Maldon RFC

With only one home game this weekend, plenty of support was on show for the 'Vikings'!

The game started off slowly, both teams played a lot of rugby in the middle of the park, but weren't making too much ground. One too many penalties at the break down gave Maldon a penalty, slotted over by Alex Davis, 3 - 0. 

Witham then turned up to play. The visitors put together some impressive phases of play with great handling in the back line, and dominant forward carrying. In the space of 20 minutes Witham scored 3 tries, 3 - 15. In this period of play, Alex Thompson proved to be a useful road block against the destructive ball carrying Witham No.8, this prevented Maldon conceding more points. Falling behind was the kick that Maldon needed however, just before half time some great counter attacking allowed Alex Thompson to cross the line for the home sides first try of the day. 

HT: Maldon 8 - 15 Witham

Fitness proved to be Maldon's greatest weapon in the opening 15 mins of the second half. Witham, who were in control in the first half, simply couldn't keep up with the pace and power of the younger and fitter Maldon team. This period of play saw Josh Lamb score after some good handling, and Perkins & Marshall both powered over the line for three tries, 27 - 15 to Maldon. Maldon's dominance looked set to continue when Ryan Galvin took the ball right to Witham's defensive line and timed a pass perfectly to centre Ollie Lyons to run through a gap and score... only to be tackled a meter before the line and drop the ball. This prompted Witham to come back into the game, a charged down kick and some good forward running led to two Witham tries, 27 - 27 with only five minutes left to play. 

With Maldon going for the win, Witham were determined to turnover the ball. But, after an illegal entry to clear out in a ruck this gave Maldon the opportunity to secure the win. Vice captain Alex Davis stepped up to the mark and pointed to the posts. Last play of the game, Davis keeps his composure and brilliantly slots over the 3 for the win!

FT: Maldon 30 - 27 Witham

MOTM - Louis Pointer. The scrum half was brilliant for the 80 mins, getting stuck in when defending, and providing quick ball to set the platform for Maldon to attack.

Victory means that Maldon are now only 1 point behind league leaders Kelvedon, a strong and committed end to the season will be needed for the Vikings remaining fixtures.

Next week sees another home game for Maldon 2s, with Canvey Island RFC 2nd team coming down to play.