Chingford Under 12s 15
Upper Clapton 5

CHINGFORD played hosts to Upper Clapton at Waltham Way on Sunday in what proved to be fiercely contested morning’s rugby, between two very competitive sides.

Upper Clapton started well and when Chingford missed an early scoring opportunity the away side kept possession and managed to score a well worked try.

The Upper Clapton forwards completely dominated the first half, out scrummaging their counterparts and only strong defence and powerful tackling ensured that they did not add to their initial score.

With the home side taking wrong options in attack and looking unusually lacklustre with ball in hand they were somewhat lucky to trail only 5-0 at the half time interval.

The second half saw the Chingford boys come back to life. The introduction of Tommy Kirby strengthened the scrum and the team competed well in the loose.

Powerful running from the Chingford backs caused the away side constant problems and it became only a matter of time before the defence was breached.

The scores were levelled when Jamie George crossed for a fine score that his commitment and endeavour fully deserved. Chingford were now completely dominant and began to use their free running backs to good effect, well supported by a rejuvenated pack, with Henry Coates to the fore.

Zack Stewart, now playing on the wing, was causing constant problems, as was Vince Marchese. They were brought into the game through some fine handling by Adam Johnson and Aaron Coffey in the centre, who both contributed some massive tackles and it was the result of one such move that saw Stewart score the second try.

Clapton were still competing well and continued to tackle everything that moved and the result was always in doubt until late on when Matt Buckingham crossed for another fine try.

It was a good second half performance from the Chingford boys against a well drilled and hugely improved Upper Clapton side.

In a second game of the morning both sides used the opportunity to field less experienced squad members and give them valuable game time. This match was equally close and also fiercely contested. Solid defence on both sides dominated a scoreless first half, and the deadlock was only broken by another Zack Stewart effort, this proving to be the only try of the game.