WOODFORD-53 v ETON MANOR-17

A dominant Woodford performance was witnessed by all as we played our neighbours in rugby, Eton Manor.

The game started off however in some what of an unusual manner as after some early pressure by the home team in EM's 22 a penalty was awarded which resulted in Lewis Walcott slotting home a penalty for a 3-0 advantage, this is only the 2nd time I have ever witnessed a penalty kick being taken at our age group, but I guess it is a sign of things to come as the boys get older and points are harder to come by.

However our lead was very short lived as Manor got the bit between their teeth and punished two lapses in concentration by the boys, tackles were not made and gaps were left open which allowed the opposition to run in two tries, one being converted. A 3-12 scoreline did not reflect the pressure and it was only a matter of time before this was addressed.

Kieran Chopping, revelling in his role as No 8, picked up the ball from the back of the scrum, a few well placed hand offs and he paced through to score his first of two in this half, another was added shortly afterwards by Owen Morris with a mazy run, Zion Roache got in on the act too as the Eton Manor boys could not subdue his power. The final score of the half came as Kieran once again powered through, side stepping as he went towards the line. Lewis Walcott converted all four tries to give himself a 100% success rate for the day, 4 from 4 and a penalty.

Second half peculiarly enough started in the same way, Eton Manor opened up the scoring but Woods were well up for it this time, some creative cross field kicking from Lewis Walcott, who was having a majestic game, fell nicely to Ben Acons who gathered up the ball and popped it over the line. Lewis once again converting. Then Owen Morris collected another lofty kick from Lewis, this time he still had a bit of ground to cover as he bulldozed his way to the corner for his second try. Lewis was left with an almost impossible kick from the side line which was to foil his 100% record for the day. With our visitors heads down at this point Woods did not take their foot off the pedal as Zion Roache added another and with the game heading towards the end it was left for Ben Acons to round off his fantastic performance with a blistering run from the half way line to outpace everyone and score the final points to go on the board.

It was a fantastic team performance today, all were sensational, but there were also some really brilliant solo performances too, four players scored two tries a piece: Kieran, Owen, Z & Ben Acons. Lewis Walcott had an almost 100% kicking record, only missing one, Ethan Mackenzie Yapa tackled like a mad man, anyone who crossed his path ended up on the floor (almost including the Woodford player who was carrying on the water bottles in a lull of play!!), Owen Morris & Zion Roache played a huge part in constantly talking to the boys to encourage and pump up, but top of the shop was undoubtedly Man of the Match Ben Acons who's performance at centre was sublime, passing when required or taking it at pace when viable, tackle whenever needed and proving a constant threat.

Well done lads, let's carry this confidence into next Sunday and Upminster!