Sat 28 Feb 2026
Maldon welcomed Chingford, for their first league game in ages. As usual the team was much changed, both personnel & positional.
The match kicked off & Chingford had most of the early possession, with Maldon spending time defending & not being able to enjoy having the ball or territory. The Chingford pack had some big ball carriers, but the Maldon defence proved strong enough to prevent any breaks or any scores. Against the run of play, Maldon managed to secure some ball & used it well, showing good handling to release the backs. Importantly, this period of play gave Maldon confidence to run the ball. Maldon then defended some more, again, repelling Chingford with some excellent defence. Maldon were able to turn defence into attack following a penalty for offside by Chingford. A scrum about 30 m out saw Brad White (in his first game for some time) make a break, passing to captain Lewis Nichols, to score under the posts, converted by Dan Allen.
By retaining possession more, Maldon were able to run with the ball more, interlinking between backs & forwards was evident. A miss pass from Jack Judd resulted in space for winger Teddy Summers who simply drew the final defender & put Dan Allen in to score & then convert, 14-0.
Maldon then defended for the next 10 minutes, keeping Chingford out repeatedly. The visitors then raised their game & managed to actually convert their superior amount of possession into points when they scored a converted try, 14-7. Chingford had another chance to score, but failed to cross the line again, due to outstanding defence by Maldon once more.
Half time 14-7.
Chingford started off in the second half, much like the first half, with possession & territory. Before too long they managed to get over the try line, 14-12. But, at this point Maldon woke up. By kicking for territory, Maldon got down the pitch & were able to exert some pressure on Chingford. Good phases of play allowed Dan Allen to show his pace & run around the defenders to score his second try of the afternoon, 19-12. Chingford, however, came back again &, by this point, their forwards were dominating scrums & they used this to their advantage. Penalties by Maldon gave Chingford territory & they crossed the line once more, 19-17.
Maldon then enjoyed some time close to the Chingford try line & 2nd row Joe Entwistle showed power & determination to cross for a try, converted once more by Dan Allen, 26-17.
With a 9 point lead Maldon were keen to hold on & not do anything that would allow Chingford back in the game. Cue a George Perkins’ yellow card! However this didn't impact on the result & Maldon held on for a deserved victory.
Man of the match -
Demitri Sofocleous - great intent in attack and defence all game.
Next league fixture is away against Thurrock next weekend.
