Sat 14 Dec 2024
With a couple of changes due to unavailability, Maldon welcomed Romford to Drapers Farm on a bright winter's day. The 2nd team were playing at home too & this, along with a VP’s lunch, ensured a good crowd watching the rugby.
Maldon started poorly, against the wind, giving away ground & possession early on, then being penalised for Romford to take the lead, 0-3. Maldon immediately improved with good pressure from the restart, followed by flanker Jack Evans charging down for centre Lewis Nichols to run in under the posts for a try, converted by Joshua Chadwick, 7-3.
Next came a poor 10 minutes from Maldon. Another poor decision at the breakdown resulted in a Romford penalty, which was kicked to touch. From the resulting line out Romford kept possession & went through enough phases to score a converted try, 7-10. Romford continued to dominate due to the wind & playing quickly, displaying good support & handling. Maldon had defended well, with lots of tackling, but a Romford player managed to evade 4 attempted tackles & stroll over for another converted try, 7-17.
The rest of the half belonged to Maldon. First a great break, after some good handling by the backs saw Romford commit a cynical penalty near the try line. Maldon were awarded a penalty try, Romford were awarded a yellow card, 14-17. Then Maldon displayed superb handling, taking advantage of playing against 14 men. A converted try for Dan Allen was closely followed by a try for Joshua Chadwick. Both tries had the crowd applauding warmly, as many passes & good running ripped through the Romford defence. 26-17 to Maldon.
The final few minutes of the half saw both teams kick penalties, taking the score to 29-20 at half time.
The second half saw more running rugby. This running rugby produced space to make ground, allowing the opportunity for George Perkins to power over the line for a converted try, 36-20. Maldon continued to dominate, with backs & forwards linking well to get over the gain line. Good ball retention provided Dan Allen with enough space to score his second try of the game, 41-20.
Maldon botched the kick off, allowing Romford back into the game, by giving possession away inside the 22. A few phases later Romford crossed the line, 41-25. Then Maldon had a good few minutes, first Chadwick kicked his second penalty, 44-25. Secondly, the good handling continued, with winger Alex Davis finishing off another series of phases, with a converted try, which included the ball moving wide at speed, 51-25. But, Maldon didn’t take the following kick off well, from this Romford created space for their winger to score in the corner, with George Alden-Smith getting a yellow card in his attempt to prevent the try.
The final score was 51-30, a brilliant result against a good team, who will be challenging for a top spot at the end of the season. Attack was excellent & the crowd were thoroughly entertained.
Next week - Maldon are away to Braintree in the final game before the Christmas break.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Jack Evans, terrific work rate all over the pitch and non-stop tackling.
