Sat 3 Dec 2022
Maldon welcomed Harwich to Drapers Farm on the coldest day of the year so far (at least for the spectators). Harwich were near the top of the table, having won 5 games already, so the game promised to be a good one.
Maldon started well, making territory by strong running from the forwards. Scrums followed the pattern of the whole season, with Maldon dominant over the Harwich pack. Good linking between forwards & backs led to Zak Knight crossing the line (robbing Josh Chadwick of the easiest try any player would have to score), converted by Dan Allen, 7-0. Within a few minutes Dan Allen crossed the line after more good handling from the backs & converted his own try, 14-0.
At this point Maldon were completely in control of the game & a poorly executed move in the backs led to an interception by Harwich, finishing under the posts, 14-7.
Further good play by forwards Ben Marshall & Jim Roblin took Maldon close to the try line. Dimitri Sofoclous picked up & went, ignoring the 14 man overlap Maldon had out wide, but he managed to burrow his way over the line, converted once more by Dan Allen, 21-7.
Next, the most comical moment of the game. A scrum near the try line, won by Harwich was passed to the fly half, behind the try line. He was under pressure, so passed it to the full back, who was under more pressure, so tried to kick it, dropped it, failed to pick it up, allowing Olly Anthony, who applied great pressure at the scrum, to score the easiest try of his career where he may have had to run minus metres to score! 26-7. The half finished with Zak Knight crossing once more, with Dan Allen kicking his 4th conversion of the half, 33-7.
Changes at half time were made & the hope was that Maldon would run riot.
Well executed, simple rugby of passing the ball down the line allowed Sam Moon, rewarded with a 1st team start following good performances in the 2s, to cross under the posts, Dan Allen adding the conversion, 40-7.
Now was the time for some unexpected skills to be displayed. Harwich kicked deep into the Maldon half. The kick was tidied & George Perkins found the ball in his hands. George then surprised all present by kicking the ball downfield. The kick stayed in play & bounced wickedly, for George to regather the ball, as if he was an international fly-half.
Then, the least comical monet of the game. A messy line out saw George Alden-Smith tackled into touch, which led to an extreme reaction by the Harwich prop, who viciously kicked George, who laughed off the attempted volley, and received a red card for his footwork. Fortunately the Harwich prop apologised for the moment of madness and all was forgiven.
Back to rugby, Sam Moon ran hard again, after more good handling by all, crossing for his second try & Dan Allen’s 6th conversion, 47-7. More positives from the game include Ollie Lyon coming on for his second game in the 1st team, with his first two runs he scattered Harwich defenders and was completely destructive. Ryan Galvin, with his first start at 10, performed incredibly well, calling the right moves and producing some brilliant passes on the gain line.
The game finished with uncontested scrums & captain Joshua Chadwick running hard & straight to score, which allowed Dan Allen his 7th conversion from 8 attempts, a great day from the tee.
Final score 54-7, a good result for a game in which Maldon dominated in every aspect. Next week, Maldon travel to Clacton, who always provide a great contest! Maldon will have to be at the top of their game to beat Clacton and carry on their impressive form.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Moon - Fantastic running, backing his pace and finishing off two tries very well.
