Epping 24 - Southend 24

With both teams sitting at first and second in the merit table this was going to be a tense, tight affair. The game had been originally due to be played in December but with a function at Southend a request had benn made to move the game.
Epping of course agreed but funny how things end up as by Thursday the squad sat at 12 forwards and only two backs.
This meant lots of last minute phone calls and changing in positions but come kick off time a kind of backs division lined up.
Now those who frequent the Thornwood based club would know that we do have problems with our pitches and Saturday was no different as the surface rather resembled a farmers field. Southend were none to impressed.
As written earlier Clapton had made several changes for this match. In came Cameron Furlong, Alfies mate, Alfies other mate and Charlie Oaks. Tom Procell started his first game since before Xmas after returning from injury.
The game kicked off with a near gale behind the backs of the hosts..
Southend started the stronger playing a tight game and starving the home team of any form of posession. For the first fifteen minutes of the match Clapton struggled to get there hands on the ball. During this time Southend managed to cross the Clapton line for the first try of the afternoon.Although conceeding a try the Clapton defense looked strong with Swalsey stounding out with his tackle and the Southend pack knew that they would need to work for their points
Conceedinthe first try seemed to galvanise the home team as they started to create there own attacks. The Southend defense didnt appear as stong which Clapton took full advantage of by scoring three tries through Liam Rogers, Cameron Furlong and Paul Baldwin. George converting one.
This gave Clapton a 17 points to 5 half time lead.
The half time team talk revolved around getting the next score but as with the first half Southend began the stronger team.
The visiors were using the conditions better with the fly half putting in some booming touchfinders.
Claptons defence that had been so strong in the first half was creaking as Southend played keep ball again.
With Clapton struggling to get out of there half Southend took full advantage by scoring three unanswered tries to take the lead and then extend it to 24 points to 17. To further Clapton woes Alan Swales, Tom Procell and George Douglass had all left the field with various hurtys.
On came Harry Judge, Jakk Harty and Dad.
With game entering the final quarter Clapton rallied and went in search of the match levelling score.
Liam Rogers, TC and Paul Baldwin were all making yards and when the Old Man was sniper shot after being tackelled without the ball the quick tapped penatly found Lindsey Dobbin continuing his excellent try scoring form of late and touching down by the posts. The conversion was made to level the scores.
As time ran out Clapton had one final chance to steal a victory as a long kick was collected by Dobbin who broke a couple of tackles before offloading to Rogers who did likewise. Alfie Renolds then took over and raced into midfield. The space had now opened up but the final pass didnt go to hand and the ensuing knock on brought a halt to proceedings.
Both teams meet again in March and if this game as anything to go by it should be a cracker.
So many good performaces but to name a couple. The defenesive tackle count of both Rhys Peters and Alfie Renolds. Carly Buisson, Harrison Andrews and Charlie Oaks for stepping in at the last minute to ensure the game could be played and Man of the match Paul Baldwin who had a fantastic game on both attack and defense...glad he is on our team!!!
Next week the 2's travel to Thurrock for another merit table match.