Division 1 for a spot in next season's Championship. Their 'Exiles' (4th team) are currently unbeaten in the northern half of the Green King leagues and would be looking for revenge for last season's semi-final defeat at the hands of the Potato.

With the strong wind gusting down the length of the pitch Clapton opted to play into the breeze in the hope of being able to take advantage of it in the second half. They knew that this meant long periods would spent camped in their 22 if Cambridge played the conditions. And indeed, this turned out to be the run of things for the first 20 minutes as Cambridge enjoyed most of the possession and all of the territory during the opening exchanges. Clapton's defence however held true and a number of the home side's attacks were halted before they could develop into anything too dangerous. Cambridge also did themselves no favours with sometimes over-elaborate back play with little flicks and pops that often saw the ball drawn away from the receiver by the wind leading to a loss of possession.

As the half wore on Cambridge continued to threaten the Clapton line and eventually broke through after Ross Stalley had done well to halt one attack only to see the ball spilled forward into open play where a fortunate, and later openly apologetic, Cambridge player picked the ball up and dived over the line. With the conversion missed Cambridge led 5-0 which was how the score was to stay until half time despite an increasing number of opportunities for the Clapton backs to level the score - the best of which came from a quickly taken penalty and close passing which eventually released Toby Sweeney along the touchline where he was caught by a last gasp cover tackle with just five meters to go. So close and yet so far.

Nonetheless, Clapton had the advantage of the wind on the second half - but Cambridge had the advantage of several substitutes all of whom seemed to be younger, fitter and faster than the player they replaced! With some confusion as to whether 4 or 7 replacements were permitted, the referee (who, on the whole, had an excellent game) allowed the home side to refresh almost half of their side during the second period. The result was that Cambridge upped their game and denied Clapton any decent possession with which to work. As with the first half, Clapton's defence was solid for much of the half and denied the home side three or four tries by managing to hold up the ball over the line. Eventually the Cambridge pressure paid off and they worked the ball to the wing which resulted in a one-on-one with Andy Whickman. Whickers took the contact but momentum carried the Cambridge man over the line and the try was given although several players from both sides hinted that the player may have been rolled over into touch before the ball actually hit the ground. Never mind - on the balance of play it was a score that the home side had worked for. Again the conversion was missed.

Clapton continued to find a way through the home side's defence whenever the ball came their way but to no avail, despite some fantastic kicking by Ross Stalley who exploited the breeze well. Laurie Dobbin also deserves mention in making his senior debut and not looking at all out of place. Dobbin normally plays for the Club's Under 17s but offered his availability to play for the As during last week when he realised that his youth game has been cancelled. Thanks also go to Steve Ericson and Big Kev who normally play in the Ex A but also offered their time to help out when they realised the As were short of players.

So, Clapton go into the Plate Competition where they will have a home game against Royston or Cantabs.