Sat 4 Jan 2025
Maldon welcomed Campion to Drapers Farm on a very cold, frosty day, so cold, in fact, that a pitch inspection was needed to confirm the game could go ahead.
Pre-match talk was of the last time the Farrups had started together for the 1s. A number of years ago was the answer they gave in unison. There were some other changes too, but Maldon were confident that they were strong enough to defeat Campion for the first time in a number of years.
The game started with a good crowd watching, including a large visiting contingent. Campion started well, keeping the ball in hand & support runners hitting good lines. Campion’s reward was a penalty near the posts, which they elected to kick, but missed, relieving pressure for a few minutes. However, Campion came forward again & this time they exploited some space out wide & crossed for the day’s first try, 0-7.
Maldon woke up & attacked with purpose, with the Farrups at the heart of much of the attacking play, playing in unison, creating forward momentum. Maldon were awarded a kickable penalty, which was kicked by Joshua Chadwick, 3-7.
Straight from the kick-off Maldon attacked, with forwards & backs interlinking to create space for runners to surge forward. By going through phases & retaining possession, Maldon set up Jim Roblin out wide for a try, 8-7. It was amazing Jim could even move, let alone score a try, given that he used up the whole physio bag supply of tape for his ankle prior to the game.
Maldon were on top & played some good rugby, but the opposition tackled well, keeping Maldon at bay. Campion then capitalised on a loose ball & regained possession. This allowed them to move down the pitch, eventually getting across the gainline. Some poor tackling allowed Campion through for another try, 8-14.
A few minutes before half-time, Olly Lyons lost his head & a late tackle brought about a yellow card & Maldon were down to 14 men either side of half-time.
Maldon started the second half a man down, but played some of their best rugby of the season. They attacked with speed & skill, and defended with power. Campion could not cope with the attacking play, as it involved multiple phases & multiple players involved in the movements. First, centre Lewis Nichols crashed over after 10 minutes of pressure, which had Campion unable to manage with wave after wave of attack. The converted try restored the lead for Maldon, 15-14.
Next, hooker George Alden-Smith benefitted from a final pass, after a superb period of play, in which virtually every player touched the ball, for another converted try, 22-14.
Maldon had to work hard in defence too, & Olly Lyons redeemed himself with a try-saving, last-ditch tackle, dislodging the ball to save a certain try by Campion .
But, then disaster for Maldon. Dan Farrup made a half break, then pulled up with a hamstring injury. The ball was transferred through a few pairs of hands, reaching Jamie Farrup, who then pulled up with a hamstring injury… between the twins they have two working hamstrings. They were consequently subbed off, the same way they came into this world… together.
Campion then took control of the scrums & were awarded a couple of penalties, which gave their supporters some hope. But, Maldon were resolute in defence & kept Campion out. Maldon managed to work their way down the field, with more great support play. Campion kept them out, but Maldon had a scrum in between the 10m line and 22. From this scrum, a backs move allowed Joshua Chadwick to skip past a couple of defenders, to score, then convert his own try, 29-14, with 5 minutes to go.
Campion never gave up & forced their way forward to score another try before the final whistle, 29-19.
This was an excellent victory, against good opposition, who are close behind Maldon in the league table. Maldon are still second, with 8 more games to go.
Next game is on Saturday 11th away to Old Cooperians, who held Maldon to a draw earlier in the season.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Chris Mooney, phenomenal tackling and determination throughout the game.
