Sat 7 Dec 2024
On a chilly, wet, windy day Chingford came to Maldon, currently sitting in third place. Chingford had recently reversed their fortunes by winning their last 2 games, including beating Epping Upper Clapton in their last match, so they were hoping they could continue this winning streak. Likewise, Maldon have been on a good run as were also hoping to continue their winning ways.
Maldon received kick-off & allowed the opposition to have territory & put themselves under pressure. This was quickly transformed into a try for Chingford, 0-5, a poor start for Maldon.
Maldon then started to play & they tackled well, keeping Chingford back in their own half. Good handling moved the ball out to full back Sam Langston, who crossed for a try converted by Joshua Chadwick, 7-5. Maldon continued the positive play, moving the ball around despite the conditions. Superb handling by a number of players set up winger Alex Davis, who showed pace & power to beat the final defenders, for a converted try, 14-5.
Chingford were unable to go through any phases & struggled to maintain possession, due to the conditions & Maldon’s defence. Maldon also kicked well, gaining territory without using too many phases. Continued possession & good recycling resulted in space for Sam Langston to score another converted try, finishing off the good work of a number of players, 19-5. This was closely followed by a converted try for Brad White, finishing off another piece of good team play. Both tries benefitted from excellent handling in the build-up. The score was now 26-5, meaning a try bonus point before half-time.
Chingford did, eventually, manage to maintain possession & break through into the Maldon 22. Maldon defended well, but George Alden-Smith was caught offside after a penalty & received a yellow card. Chingford took advantage of the extra man & crossed for a converted try, 26-12. However, Maldon were not finished. They used the conditions to move down the pitch, then used good tactics to find space for a long pass to Sam Langston, who finished off the move for a first half hat-trick.
Half-time 33-12 to Maldon.
The second half took a little while to get going, as there were some injuries, which stopped play. When the game did get going, Maldon, once again, showed their superiority. Good field position produced space for Louis Poynter sniping at the breakdown for a converted try, 40-12. Not long after Lewis Nichols showed his strength by breaking tackles, for another converted try, 47-12.
When Chingford did get into the Maldon half, there was no panic & Maldon tackled well. Then, a contentious moment, as George Perkins was adjudged to have tackled high & was given a red card. As in the first half, Chingford took advantage of playing against 14 men & scored, 47-17.
But, Maldon were determined to play until the final whistle, first Lewis Nichols ran through the defence again for his second try, converted, 54-17. The final play of the match saw Chingford struggling to keep tackling & Sam Langston crossed for his 4th try of the day. Joshua Chadwick kicked his 8th conversion & the final score was 61-17.
This was an excellent performance, with all 18 players contributing. Defence was brave with most of the forwards having a very high tackle count & the attack was full of great support & crisp handling in the back line.
Maldon now sit 2nd in the table with 2 games to go before Christmas.
Next week - home again against Romford, who have done well since Maldon beat them in September.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Sam Langston, scoring four tries and joining the line brilliantly from full back.
