Much improved performance.

Walden match league leaders for large parts of the game to give renewed hope going into the next couple of weeks.

Walden travelled down the M11 to play Chingford who sit top of the table and after last weeks heavy defeat away at 4th placed Colchester many could be forgiven this was going to be another big defeat.
But what a difference a week makes as the players dug deep showed immense character and found some inner belief aided by the Coaching team to put in a really credible performance that they can be proud of.
It was no surprise that Chingford were on top in the first 5 mins as Walden suffered some of the hangover from last week and they scored a well worked converted try after only 7 mins.
But when Walden had the ball the big difference to last week was a determination to hang on to it for long periods of the game, it was this and some determined defence that meant the league leaders were only able to score two more tries in the first half leaving the half time score at 19 – 0.
Of course one wondered if Walden would tire in the second half but it was actually the opposite as they stepped up the pace, for long periods of the half they looked like the only team capable of scoring even forcing Chingford to repeatedly give away penalties resulting in two men being sin binned mainly for offside and slowing the ball down at the breakdown.
When Walden got close to scoring which they did on several times perhaps understandbly tried to force it and with Chingford having one of the best defences in the league meant getting some points on the score board was not to be.
Chingford managed to score their Bonus point try only 8 mins from the end after a solo effort by their outstanding flanker to leave the full time score 26 – 0.
Great credit to all the team and welcome returns after injury to flanker Ben Stapleton winger Rob Booth and fullback Chris Clayton-Smith plus a notable debut for Prop Tom Wood. Walden's Man of the Match went to centre Jon Goodin and but it could have gone to any of players who all stepped up when the pressure was on, notably Simon Hallows, Keith Thornicroft, Will Walker and Stuart Smith stepping up from the Saxons making a real difference on the day.
Next week Walden entertain Ruislip who sit one place and 11 points above them, a must win game. All supporters please come along to cheer the guys on it makes a huge difference.

We are always on the look out for new players to play either in the first team in London N1 or the Saxons (2nd team) in Eastern Counties 1West, if you are interested in joining our friendly club please contact either info@swrfc.co.uk or graham.marshall2@ntlworld.com