Dagenham’s 2nd string too strong for Loughton

After a few weeks off, this Saturday saw Loughton travel down to Central Park for their Merit 6 West encounter.

As it was raining there were a few beauty school drop outs leaving the D’s with only 14 men. Luckily Loughton also had some players allergic to the rain meaning they would also arrive with 14. And so the game was played 14 per side.

The first 15 minutes were a very even affair, both teams attacking and defending well and scrums matched evenly. The D’s attempted a penalty kick to break the deadlock but unfortunately the wind blew Ballard’s attempt off course.

After getting involved in a ruck Nick Davenport found his thumb was facing in the wrong direction and so was replaced by Jake Yellop who had managed to get out of work early (thanks to the customers of Iceland for not holding up his delivery run)

Around halfway through the first half the hosts had a great attack resulting in Kenny Fricker receiving the ball out wide, a couple of defenders beaten he crossed the white wash to give the hosts their first points of the game. Fricker’s celebrations would later be subdued by the fact he split the only pair of shorts he had found so far that fit him!

Loughton came back all guns blazing but some great defence kept them at bay. The men in red and white finally got some possession and a few missed tackles meant that debutant Tia managed to score under the posts, swan dive and all!

Conversion scored meant a half time lead of 12-0

After the break again Loughton came back pushing hard, they kept punching up the midfield but the D’s defence held firm. Great tackles, particularly from George Wonderling meant they couldn’t break through.

After a few slices kicks, Dagenham finally managed to clear their lines and a break from Nathan Palmer-Anscomb meant he could run under posts. Unfortunately another gust of wind meant that Ballard’s conversion was sent wide!

A few more even exchanges followed before Jake Yellop was able to get past 2 defenders and run in Dagenham’s 4th try of the afternoon. Conversion found its way over the posts this time.

A few minutes later the game was ended around 5 minutes early due to a nasty looking neck injury to a Loughton player, we wish him a speedy recovery.

Final score 24-0

Thanks to Loughton for coming down to us and playing the game in great spirits, evening up the numbers when needed due to injuries etc. They probably deserved at least some points on the board as well as their well earned jug of beer for their afternoon’s efforts.

Big thank you to young Liam who had a good game at referee.

Team:
Wonderling, Fricker, Davenport, Newson, I. Fergie, Tia, Palmer-Anscomb, Riley, Ballard, G. Rawlinson, Ollie, J. Smith, Goodenough, Yellop

Waterboys: J. Andrews and Tank

Tries:
Fricker
Tia
Palmer-Anscomb
Yellop

Conversions:
Ballard x 2