Epping Upper Clapton v TRFC

Epping Upper Clapton RFC U16 v Thurrock RFC U16 (Friendly) 06.11.16

After the amazing draw at home to Westcliff, Ts travelled up to Epping Upper Clapton, (EUC), without the Essex Squad players, but welcomed back Fergie & Big Daddy from injuries, resulting in 21 fit boys raring to go. EUC were in similar situation to Ts with only 18 fit boys, with their squad depleted to Essex as well.

Ts started well against a spirited EUC side willing to take it on, particularly in the backs where they had flankers playing, but Ts defence was working hard. It was Ts that had the first break through which was just reward for their phase play. A few Phase 1s, drew the EUC defenders out of the back line, (forward’s instinct), and some swift passing saw Fergie’s return to fitness rewarded with a try under the posts. No.8 & Captain, Blake, playing 10, kicked the extras.
Ts kept the pressure up and Luke Sinclair was unlucky not to get his first try for Ts as he was tackled over the line, dislodging the ball in the process.
EUC did not lie down and fought hard to get back into the game only for Ts sturdy defence to keep them in the game. An injury to full back Aaron running the ball out of defence, saw Scott come on in the centre to counter the hard running flankers from EUC. From a well worked lineout, EUC got the ball and gave it to one of the impact runners who crashed over for a well-deserved and converted try.

Half time it was all square, 7 all.

The second half was very similar with each team playing very similar styles of trying to crash their way forward. After 10mins, it was Ts again that probed with their phase play and opened up the EUC defence to allow straight running Jordan to score under the posts for Blake to convert.
Again the next 15mins was very even, but possibly with the benefit of a strong bench, Ts were able to forge ahead. A poor clearance saw Asa, (moved to full back), gather the ball around the half way and charge forward beating 2 – 3 defenders to nip in at the corner – and being a lefty, Blake was unable to add the extras this time.
In the dying throws of the game, Blake forgot he was playing 10 and smashed his way over for his try, making sure his left foot could convert it to wrap things up for Ts.

A good work out for the development squad and the boys coming back from injury, however Ts picked up another injury to Aaron, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Result;
Epping Upper Clapton RFC U16s 7 - 26 Thurrock RFC U16s
EUC;
Tries: 1 x Try
Cons: 1 x Conversion

TRFC:
Tries:
Harry Ferguson
Jordan Steward
Asa Gregory
Blake Burns
Cons: Blake Burns x 3
Next week, Ts have their second League game of the season…and it’s a home one to Romford.