Sat 8 Nov 2025
Maldon travelled to Chingford, for their first league game in over a month, due to games being cancelled by the opposition or free weekends. Last season Maldon scored 60 plus points in both games against Chingford, so were confident, but respectful of the opposition. The game started well, until a silly penalty allowed Chingford to move out of their 22. However, with Maldon’s first possession, full-back Dan Allen kicked a 50-22 &, following a few phases, and a miss pass from Jackc Judd, hooker Ben Cooper charged over, converted by Joshua Chadwick, for a 0-7 lead.
Maldon caught the kick-off & ran at Chingford, but, a silly penalty (you may be able to see a pattern emerging here) gave Chingford the opportunity to kick for territory, from which they simply ran at Maldon with their big runners & Maldon gave away another silly penalty, from which Chingford crossed the line, 7-7.
Next, Maldon managed to move the ball well & moved up to the half-way line, realising, at this point, that Chingford had improved considerably from last season, with a couple of very influential players, both in attack & defence. Maldon made a line break, but, trying to force a pass when recycling the ball was a better option, gave up possession, allowing Chingford an opportunity. Chingford took this opportunity & poor tackling resulted in another try, 14-7.
Maldon’s response was positive. They played good rugby to get up to the Chingford 22m line & scrum-half Olly Anthony spotted a gap, brushed off the defender & showed pace to run in near the posts, again converted by Chadwick, 14-14. This was followed by more positive rugby, good interplay between backs & forwards, no forced passing, recycling & keeping possession all allowed Maldon to create space & momentum. By going through the phases, Maldon made the Chingford pack work hard to cover gaps. The end result was Sam Langston running in from the wing to sidestep a few defenders & score under the posts, Chadwick converted 14-21.
Maldon had been in the Chingford half 3 times & scored every time.
Just when Maldon were in a position of superiority, they managed to slacken off, which allowed Chingford to score once more,19-21 at half-time.
The second half started & Maldon started well. A tackle on the Chingford full back from Chadwick and an interesting play of the ball by the tackled full back (or maybe it was Chadwick trying to get away from the wrong side of the ruck…?), resulted in replacement Alfie Summers hacking the ball downfield, chasing it with a couple of Chingford defenders. Near the line Summers was obstructed, resulting in a penalty try & a yellow card for Chingford, 19-28. Following the kick-off Chingford threw a loose pass, picked up and offloaded by Sam Langston to Josh Chadwick who ran in, unopposed, from 60m out, 19-33.
Maldon were 14 points up & Chingford were struggling with only 14 men on the pitch. However, Chingford were galvanised by this & really worked hard to stay in the game. Their big second row was unstoppable, as he kept on running at Maldon. The Chingford centre & full-back were also involved in this resurgence, beating players & making ground. Through positive play by Chingford & a couple of silly penalties, Maldon did not capitalise on the yellow card period. Chingford scored twice to draw level at 33-33.
To make things worse, another silly penalty, right in front of the posts, gave an easy 3 points to Chingford, 36-33. Maldon did respond, showing that they could play good rugby, gaining territory, then keeping possession through many phases, with Demetri Sofocleous forcing his way over the line, converted by Chadwick, 36-40. Maldon had a penalty a few minutes later & attempted to kick it, but it was missed, still giving Chingford hope. Chingford realised that they had a chance of a win & this made them more determined. Once more their big second row ran hard, gaining ground with every carry. When Chingford were near the Maldon 22m line, yet another penalty allowed Chingford to kick to the corner & attack from 5m out. You guessed it… another penalty & a yellow card to Maldon eventually led to the inevitable & Chingford scored again, 43-40, with a few minutes to go.
Maldon attacked well & neared the Chingford line. 2 penalties were awarded to Maldon, who decided to go for the win, rather than the draw. But, Chingford held out as Maldon were left to rue their missed opportunities.
Credit must be given to Jack E, Ben M and George P, who in a game where Maldon were penalised for poor tackling technique, showed the team how to do this properly, all three with very high successful tackle counts.
This was a game of missed opportunities (& missed tackles). But, well done to Chingford, who are much improved from last season & never gave up.
Man of the match - George Perkins, showing how defending should be done.
Next league fixture is against Thurrock at home in a fortnight.
