D's second string fight valiantly

In the usual fashion the Dagenham 2nd team turned up to the club on Saturday, Not knowing who was playing, in what position or in what kit. Luckily on the way to Millwall we managed to locate some spare boots, spare shorts and an extra player.

The game was played at the world famous Hackney Marshes. Luckily our pitch was right in front of the changing rooms. I am not sure our front row would have made it over to pitch 78 in the far corner without needing oxygen.

Dagenham managed to secure 15 players this week, a luxury at this level. Although Millwall did not get the memo and had a squad of 45.

After a warm up of a quick fag and booting a ball about aimlessly for 5 minutes, a minutes silence was observed before the game for our team-mate Tash, who sadly passed away last week.

Ian Fergie (Captain for the day) who, based on his agile appearance, decided to pick himself at full back and kicked off the proceedings.

The young and well drilled Millwall backs showed their superiority and scored 2 quick scores in the opening 10 minutes. Their talented kicker slotting over most of his kicks for the afternoon.

On the first scrum of the afternoon the D’s pack (aided by a front 5 weighing approx 100 stone and Tanks knowledge in the Dark Arts) showed their dominance by shoving the Millwall forwards back meters and meters. This would set the game plan for the visiting team by using every opportunity to scrum against the hosts. Pretty much every scrum ended up with Milwall folding up like a crisp packet or disintegrating like a dishwasher tablet. I even think we asked the ref if we could choose a scrum instead of a drop kick from the restart!

Dagenham using their dominance at the set-piece slowly worked their way up the field eventually found themselves with a put in at the scrum 5 meters out. A few re-sets and penalties only delayed the inevitable and once over the try line, number 8 Jason Lindsey flopped on the ball to claim 5 points. Conversion missed unfortunately.

The second half started as the first half ended with Dagenham having long passages of possession due to dominance at the scrum, and were camped in the opposing 22 for long periods. However the boys in red and white could not convert this pressure into points and so when Millwall did get possession they used it wisely and scored 5 more tries throughout the half with their well-drilled backs and numerous roll on, roll off subs.

Final result Millwall 43 - Dagenham 5
(But who's counting scores)

Despite a few handbags the game was played in good spirits and a special mention and thanks must go to Millwall for NOT going to uncontested scrums at any stage during the afternoon.

Thanks to everyone who pulled on a Dagenham shirt and to the 4 supporters on the touchline!

Team:
Rick, J. Fergie, Tank, Newson, A. Evans, Conor, G. Francis, Lindsey
W. Evans, Yellop, Kingy, Jonny, Dave, D. Francis, I. Fergie