Woodford win in the mud

Rochford Hundred U16s 5 – 19 Woodford U16s (Friendly)
Woodford last trekked to Rochford in October 2013 for what turned out to be a gruelling 29-17 defeat, on a day when their hosts sportingly dropped a man towards the end of the game, as Woodford could only field 14 after injuries on the day. Today’s game was an equally sporting contest, but this time Woodford emerged triumphant despite the constraints of fielding a16 person squad for the second consecutive game.
With the fog lifting before kick-off, the ground was soft and muddy, and it was bitterly cold. From the off, Woodford dominated possession. Will Curness controlled the line outs with Zac Cannon’s accurate throwing, and Alex Marks, Ronan McGoldrick and Jed West looked as fit as a trio of butcher’s dogs at the back.
Sean Moore looked sharp and did well to spin out a number of early passes from scrums and rucks, to get the backs on the move. A promising move involving Marks and West nearly set McGoldrick free but he was unlucky to see the pass just evade him with space in front of him to run.
With the return from injury of the Woodford mastiff, Rob Yiannakou, the pack was strongly reinforced, and they were playing confidently and with control. Woodford were harrying Rochford non-stop, with Matt Bastick and McGoldrick’s epitomising the visitor’s determination, forcing the Rochford man to drop a high ball by closing him down at speed.
Cannon and Mick Chamberlain rucked with ferocity, with Goralcyzk, Wilkins and Vendetti following suit. The ball was inexorably recycled and driven forward by the dual powerhouse of Euan Fay and Yiannakou, and as the hosts tried to push back, Woodford showed similar defensive grit and inflexibility.
Following a Yiannakou drive, supported by Moore and Wilkins, it was Moore again who teed up Marks to burst through the centre and hit the posts pads for a try, which he also converted, giving Woodford a 7-0 lead after 13 minutes.
Fay, Vendetti and Yiannakou could not be passed as play recommenced. On 17 minutes, Bastick did well to secure a hopefully punted ball, and he kicked to safety. As Rochford tried to run the ball Goralcyzk weighed in with a tackle, with Marks adding another. Marks, with Bastick in support, made more ground, before Fay, Wilkins and McGoldrick all contributed to the continued momentum.
West’s pass to Curness, reached Wilkins – via Moore- for another drive. Arun Vaid, on his return to the team, having recovered from a broken nose, used his pace on the left wing but Rochford closed him out.
Will Carey had little to do in the full back position with Woodford dominating possession, but twice collected and ran the ball down the centre into the home team’s half.
Another strong drive powered by Chamberlain, Goralcyzk, Vendetti and Fay ate up the ground, with Yiannakou and Curness then driving play on, before a neat offload by Moore give Chamberlain the space to plough onward. Cannon continued the move, offloading to Curness, whose pass found West, with Yiannakou adeptly collecting the spilled ball.
It took Vendetti’s tackle into touch to halt the most serious threat yet from Rochford. This sparked a period of pressure by Rochford and tackles flew in from Yiannakou, Vendetti and Bastick. The reliable Marks secured the ball on the Woodford try line allowing McGoldrick’s sure foot to kick to safety. Rochford were beginning to play well, and Woodford were relieved therefore when Cannon’s excellent drive out of defence eased the pressure.
Despite continued defensive excellence, out of nothing, Rochford crafted an opportunistic try, splitting Woodford’s defence and stunning the visitors. The conversion hit the post, but the Woodford lead was reduced to 7-5 after 32 minutes.
West and McGoldrick finished the half in lively form, exchanging passes well. Carey’s last tackle saw him concussed, and unable to continue.
Half time score Rochford Hundred 5 – 7 Woodford

James Chance came on for Carey. Tony Yiannakou replaced our usual match reporter for the second half, who had to tend to the injured Carey!

West made an early break, and his quick pass found McGoldrick for an early try in the left hand corner. Marks converted and Woodford extended their lead to 14-5.

A good step and dummy by Wilkins saw him break, before another good drive by West. McGoldrick showed good hands, and Chance nearly broke but was tackled into touch. From another well-managed Woodford line out, it was the charging Chamberlain who crashed through to extend the lead further with a good try. The conversion did not hit the mark this time, and Woodford led 19-5.

Rochford now began a period of concerted pressure and Woodford did well to soak it up, camped in their own 22 for much of the period. Defensively though, Woodford looked strong and McGoldrick was leading a tackling masterclass.

With both teams tiring and covered head to toe in mud, the referee called time, for a much deserved, and very welcome, Woodford win.

Final Score Rochford Hundred 5 – 19 Woodford