Sat 18 Jan 2025
Maldon welcomed old rivals East London to Drapers, after a break due to frozen pitches. Earlier in the season East London defeated Maldon in a close game. Maldon had some changes in the pack, but the back-line was less disrupted.
The crowd were warmed up watching the 3s in an early kick off against Burnham, in a very close game, which the 3s lost by a single point.
Maldon started the game well, having plenty of territory & lots of possession. As expected, East London defended well & were very well organised. East London did manage to get into the Maldon half, but not for long, as Maldon defended brilliantly, with great determination from all. Again, moved down the pitch, threatening to score. Maldon could not cross the line, but a penalty was converted by captain Joshua Chadwick for a 3-0 lead. This spurred East London into action as they immediately kept the ball better & crossed the gain line more regularly. Despite excellent defence by Maldon, East London attacked positively & forced their way over the line for the game’s first try, 3-7.
Maldon responded well, once more making yards down the pitch, with strong carries from George Perkins, George Alden-Smith and Ollie Lyons, but they were defended well by East London. East London also played well in attack, negated by good Maldon defence. Chadwick kicked his second penalty, following a penalty against East London, 6-7.
The game did not have many scores, but was great entertainment for the crowd, as there were lots of high quality performances by both teams. A loose kick by East London bounced up for Lewis Nichols to run into space. He drew the full back &, in support, Joshua Chadwick received the pass, and brushed off the East London flanker to run over the try-line, converting his own try, 13-7.
Disaster struck, though, when hooker George Alden-Smith was given a yellow card just before half-time. Maldon managed to hold out, 13-7 at half-time.
The team talk at half time was to keep doing the same things, as Maldon were playing well.
The second half started & East London raised their game, which put Maldon under pressure. There were some breaks by East London, when a small number of tackles were missed. But, these were rare, as most of the time Maldon defended well, preventing any tries from East London. However, a penalty was kicked to reduce the deficit, 13-10.
As their previous score encouraged East London, so did this penalty & they were awarded another penalty, converted to tie the game, 13-13, with not long to go.
Both teams were keen to play for the win & not settle for a draw. Maldon attacked & were pleased when awarded a penalty in front of the posts, kicked by Chadwick, 16-13.
East London were not to be beaten, however, & from the kick-off they turned the ball over & were intent on scoring. Following a few phases of play & a couple of penalties, East London sealed victory with a try, 16-20. The game lasted another couple of minutes & both teams were applauded for their efforts.
This was a really close game against strong opposition & Maldon performed really well, being unlucky to lose out in the final few minutes of the games.
Next game is the rearranged game v Old Cooperians away, next week.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Joshua Chadwick, all 16 points to the skipper's name.
