Sat 11 Apr 2026
Maldon traveled to Campion hoping to reverse the defeat at home earlier in the season. On a breezy day some Maldon VPs made the pre-match lunch to lubricate their voices so that they could support Maldon more vocally.
Campion started strongly & within minutes were on Maldon’s try line. But, from defence Jim Roblin, encouraged by the better Roblin (Ed), made a brilliant run over the half-way line to give Maldon a much better position from which to attack. Following this, a quick pick and go from Demetri Sofocleous saw him power over with defenders hanging on to him, for the first score of the day, converted by Dan Allen, 0-7. With both teams trying to play expansive rugby the ball was moved around considerably more than in the winter months. Maldon, again, defended well & turned the ball over. Maldon moved the ball quickly to winger Alakarnye Turay who made good ground & Maldon were threatening the Campion line. This pressure eventually told, with Demetri Sofocleous scoring his second of the day, converted again by Dan Allen, 0-14.
Maldon continued to pressurise Campion & found themselves playing in the right areas but not coming away with any more points for the time being.
From their own line Campion ran the ball & almost made it to the Maldon line before knocking on the ball. But they remained inside the Maldon half until a loose pass by Maldon saw the ball bobble &, following a kick through, Campion scored 5-14.
Maldon increased the pressure following this set-back & were awarded a penalty near the Campion posts, decided not to kick it, ran the ball wide & Dan Allen scored the 3rd try for Maldon, 5-19. But, Campion came straight back & scored a try almost immediately, 12-19, which was the half-time score.
Maldon had the slope in the 2nd half & were instructed to use the slope to play down in the Campion 22. However, Maldon took a while to do this & Campion were on top for the first period of the 2nd half. Maldon started to play better & gained some territory. The ball was moved wide to winger Alakaryne Turay who used his pace to score in the corner, 12-24.
Both teams continued to pass the ball wide & avoided kicking very much. The game was entertaining for the crowd, but became a bit disjointed during this part. Next, Campion moved the ball through their backs, did a loop move, creating space for their winger to score a try, 19-24 & Campion were now close to Maldon. The Maldon forwards continued to run hard, getting over the gainline regularly. In defence Maldon put in some big hits, driving Campion backwards at times.
With both teams tiring, substitute Matt Jarman made a very strong run & was awarded a penalty close to the try line. With only minutes to go Maldon took the line out, centre Lewis Nichols was tackled just short of the line & Jack Judd was on hand to catch the offload between hand and hamstring and then running in at least 1000mm to the line for the final score of the game, converted by Dan Allen, for a deserved win, 19-31.
Man of the match - Demetri Sofocleous
Next league fixture is at home against Billericay on 18.04
