Epping 2s 22 - Bishops Stortford 4s 57

As the score suggests this was not a good day at the office for Clapton's young guns.
Both teams had met earlier on in the season with Epping coming out comfortable winners. For this match however a much changed squad arrived from deepest Hertfordshire.
Clapton too were much changed from the previous game with a spattering of Extra A filling the gaps where the regular players were not available. In came Ben Kelly, Mark Walker, Steve Hill, Ed Lobbo into the starting XV and Big Kev and Kyle Mcdonald warming the bench.
Actually that's a bit of a fib as Kyle started on the wing as Linners had arrived at Stortford not realising the game was at home.....numpty!

Bishops Stortford had the best of the first half scoring three converted tries. Clapton did look dangerous when attacking but we're let down by some defensive frailties. Where as most of Eppings opponents this season have played a one pass hit and smash, Stortford moved the ball into space with ease.
As the half came to a close Epping were camped on the Stortford line choosing to run penalties rather than kick for goal. The hosts did cross the line but the ref decided that the ball had been held up.
Clapton made one change at half time with Ed Lobbo being replaced by Jordon Watson at inside centre. Kyle coming back on to the wing.
The first score in the second half was going to be crucial as the home side knew they were perfect fly capable of scoring several tries.
Unfortunately that score went to the visitors and with that Clapton's defense wilted which resulted in a further four second half tries.
Eppings defense may not have been up to scratch but their attacking play certainly was as they finished the game the stronger with tries coming from George Douglass, Lucas Moretta, Kyle Mcdonald and Gianlucca.
A disappointing day for sure but this cannot take away from a superb first half of the season for the 2s. This was only the teams 2nd defeat in the league and when you think of the average age and that the team had only been put together in September good things look on the cards for the remainder of the season.

Performances worth noting this week were Lucca at scrum half whose dancing feet found himself in space several time through the game as did Fly half George Douglass. Man of the match though went to Jakk "Yarp" Harty who made several attacking breaks and could countless tackles

This was the last game of the year for Eppings 2nd team. They return on the 6th January when they entertain Harlow Rams.