Epping 2s 13 - Hatfield 1s 17

OK so another defeat for Clapton's 2s but a much improved performance than in previous week's that will! Give the squad renewed confidence for the up and coming fixtures.
One of issues the team have faced this season has been any form of consistency in selection and this game was no different as the first team squad included five players from the 2s. Fortunately this meant senior squad members Liam Rogers, Ollie Stokes and Nicky T all made themselves available. In addition former first team skipper Paul Baldwin was making his first start of the season.
Clapton had the better of the possession in the first half with Stokes making a menace of himself with ball in hand.
Kurtis opened the scoring with a penalty after 15 minutes of play and then extended there lead ten minutes later after a quick tapped penalty was taken by George Douglass who made his way across field to find Harry Wood out wide. With the line beckoning Wood opted instead for a neat inside pop for Alfie Renolds to crash over.Conversion missed to give the club an 8 point lead. As the half entered it's final minutes Clapton were again pressing the Hatfield line. Unfortunately the ball was spilled as they attempted to move it wide with the visitors fly half collecting and running the length of the pitch to score and leave the half time score at 8-7.
No changes were made at half time as the home side sensed victory.
The second half began with the club on the front foot but again a spilled ball led to get another breakaway try.
Clapton were now playing catch up and reduced Hatfield's lead to one point after a Liam Rogers try on the 50 minute mark.
It all looked to be heading for a grandstand finish but the remainder of the game consisted of a series of scrums for many many many different reasons.
Hatfield knocked over a penalty with the last kick of the game to increase there lead to four points.

As said earlier an encouraging performance but disappointing result. The man of the match went jointly to Harry Wood and Toby Sweeney who both excelled in there defensive duties.