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Sat 12 Aug 20171st XVSouthend
26
41
A good work out bodes well for the season to come.
Graham Marshall14 Aug 2017 - 10:03
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Walden gain some great experience playing Southend from National 3S.
Walden's first pre season game was against Southend Saxons who finished mid table in National League 3 in the league above.
Southend brought up to Walden nearly 2 full teams and they started much the stronger scoring 3 early tries in the first 12 mins to go 17 points up.
For those Walden supporters who had come to watch the game and enjoy the sunshine things looked ominous but the players did not let their heads go down and knew if they got some possession they could score tries of their own.
So it proved when a try by vice captain and fullback Tom Price narrowed the gap when he went over in the corner 5 – 17. 15 mins.
Southend scored again as they broke a couple of tackles to go under the posts, 5 – 24.
However Walden finished strongly in the last 15mins of the first half with some decisive breaks and determined running. The first by 2nd Row Matt Holden and then Tom Price scored his second and converting both to leave Walden trailing 19- 24 at half time.
For the first 10 mins of the second half Walden had slightly better of the game and it was fitting that centre Ben Nash finished off a great move to put the home team ahead with another converted try. 26 – 24 after 55 mins.
But this was as good as it got for Walden as Southend brought on lots of fresh players and despite some valiant Walden defence they scored 3 late tries to take the win 26 – 41.
A good game played in the right spirit for the occasion with both teams able take many positives out of the match.
Walden will know that having tested themselves out against higher level opposition and despite missing several key players their pre season training is on the right track.
Some good work by some new and returning squad members proved valuable, however 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
Southend brought up to Walden nearly 2 full teams and they started much the stronger scoring 3 early tries in the first 12 mins to go 17 points up.
For those Walden supporters who had come to watch the game and enjoy the sunshine things looked ominous but the players did not let their heads go down and knew if they got some possession they could score tries of their own.
So it proved when a try by vice captain and fullback Tom Price narrowed the gap when he went over in the corner 5 – 17. 15 mins.
Southend scored again as they broke a couple of tackles to go under the posts, 5 – 24.
However Walden finished strongly in the last 15mins of the first half with some decisive breaks and determined running. The first by 2nd Row Matt Holden and then Tom Price scored his second and converting both to leave Walden trailing 19- 24 at half time.
For the first 10 mins of the second half Walden had slightly better of the game and it was fitting that centre Ben Nash finished off a great move to put the home team ahead with another converted try. 26 – 24 after 55 mins.
But this was as good as it got for Walden as Southend brought on lots of fresh players and despite some valiant Walden defence they scored 3 late tries to take the win 26 – 41.
A good game played in the right spirit for the occasion with both teams able take many positives out of the match.
Walden will know that having tested themselves out against higher level opposition and despite missing several key players their pre season training is on the right track.
Some good work by some new and returning squad members proved valuable, however 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
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