2's show promise but run out of gas

Saturday 13th September saw EUCRFC’s 2’s (A XV) take on Ilford’s 2nd XV. As the two sides warmed up a real difference in sides could be seen. EUCRFC’s team consisted of a majority of young, but talented, lads, with a few old heads thrown in for good measure. Ilford’s side was made up of the usual lumps in the pack with a few younger players in the back line. Dave Baker, the 2’s coach, impressed on the team that the game would be won by moving the ball away from their big boys.
Ilford started the game with a kick landing directly in the safe hands of our captain, Mark Kent. The charge to Ilford’s tryline had started and this initial attack last for a solid 10 minutes with the 2’s camped in Ilford’s half for the majority of this time. A strike of ingenuity from the Eagle’s Fly Half, Harry Barker, with a chip over the back line put Liam O’Connor, and the 2’s, on the score sheet. 0-5.
It was apparent that Ilford were not underestimating the young 2’s side as they took every opportunity they were presented with to put EUC under pressure. A well struck penalty kick placed score at 3-5.
EUC continued to battle hard for a further 10 minutes, with great forward ball carries from the likes of TC Brabant-Rudd and George O’Grady. The team’s perseverance paid off when Nick Trower with some excellent foot work broke through three tackles to score under the posts for the side. Harry Baker converted the try and the score was now 3-12.
Ilford were, obviously, not ready to lie down at this point. They countered with 2 try’s (1 converted) in quick succession. The first of which a blatant drop, but unfortunately the ref was unsighted. This put real pressure on the EUCRFC’s team and the score board at 15-12.
After a quick huddle under their posts and a few words from the captain, the 2’s were back to top form with the forwards recycling ball well and a well worked move to put Jordan Ambrose over the try line. Another conversion for Harry Barker put the half time score at 15-17.
The second half saw the Eagle’s focus continue as Dale Stalley received a deep kick at Full Back returning it and breaking several tackles to score a converted try, by his fingertips. 15-24.
Injuries for Nick Trower and Harry Barker resulted in a slightly misshapen Eagle’s back line and Ilford took advantage of this in the last 15 minutes of the game. With a tiring pack the lads attempted to defend the Ilford attacks with try saving tackles from James Crouch and John Gunnell but eventually succumbed to pressure and 3 trys were scored against them. Final score 32-24.
With a fresh team, this was a great start the season for the 2’s. There is so much to build on. Onwards and upwards gents.
Ed