Sat 9 Dec 2023
Maldon travelled to Old Cooperians on a very windy day. But, all were pleased that the torrential downpour that took place in the morning ceased & the sun even tried to come out for a while. The main pitch was too wet, so the game took place on a different pitch with the strong wind straight down the pitch.
The crowd predicted a game of two halves & that was what happened. Maldon won the toss & played with the wind in the first half. Old Cooperians spent the whole half in defence, apart from a brief visit to Maldon’s half. Old Cooperians defended well, preventing Maldon from getting too close to the try line. Maldon did not help themselves at times, the conditions were difficult, but Maldon tried a bit too hard & over-complicated things on occasions. The line-out struggled in the strong wind, so any territory was not rewarded with guaranteed possession. Maldon kept on battering away at Old Cooperians, who responded with aggressive defence, resisting Maldon’s pressure. A few refereeing decisions frustrated Maldon & there were a few instances of players coming together after the whistle had gone.
Maldon had a few penalties which were too far out to kick, but late on in the half they were awarded a kickable penalty. Captain Joshua Chadwick converted it, for a 0-3 lead at the halfway stage.
The half-time team talk was very obvious, get ready for a half in which Old Cooperians would be on the attack & Maldon would have to be very strong in defence.
The second half was the reverse of the first half. Old Cooperians were on the attack & Maldon only entered the Old Cooperians’ half once. Maldon defended with ferocity. Tempers flared once more & the Old Cooperians 2nd row saw yellow. A few minutes later, centre Olly Lyon also saw yellow, so it was 14 v 14 for 10 minutes. The defensive effort took its toll. Brad White came off injured, replacement Chris Hadfield also had an injury & there were lots of bumps & bruises. Olly Anthony took the game by the scruff of the neck, being a nuisance around the Old Cooperians scrum, he slowed any attacking opportunities they had. Maldon managed to hold up Old Cooperians over the try line on two or three occasions. Old Cooperians ran or kicked for touch every time they had a penalty, opting not to go for points. Eventually, the final whistle was blown & Maldon celebrated a hard-fought win.
At half way through the season Maldon are placed 8th in a division of 12 teams.
Next week Maldon faces 2nd placed Upper Clapton in the final game before Christmas.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Olly Anthony - aggressive in defence & controlling the forwards over the course of the whole game.
