Sat 5 Nov 2022
Maldon welcomed Basildon to Drapers Farm. For the first time this season the weather wasn’t great, but Maldon were still confident of delivering a performance worthy of league leaders.
Maldon started well, with good handling & a number of phases leading to Dimitri Sofoclous scoring, converted by Joshua Chadwick for a 7-0 lead. Basildon came back into the game, but Maldon’s defence was excellent, with George Alden-Smith at the forefront with excellent tackling & counter rucking. Basildon had to opt for a penalty to open their account, 7-3. Ben Marshall showed a number of his customary big hits, knocking Basildon back. Maldon worked their way down the pitch & a quick tap penalty by captain Chadwick resulted in a try for Sam Langston, 12-3. Maldon slipped off a bit for about 20 mins, where they let Basildon play, but they did very well not to concede. After this, George Alden-Smith powered over to take the score to 17-3. Maldon had produced 3 attacks & scored 3 times by this point. But, the referee was unhappy with the amount of whinging & moaning from both teams, so he took the decision to yellow card both captains. Jack Judd rightfully took DOTD for his comments leading to the captain’s sin bin.
Half-time 17-3.
The 2nd half started promisingly for Maldon, as they ran the ball well, showing good handling & pace on the ball. But, the referee suffered an injury & couldn’t continue. Touch judge Chadwick senior was asked to take over & when he had eventually got changed & stretched off there was 27 minutes left & Maldon had scored more points, but who scored what was lost in the changeover. The score was given as 35-3.
The new referee immediately imposed himself on the game by penalising Maldon, resulting in Basildon capitalising on possession & scoring a converted try, 35-10.
Maldon responded well & played fast, open rugby, which, considering the conditions, was done well.
An incident then happened that resulted in Louis Pointer, who has been improving week on week at scrum half, being injured. Both teams then came together to congratulate each other on their performances & to pat everyone on the back, saying well done, aren’t you playing well?
The game finished off with Zak Knight & his opposite number in the sin bin, joined by another Basildon player at the very end for slapping the ball down from a quick penalty. But, during this time Maldon scored 2 more tries from Mickey Curry & Dan Allen.
This was a very emphatic performance by Maldon, showing complete dominance in the scrum, the ability to get over the gainline with the ball & excellent handling. Even with injuries and players moving out of position, Maldon were by far the best team in every area of the game. What was most pleasing was the defence, which is getting better and better each game. The unity of the team was evident when all players showed a collective will to support each other when the going got tough.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jamie Farrup for a barnstorming display in attack & defence.
