Sat 17 Feb 2024
Maldon made the long journey to the big smoke, to face East London. On the day, conditions were good, with a good surface & a light breeze, Maldon were looking forward to the challenge. Maldon started really well, a clever kick off gave the chance for centres, Sam Langston & Olly Lyons a chance to attack immediately. But, East London soon moved down the pitch &, after Maldon were penalised for offside, East London crossed the line for an early score, 7-0. East London gained territory by using their quick outside backs, creating the overlap on a few occasions. Only some last-gasp defending kept them out, but East London could not finish off their good work. Maldon showed composure, gradually working their way down the pitch. This resulted in a penalty which captain, Joshua Chadwick kicked, 7-3. The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern with Maldon taking their time & gaining territory after soaking up pressure from East London. Chadwick kicked 2 more penalties, for a half-time score of 7-9, in Maldon’s favour.
The half-time mood was positive, but all were aware that the breeze had increased & East London were not going to give up. Maldon then made 3 quick errors, allowing East London opportunities to be close to the line, following which they scored again, 14-9.
Under pressure, Maldon were tackled near their try line, & Zak Knight was given a yellow card for speaking to the referee out of turn. East London kicked a penalty to increase their lead, 17-9. Then, East London capitalised on the extra man, scoring a converted try, 24-9. A second yellow card was given to Maldon, for the same reason, this time Jim Roblin in the bin. Maldon were struggling in this period of the game. Scrums were doing fine, but line-outs were regularly disrupted, with no ball coming back to Maldon, to allow us to attack. A bit of excitement happened when the East London coach was sent from the touchline, to the clubhouse for questioning the referee’s decisions.
Maldon were trying hard, but East London were a very well drilled team, who worked together well. However, a cross field kick found winger Dan Allen, whose quick pass went straight to Olly Lyons, who ran the ball over the line, for a converted try, 24-16.
The end of the game was getting closer & East London were keen to get a bonus point, which they did as Maldon tired & a couple of missed tackles allowed East London to cross for a final converted try, 31-16 the final score.
No game next week, but, next game is at home to table toppers Wansted. This will present a challenge to Maldon, but, often Maldon rise to such challenges & raise their game.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Jim Roblin, superb in attack and defence.
