Walden stay unbeaten.

Saffron Walden maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought win over Harlow.
Once again Walden found persistent rain on their travels not conducive to the expansive game that they like to play. But the ability to adapt to the conditions is something they have to get used to as Autumn and Winter sets in.
They got off to a great start and were soon pressurising Harlow's try line and it was hooker Elliott Kelsall who opened the scoring as he bundled over the line wide out to put Walden 5 points ahead after 6 mins.
5 mins later Walden regained possession and fly half Tom Price received the ball 60metres out, he jinked past a couple or players to go over the half way line and kicked through, however Harlow gave a penalty away for a late tackle, leaving a simple kick only 20 metres out where the ball landed. 8 – 0.
Harlow had some opportunities throughout the half but some great defence kept them at bay and Walden added to their score mid way after Harlow conceded another penalty and Walden kicked to the corner, a good catch and drive pushed the home team over the line for No8 Nik Baker to claim the try 13- 0 after 20 mins.
Then his brother second row Brad Baker scored Walden's third try with half an hour on the clock when he burst through the centre to score under the posts for a converted try.
No further score in the first half but Walden were in command at half time with the score at 20 – 0.
Harlow came out strongly in the first 10 mins of the second half and scored a well worked move with a break through the centres after a perfectly timed pass to narrow the gap to 20 – 7 with only 5 mins played in the half.
The home team gained in confidence and it took some determined defence to keep them out but gradually the dire weather got the better of both teams and handling errors crept in. The game became disjointed with neither side really looking like scoring despite Harlows effort to narrow the gap and Walden trying to get the Bonus point try.
But another win on the road is always a good achievement with all 18 players deserving credit for sticking to the task.
Next week is the first round of the National Intermediate Cup but as Walden have a bye they have a much needed week off before the league campaign restarts on the 20th October with a home game v Southwold 3pm kick off.

The Saxons completed a good afternoon for the club showing great heart with a 10 all draw against top of the table Newmarket Firsts in Eastern Counties 1W, They will also resume their campaign on the 20th Oct with a home tie v Shelford 3's.

We are always on the look out for new players to play either in the first team in London 2NE 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