Sat 16 Dec 2023
Maldon welcomed high flying Upper Clapton, 2nd in the division & a team that Maldon could have beaten earlier in the season if they’d held their nerve in the final moments of the game.
Maldon, like all teams, were suffering through injuries & missing around 5 first team regulars. Conditions were excellent, the breeze wasn’t too strong, the ground was soft & the crowd were in their Christmas jumpers.
The game started & within 2 minutes, following a ruck, a 10 man scuffle erupted. Maldon showed that they would not be bullied, by supporting each other & not taking a backward step. This was closely followed by an injury to back-row turned centre Jamie Farrup, who until this point was scattering bodies, to be replaced by Sam Moon & the back line was reorganised. Maldon enjoyed lots of possession & territory, but Upper Clapton defended strongly, putting in some big hits, driving Maldon back. Maldon did not help themselves (a familiar theme this season!) by losing the ball in contact too frequently. Upper Clapton had some possession & used it wisely, creating space for their outside back to score at their first opportunity, 0-5. The rest of the half was not too different to the first 15 minutes, with some scuffles, lots of possession for Maldon & some brave defence from Upper Clapton. The referee took exception to the ill discipline &, following in a long conversation with both captains, penalised Upper Clapton,. Maldon were awarded a penalty within kickable range, which Joshua Chadwick kicked, to make the half-time score 3-5.
The mood at this point was positive, with Maldon confident that they had the ability to win the game.
The second half started well for Maldon, until some loose play gave Upper Clapton another opportunity, which they took well, scoring, 3-10. Very soon flanker Dimitri Sofocles tackled with his head & took no further part in the game, replaced by Chris Hadfield. Following the kick-off, Upper Clapton transgressed again & were given a yellow card. Maldon moved down the pitch, another penalty, kicked again by Chadwick, 6-10. Maldon were in control at this point, with Upper Clapton struggling due to the yellow card & because Maldon kept possession of the ball much more effectively. Maldon also kicked much better than previous games, by kicking for territory more often. The scrum was more dominant & this brought the reward of putting Upper Clapton on the back foot defensively, which allowed Maldon more time on the ball. The defence improved too, with big hits coming all over the pitch. George Perkins flattened a number of opponents, Olly Lyons & Sam Langston were solid in midfield & everyone worked hard for each other. Callum Melville showed great determination in defence, chopping legs all over the pitch for the duration of the game. Olly Anthony continued his good form as well, tackling in and around the breakdown and supplying his teammates with clean ball. All of this ended with Maldon showing good hands & good support & winger Alex Davis crossed the line for an unconverted try, 11-10, Maldon in the lead for the first time.
Maldon were growing in confidence & strong running & quick ruck ball produced territory. With the advantage for a penalty being played Joshua Chadwick slotted a drop goal, to increase the lead to 14-10.
So, in the lead with 10 minutes to go, on top in terms of momentum & with the opposition wilting, Maldon then produced 5 minutes of mayhem. Not taking the kick-off cleanly, trying a quick goal-line drop-out straight the Upper Clapton, kicking the ball straight to Upper Clapton & taking a tap penalty when a kick at goal was an option, were all on display. The crowd were in disbelief, as Maldon had played so sensibly for so long. Thankfully, this period of time did not cost anything in terms of points. Maldon moved down the pitch again & a break by Chadwick, followed by good support from the pack allowed George Alden-Smith to force his way over the line, this was converted in the last play of the game to secure a 21-10 victory. Maldon emerged victorious in one of the best games seen at Drapers Farm for a long time. Maldon move up to 7th in the table, clear of the relegation zone.
MAN OF THE MATCH -
Joshua Chadwick, for leadership and precise goal kicking, including a drop goal.
&
Callum Melville, for work rate around the park, strong scrummaging, and tackling.
