Weston 17 Epping 2s 7

A second successive defeat for Eppings 2nd team as they steadily come to terms with life in the higher leagues.
Clapton made 8 changes from the team that started against Hitchin the previous week.
With so many unavailabities it was fortunate that the 3s had to cry off their fixture with Mark Walker, Lee Garwood, Martin Smith and Big kev all stepping up. One other noticeable change was previous week's man of the match Des Briggs filling in at scrum half as Xavier was no where to be seen.
Playing with the slope Epping, as with last week, started strongly and for the opening 10 minutes pressurised the Weston line but without turning this into points. The visitors were awarded a penalty but elected to kick for touch.
Weston defended well and eventually cleared there lines. As the half progress the home side began to run through the phases starving the club of the ball. They were also finding success in the scrum as Clapton struggled to win there own ball. The half time whistle went with the game scoreless.

Clapton made changes at half time with Big Kev replacing Crouchy to add extra weight to the scrum. Skipper TC moving into the front row in order to accommodate the big man. Xavier took over at scrum half while Will Parish replaced Matt Sweeney in the back row.
Weston now with the slope started strongly and within 5 minutes had scored the opening try of the game.
Weston were still dominating the scrum and at the breakdown. Will Parrish however was managing to disrupt the line outs, winning some good ball against the throw.
It was after a Parish lineout steal that Epping launched there best attack of the game as the ball made its way into centre field George fixed his man and put Dan Smith threw a gap. Smiffy showed a clean pair of heals before passing to full back Joe Walker who outpaced the defence to eventually touch down under the posts. Knightly converted to give the club an unexpected lead.
Thought of a win however were put to rest moments later as Weston scored again.
With Only minutes remaining Weston scored once more to put the score out of reach.

A well deserved victory for Weston but a much improved performance from the club. Man of the match went to back row Dan Smiffy who stepped into the centre and made countless tackles throughout the match. Also made the first clean break of the season.

Next week the 2s host Finsbury Park in their first home game of the season.