As games go this will go into the history books as an absolute corker with the lead changing hands no less than 9 time during the match. I have no doubt that if they had played an extra 10 minutes then you could probably add a few more than that as well
Enfield had been the only side in the league to defeat Claptons youngsters during the first round of fixtures. A mix of dogged defence combined with big blokes running straight had given the home side a narrow four point victory.

Only three of the Eppping side had played in that game and with the usual unavailability along with the Essex flu bug taking its toll a much changed side arrived at Donkey Lane ( excellent name ?) for this merit table cup match.
With the average age of the backs standing at 19.3 it was decided that the visitors would attempt to run the much larger Enfield forwards around by park by moving the ball away from contact as quickly as possible.
Naturally as soon as the game kicked off this was completely ignored as the home side thundered into the Epping defensive line.
When Clapton did use the game plan it brought immediate rewards when the ball was passed wide to fullback Joe Walker who sprinted in from the twenty two.
Enfield then produced a period of sustained pressure that resulted In a converted try followed by a penalty.
Thoughts that Enfield may run away with the game soon extinguished as back came the club who managed to cross for there second try after a superb individual break from Gianlucca who also converted his own try to regain the lead.
This however was to be short lived as back came Enfield who popped over for another try when there rather large centre took the ball at pace and straight through a large gap that had rapidly appeared in the Clapton line. During the final minutes of the half second row Jakk Harty was sin binned for some form of naughtiness. He actually looked quite proud as he removed himself from the field of play
Lucca converted a penalty on the stroke of half time to reduce Enfield lead to two points.
Suprisingly Clapton didn't make any changes at half time but with Smelley blowing out of his windy pops and skipper TC complaining of various hurties, thoughts were it wouldn't be long into the second half before they did.

The second half began with Clapton on the front foot with Smelley making the hard yards while Nick Conway, Joe Walker and Jordan Watson all enjoying the space away from the forwards.
Five minutes into the second half and Epping were back in front again after an Aggie (playing in his first game of the season) try.
Enfield were having none of this and promptly retook the lead again with another try before Aggie crossed for his brace and yet another change in the lead. This was rugby ping pong style
Then the changes began! First off was TC being replaced by Doctor Ben who made an immediate impact with some strong hits in defence and some fine rolly pollys in attack
A quick Smelley check resulted in another five minutes.
Both teams exchanged penalties before Enfield crossed for there 4th try of the afternoon as the game entered the final quarter.
A second change for Clapton at this point as young Willy Parish had Attempted to tackle the try scorer with his head but unfortunately had come for second best. on came full back Damo into the back row, naturally......Smelley?.....another five minutes
The score now stood at 32-28 to the home side as the final whistle drew nearer. In fact it was the last minute when Epping who had again been driving upfield moved the ball wide to find the whirling dervish that is Doctor Ben who dived over the line for Clapton to re re re re take the lead once more.
The conversion was missed but the referee (who had a fine game) confirmed that there would be time for a restart. Gather, secure and get the ball out was the words from the touch line but hey that would be easy as the visitors moved the ball wide once more. Fortunately a nock on ensued closely followed by the final whistle.

Win, lose or draw the effort that went in from both sides needs to be commended for this wonderful feast of rugby.
For Epping if I had to single out a few individuals then it would be the defensive efforts of Jakk Harty, Dr Ben and Willy Parish. Matt Kelley for continuously getting over the gain line and making the full 80 minutes. Nick Conway for stepping in at fly half and finding space with his elusive running lines.
the MOM though went to Aggie who as I said was playing in only his first match of the season, scored two tries, didn't get sin binned but was a thorn in the Enfield side all match.

The teams will meet a third time at the end of the season and at one game all there will be all to play for.

No game for the 2s next week but host Weston the the league the Saturday after.

Epping Upper Clapton RFC

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