Sat 23 Sep 2023
Maldon travelled to face Epping Upper Clapton in their second game of the season, hoping to improve on last week’s defeat. There were some positional & some tactical changes to the starting line up, but, after 15 minutes the changes did not look like being effective. Epping Upper Clapton were 21-0 up within a very short space of time, 3 tries, all coming from poor defensive decisions & actions by Maldon. The travelling spectators anticipated another day like last week!
However, George Perkins had other ideas & started to carry the ball with great power, which the Epping Upper Clapton defenders could not match, despite their size. Epping Upper Clapton held their own in the scrum, a sign this season will see tougher competition at the set piece.
Jim Roblin & Chris Hadfield started to impose themselves more, in attack & defence, and Ben Marshall was back to his best when tackling anything that ran at him. On the back of this improved effort, the defence were too concerned with dummy runners & Olly Lyons went through a gap after quick hands from Jack Judd to score Maldon’s first try, converted by Dan Allen, 21-7. This gave Maldon confidence & they gained the upper hand in possession & territory. This resulted in more opportunities to score. Superb, strong running by both wingers, Sam Johnson & Dan Allen, scattered bodies as they evaded the would-be tacklers. Some good handling by the backs to get the ball out wide allowed Sam Johnson to cross the line and score, just before half-time, 21-12.
Maldon were feeling much more relaxed at half-time & looked forward to the second half, as Epping Upper Clapton were reeling at this point.
The second half started with more of the same from Maldon. The ball was moved more effectively &, again, Sam Johnson crossed the line, to make the score 21-17 & Maldon were completely dominant now. A couple of injuries forced some changes with the backs reorganising positionally & the forwards changing personnel. This did not affect the course of the game, however. Zak Knight made an immediate impression with a very confident start, with a kick-off retake, then, even more impressively, taking a short pass close to the try line, he crossed for a try, converted by Dan Allen. Maldon were in front, 21-24.
Epping Upper Clapton rallied & started to play well. George Alden-Smith started to show his defensive talents by tackling any player who came near him, which rattled Epping Upper Clapton.
With the clock ticking down, Epping Upper Clapton became more desperate to retake the lead, but were pinned down in their own 22. But, Maldon gave away too many penalties, allowing Epping Upper Clapton to gain territory, finishing up with a line out near Maldon’s line. This gave the chance for a driving maul, which produced a try, 26-24, with a couple of minutes to go.
Maldon threw everything at the chance of victory & were awarded a penalty on the 10 m line with seconds to go. But, it proved just a bit too difficult a kick & Epping Upper Clapton were the victors.
This was a full-bloodied encounter, which was a great spectacle & will give Maldon confidence going forwards in their new league.
MAN OF THE MATCH
George Perkins, for an all round physical performance, destructive in defence & hard to stop in attack.
