Seconds fire on all cylinders.

This week saw the first time the II’s had played back-to-back games on home turf, and this week we welcomed Kings X II’s to Central Park. What was encouraging was that the opposition bought a sizable squad and more importantly had a front row with cover and intended to play the game with contested scrums. All was set for a lively game as we all took to the field for a 2pm kick-off.

Dagenham started strongly with a pack that looked up for it from the off. Particularly pleasing was the phased play the D’s forwards adopted to try as suck in a very organised Kings X defensive line. This payed dividends early-doors when the ball was expertly distributed by Jack at scrum-half to the new looking back-line expertly marshalled by Hoggy at fly-half to put Ballard (the Wall) in for the first five of the match, continuing his recent excellent run of form – which is surprising to most as this is completely out of character.

Despite some plucky defence from the opposition it became apparent that they would be on the backfoot all afternoon as the Dagenham scrum dominated from the very start, this persisted for the whole game. This dominance and continued phase play led to three more tries, two from Jermaine and one from Jamie. This centre partnership proved to be extremely potent all game with strong running, deft passing and dominance in the air. Kings managed a try from a fantastic driving maul off the back of a lineout but this was to be the only time they crossed the white-wash.

The second half brought more of the same; dominant scrummaging, controlled phase play, accurate passing in the back-line and strong running lines. This led to two more tries for Jermaine and two for Hoggy, all four of which required exceptional footwork. As if the day couldn’t get any better the returning legend, Gary, crossed for his first one of the season in the red & white – ‘classic Francis, like a chicken on steroids and I can’t believe the f****r caught it!’, a longstanding supporter was heard to say. The match was rounded off by the stalwart fullback, Hogwood, with a surge down the right wing touching down under the posts. With a 40% kicking accuracy by Hoggy it made the score 58-5, a good day at the office.

Special mention for the new lads, Tom, Jamie and Harry who slotted in superbly to a second team that’s on an upward curve, Shads, Jason, Tia & Emilio for their dominance around the field, Sean’s and his beguiling attack play and the front row union (enough said).