Kemp’s efforts make little headway for losing Clapton

UPPER Clapton continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table after a heavy defeat at the title-chasers.

The hosts' young side ran in 25 unanswered points in the opening 40 minutes. From the restart the Thornwood men camped in Malden's half for a good period only for the home team to get a quick breakaway try.

From the restart, Danny Smith tore his calf muscle and was replaced by Adam Prince at full-back. The visitors kept the pressure on and got a try through Dean Kemp after some good driving work by the pack.

Malden then got a couple of quick tries after some very good work out wide by their backs.

With the game having already slipped away from them Clapton gave one big last surge.

Kemp picked up a kick just inside his own half and ran through the whole of the home team's pack only to be stopped short of the line by a good last line of cover by the full-back.

From this ruck the ball was spun out to Joe Philps who hit back towards the forwards and Kemp picked up and drove over for his second try of the game.