Date: Sun 16th Jan 2022

Time: 1.00pm

Match Report

A trip to Westcliff’s new ground was on the cards this Sunday morning for the next round of the Essex Waterfall Cup. A bright morning and an open pitch awaited in a fixture that pitched us as division 2 leaders against Westcliff as division 1 leaders.

With Joseph Pankhurst returning from injury at fly half captain Henry Stovell moved to centre. Freddie Adams was set to make his Harlow return from a longer-term knee injury from the bench.

With some last moment withdrawals, we re-organised quickly and prepared for the match. Once everyone had found the right rugby club in the Southend area, fear not finding Rochford this week helps with our game against them in two weeks’ time.

Harlow started the game under pressure and trying to play a loose game without support which cost us possession. As such Westcliff went on a scoring spree firstly from a clearance kick, then putting the ball through the hands out wide. We then dropped the ball in attack and all off a sudden the game has barely started, and we are 21-0 down.

Brandon Jackson replaced Ed Lea in the second row midway through the half after Ed had already achieved two jackal turn overs.

Three more tries followed as the half progressed to the peach being a cross field kick and we are 38-0 without really firing a shot in attack.

Before half time we did manage to craft a try from a strong scrum on the right putting the ball through the hands left for Montelle Levy to touch down and take us to half time 38-5.

Half time 38 – 5.

The half time team talk reflected our need to set our plays, hassle the opposition and no forcing the play. Gabe Greaves replaced Joseph Williams at prop.

The second half began, with Harlow structuring their play much more accurately which was probably the best phase of the game for the red men. It lasted a good 15 to 20 minutes of the half before Westcliff did manage to return a kick effectively, use their athletic forwards to create overlaps scoring two tries one of which was converted. The game concluded as a contest was stopped with a cup score of 50-5 but both teams agreed to continue playing considering how competitive the second half was playing out.

As play continued Westcliff scored two ties before Montelle Levy Intercepted in the last play of the game to dot down and score his second of the day.

Great comments from the referee as he said our Harlow players were very respectful and listen to him when he explained what he wanted.

Special mentions today for Atakan Alagoz who scrummaged and carried well, when hit hard it got up and carried on.  Danny Billington who was able to carry the ball confidently and give us some much needed go forward. Alfie Dutnall for tireless chop tackles and securing the ball under extreme pressure. Finally for an all round dominant play from the line out to the loose play even setting off of our attacks. Well played Corey Kelman.

Final Score 50 – 5 then 10-5 playing out the additional time

Tries:  Montelle Levy (2)
Conversions: None
Penalties: None
Referee: From Westcliff

Team
1. Joseph Williams, 2. Danny Billington, 3. Atakan Alagoz, 4. Ed Lea, 5. Corey Kelman, 6. Matt MacFarlane, 7. Alfie Dutnall, 8. Tolu Ajibabi, 9. Jack Rushworth, 10. Joseph Pankhurst, 11. Montelle Levy, 12. Jamie Oliver, 13. Henry Stovell, 14. Kai Young, 15. Owen Eynon, 16. Gabe Greaves, 17. Brandon Jackson, 18. Freddie Adams