Upper Clapton 10 Shelford IV 14

Bloody Hell!

Despite having around 75% of possession and territory during the second half, and having a try disallowed, the A XV could not do enough to win this Merit Table match against opposition that they had beaten earlier in the season. Recent weeks have seen the A XV lose their way somewhat yet they went into Saturday's game still in with a shout of winning the league as long as they won all remaining games. That aspiration now looks harder to achieve unless other results go Clapton's way.

This game was also notable for a number of other reasons:

a) Alan Chinn-Shaw made his first appearance of the season, slotting into the back row as if he has never been away (although referee Ferridge wasn't quite so appreciative of Chinny so readily sharing his experience and asked the Clapton stalwart to take a ten minute rest mid-way through the second half).

b) Chinn-Shaw and Andy Carroll (who first played together when Carroll captained the UCFC Colts XV of 1984) suddenly realised that they now stood on the same field as Jordan Elmer, son of the old boys' 1980's Colts colleague and general rugby sage, Danny Elmer. Jordan did a great job on his senior debut covering the blind side of the back row and throwing accurately in the line.

c) Jay Brown's season probably came to an end as he tore ankle ligaments in the final few minutes of the game.

So, all in all, disappointing but on the brighter side the season aint over yet. This team has still only lost 4 games this season which is a massive over delivery on what was expected in September and more effort in the final few weeks of this year will still result in this being the best for the A XV in recent years.

There is currently no game planned for 19 February and no decision on whether one is sought will be made until selection for the First XV is know on Tuesday.