Brave fightback

By John Cox

Witham went into this game looking to avenge the defeat from the fixture at Dagenham

However, the visitors started with more aggression and used their bulky forwards as a platform to release their backs. This worked well as they pulled Witham's defence across the pitch before their winger was fed the ball to score in the corner. Witham stormed back from the kick off and were soon in an attacking position. Great drives from the forwards ended with a try for Stefan Hogan.

Dagenham once again managed to control possession and had soon crossed again to lead 12-5. The game started to get untidy and this seemed to suit the visitors who managed to stretch their lead with an interception. Along with a penalty, they must have felt comfortable with a lead of 22-5 at half time.

The second half started off evenly with neither side breaking through. However, Witham's fitness started to show as late on, they started putting pressure on the Dagenham line. Josh Taplin added to his tally for the season with a bustling try, converted by Daz Chesson. Suddenly, Witham saw a chance and while Dagenham threw everything into their defence, they could not halt Michael Harrison from 5 metres out. With only a couple of minutes left, Witham were throwing everything at Dagenham. Halted short of the line, the ball spilled out the side of a ruck. John Beales was first to it and dived for the corner. Unfortunately, Chesson couldn't slot the kick to take the victory but Witham celebrated a massive comeback against a very strong opposition.