Campion 74 - 24 Maldon

Ignore the scoreline! Along with the 5-0 win away at Old Cooperians in January where Maldon scored the winning try in the last play of the game, this was the performance of the season against all the odds.

The team was depleted by injuries and players unavailable and so Maldon travelled away to Campion with a bare 15 players. Campion are top of the Essex 1 league and are unbeaten. They recently beat Thames 107-0 and Maldon knew they would have to put in the performance of the season to beat them.

The team warmed up in a positive frame of mind with everyone knowing they were up against it. There were five players called up from the 2nd XV but everyone knew they had nothing to lose and wanted to put everything into the game after last week's poor performance.

As the kick off grew nearer scrum-half Pete Orrin, who was called up at the last minute, had failed to show up. It turned out that Orrin thought he was playing in the 2nd XV and had travelled to East London instead of Campion. This meant that Maldon were down to 14 players! This made the team more determined to play well, with number 8 Chris Pearson moving to scrum-half and the forwards playing with only seven.

Campion chose to play down the slope in the first half and kicked off to Maldon. The kick was gathered and Maldon did very well putting together several phases of play to slowly work their way up the field. It was clear right from the start that Maldon were not going to make it easy for Campion and were hitting rucks hard and keeping possession well. However, good Campion defence eventually forced Maldon into a mistake and they were awarded the scrum.

The Maldon back line, with only two regular players in their usual positions, took a while to gel and this allowed Campion to score a few tries mainly down to wrong positioning and Campion using their one man advantage. However, after twenty-five minutes, although behind in the scoring, Maldon were right back in the game and spent five minutes camped near the Campion try line. After several phases of play scrum half Chris Pearson picked up the ball at the back of a ruck and took a diagonal run towards the Campion corner flag sucking in two defenders. Hooker Sam Bennett saw the gap inside and made the straightening run as Pearson flicked to ball to him. Bennett cross the line untouched to score Maldon's first try which was converted by captain Stuart Pearson. The team were jubilant and raised their game another level - Campion were not getting an easy ride.

The first-half finished 36 - 7 and during the Maldon team talk there were smiles all round and something that has been lacking in previous games was evident on everyone's faces. Everyone was playing together as a team, everyone was putting in a huge effort for their team mates and everyone was enjoying the game.

Maldon kicked off the second half, this time going downhill and put a lot of pressure on the Campion players. This pressure paid off as in broken play Maldon got behind the Campion line and quick hands and good support play saw Chris Pearson score Maldon's second try.

Campion responded with a try of their own but the second half was proving very even. Campion were penalised allowing Maldon to kick to touch. At the line out lock Simon Peacock, standing at four in the line, ran backwards and was lifted by prop Simon Cheek and fellow lock Barney Binder. The Campion front jumper had followed Peacock back leaving a massive gap at the front. Hooker Sam Bennett saw this gap and threw it to his brother James at the front of the line who ran for the line supported by prop Chris Murphy. Sam followed these two and James popped the ball back to him as the defending winger came up to allow Sam to cross the line for his second try.

At the half way stage of the second half Maldon were leading the half by two tries to one. Campion had had a vice-president's lunch before the match and had several supporters on the touch line. Maldon were able to witness with joy the look of disappointment and boredom on their faces. At one point one spectators jeered "Come on Campion, you're losing this half!" resulting in smiles all round from the Maldon team.

With twenty minutes left to go, regular full-back Nick Halls, turned up after a morning at work. He was immediately added to the fray meaning Maldon were up to fifteen players, and Sam Delderfield was moved back to usual position at centre. However, the extra man couldn't stop Campion scoring another try to even up the half.

A clever Maldon line out saw the Campion front jumper go up early, then the second jumper go up. When they were coming down Peacock jumped in between them a claimed a perfectly thrown ball by Sam Bennett. Maldon drove the ball on with flanker Darren Reeve taking the ball at the back. Chris Pearson fed the ball to brother Stuart at fly-half who missed out centre Ben Rogers to pass to Nick Halls crossing the line at pass and scoring under the posts. The conversion was kicked by Stuart Pearson.

In the last ten minutes Maldon desperately wanted another score, running the ball from all areas of the pitch allowing Rogers and wingers Martin Gilbert-Bryan and 1st XV debutant Liam Foss to crash the ball in and make ground. Unfortunately, another score did not come and Maldon conceded a couple more tries but as the game finished 74 - 24 to Campion, Maldon looked to be the team more pleased with the result.

Unfortunately, the loss means that Maldon drop down from sixth place to eighth in the league on points difference. The three remaining fixtures are against the teams in sixth, seventh and ninth place and three wins should see them finish in sixth place of better.

The important thing is take that team spirit into this Saturday's game at home to Old Brentwoods. Kick of is at 14:30 and all supporters are very welcome.

Maldon, Thurrock and Romford & Gidea Park

Under 12s

Maldon u 12s took part in a 3-team tournament at Thurrock, with Romford also participating. First, Maldon faced the hosts, Thurrock. Although Maldon knew the main threat containing the massive number 8 was another matter, and as on previous occasions he managed to batter through the Maldon defence to score a converted try, 0-7 to Thurrock. From then on, however, Maldon completely dominated the game. After some strong running and good handling in slippery conditions prop Jack Bennet powered over, Matt Watson converting, 7-7 at half-time. In the second half Maldon again had all the possession and were not precise enough near the try line until Oliver Scott raced over, Matt Watson converting again, 14-7. The game finished at this score with Maldon camped on the Thurrock line but unable to score any more.

The second game saw Maldon playing against Romford, who were physically bigger and more aggressive than Thurrock. Maldon started disastrously, failing to collect the kick-off and within a minute Romford were 0-7 up, scoring under the posts. As with the Thurrock game Maldon then had all the territory and possession, but this time did not manage to score at all. Credit must go to Romford who defended superbly. In the second half Maldon had most of the possession, but on the one occasion they lost the ball Romford scored an excellent try. At the final whistle the score was 0-14 to Romford, but this was an excellent display by Maldon, who did everything but actually cross the try-line, who must take heart from this performance forward to the Essex Cup, in one month’s time.

Under 11s

Thurrock RFC kindly hosted a three way fixture between the clubs at their ground in Grays.

First match was between Thurrock and Maldon. With rain pouring down, the prospect for good rugby wasn’t good. Maldon started off slowly and Thurrock were quickly off the mark with a fine try, which was converted between the posts, with precision. There were no further scores but some fine rugby up to half time. The rain stopped and after an inspirational team talk, Maldon came flying out of the blocks in the second half. Captain Fantastic Henry Bloomfield, gave every one a dummy and scored an excellent try. This was converted with ease by Oscar Sawyer. Maldon maintained the pressure and soon Daniel Webster was sprinting half the length of the field, past Thurrock’s defence to score a great try in the corner. Oscar again was able to convert the try. Despite many attacks from Thurrock, Maldon held onto win 14-7.

The second match saw Maldon face Romford. Romford were much better in the first half, scoring two tries, of which one was converted (the other hitting the woodwork). Just before the break Owen Preece scored a try under the posts, for Maldon, which he converted himself. A few choice words of encouragement from the Maldon Coaches at half time, saw Maldon produce a splendid second half of rugby. Bradley White battled his way through the Romford lines, to score two tries. Oscar and Owen, converted one each. Final Score a 21-12 win to Maldon.

I’d retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse, by the time the Thurrock v Romford match had finished.

Well done to all players, coaches and parents for their attendance, performances and efforts on a very cold morning.

Under 10s

Results: Lost 3-4, Won 4-2, Drew 2-2

Last competitive match before the Essex Cup and the squad was out in force fielding 2 good teams. Throughout all games Maldon U10s tackled well and started to use the line effectively for width. Team effort and passing was really high on everyone’s agenda with strong running at defenders, which bore several tries.

Under 8s

Maldon U8’s travelled to Thurrock to play a tri-tournament with Thurrock and Romford & Gidea Park. Maldon watched our two opposition teams play first, Romford winning 6-2 trys in wet and difficult conditions. Maldon were next up to play Thurrock, a strong early run form Joseph Fearn, two passes delivered at good pace from left to right and a try scored by Toby Bailey. Good pressure from Maldon secured the turnover and another Maldon try was secured. This pattern was repeated with Maldon winning 8-2 tries.

Maldon played their next match without a break, a changed line up from Maldon saw a determined Romford & Gidea Park team target the Maldon midfield with some direct running, strong defence from Maldon prevented two tries on our goal line, the second resulting in a turn-over in possession, Joseph Bird making a forty yards from a half-break, Alfie Summers showed good strength, did the rest beating two defenders to score the try. Some committed defence saw Maldon create more mistakes from Romford, knocking forward twice. Maldon scored with every possession winning the match 7-3 tries.

Maldon played well passing the ball into space, improvements in tagging and better handling will serve the U8’s well for the forth coming Essex Festival on 7th March.

Player of the week for great support and superb wing play - Joseph Fearn

Maldon 22 - 57 East London

Since the New Year Maldon have been playing some good rugby resulting in a few wins and moving them up to sixth place in the Essex 1 league. The main reason for the improvement was a much better defence and aggression in the contact area. However, on Saturday at home Maldon reverted to how they played in the first half of the season and gave a good East London side an fairly easy ride. East London were fifth in the league and Maldon were hoping to gain revenge for their defeat in the first half of the season and give them hope of finishing in the top half of the table of ten. The disappointing result highlighted the difference in the two halves of the table with the top five teams winning most of their games the bottom half losing most of theirs.

Maldon started off badly and conceded a try within the first few minutes after a mistake a couple of phases after the kick off. Maldon did not look like they wanted to be there and East London were quick to pounce on any Maldon mistakes with good support play and the luck of the bounce that all confident teams going forward have.

East London ran in another try following another Maldon mistake but after this Maldon put a few mistake-free phases together and looked quite dangerous in attack. Winger Andrew Yardley scored in the corner leaving East London 14 - 5 in front. Another try for East London saw them move further ahead but Yardley scored his second try again in the right corner only for East London to run in another two try from their own half leaving the score 31 - 10 at half time. Despite being 21 points behind Maldon felt that they had a chance to win if they could start making tackles properly. The bigger East London forwards looked to be getting tired and if Maldon could put in a good ten minutes they'd be right back in the game. However, as East London kicked off Maldon did exactly the opposite an put in a terrible ten minutes allowing East London to score quickly and effectively seal the win.

There was still some good attacking from Maldon but the defence was shocking at times with bad communication causing confusion and allowing the East London ball carriers to walk through the defensive line as the Maldon player marked the support runners only.

Winger Dave Knight was the only player from Maldon to have a good game. Every time he got the ball he was difficult to stop and bobbed and weaved through the East London defence. His good work was rewarded when he received the ball just outside the East London 22 metre line. He side stepped and dodged the tackles and somehow made it over the line untouched to score Maldon's third try.

East London ran in several tries due to some very good support play but Maldon did manage one well worked try ten minutes before full time. Hooker Sam Bennett threw in the ball to lock Simon Peacock who just managed to claim the ball with one hand and popped it down to scrum-half Paul Davison. Davison passed to prop-shaped fly-half Stuart Pearson who threw a miss pass between centres Ben Rogers and Sam Delderfield onto full back Nick Halls who ran in under the posts to score a try which was converted by Pearson.

The final score of 57 - 22 was very disappointing and Maldon will have to play much better next week when they face unbeaten Campion away.

Maldon II 41 - Ilford Wanderers II 21

After conceding an early try, Maldon responded well, playing some great running rugby, particularly in the first half. The backs and forwards linked well and right-wing Martin Gilbert-Bryan was in devastating form, completing his hat-trick of tries before half-time. Then in the second half, when Ilford came back strongly through their big pack, Maldon were outstanding in their defensive duties, continually breaking up attacks and starting counter-attacks. One of these led to Martin's fourth try, which settled the result beyond doubt. There was also a hat-trick of tries from captain Steve Harris and three conversions from John Milne.

This win maintains Maldon’s fine winning streak and keeps them in the mix for the end of season play-offs.

Maldon 5 - 19 Bancroft

Maldon 1st XV put in another good performance on Saturday against a very good Bancroft XV who are likely to finish second in the Essex 1 league behind unbeaten Campion. Maldon, who have been struggling this season and are currently sixth in the league, knew that they had to put in another performance like they did away to Old Cooperians the previous Saturday, where they won 5 – 0 with a try being scored in the last play of the game, otherwise they would receive another thrashing from Bancroft as they did in the first half of the season.

Maldon started the game well and got stuck into Bancroft, hitting rucks and tackles and recycling the ball well. Maldon kept up with the pace that Bancroft like to play at and good defence stopped Bancroft getting behind the Maldon line and causing problems. Bancroft also defended well and although both teams were putting together a few phases of play the defending team managed to snuff out any try scoring opportunities by forcing the attackers into mistakes.

The first half was fairly even but an injury to winger Andrew Yardley meant that number 8 Chris Pearson had to move to the centre with flanker Darren Reeve coming on for Yardley.

Bancroft scored first winning a line out near the Maldon line and using a well worked overlap to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Bancroft managed to score again just before half time as the ball was fumbled at the back of the Maldon scrum. The Bancroft scrum half reacted quickly and grounded the ball as it bobbled over the Maldon line. The conversion was successful leaving Bancroft 12 – 0 ahead with a few minutes remaining before half time.

Leading up to the second Bancroft try Maldon had given a series of penalties away for joining the ruck at the side and were warned by the referee that the next person will be sin-binned. Second row Simon Peacock rose to the challenge by attempting to get the ball from a tackled Bancroft played. The referee deemed he had not entered the ruck legally and showed him a yellow card.

The Maldon half time talk was positive and everyone believed that they still had a chance to win this game, which is a far cry from some of the performances in the first half of the season.

The second half was again fairly even and Maldon managed to stop Bancroft from scoring in the corner when their winger looked to be through. Second row Josh Tisdell and flanker Darren Reeve double tackled the winger into touch inches from the try line.

Maldon raised their game and a good spell of play saw centre Sam Delderfield cross the line to make the score 12 – 5. Shortly after Maldon winger Mark Hockton was injured in a tackle and with no back subs on the bench, prop Matt "Minty" Fuhr was put on the wing meaning Maldon had ten forwards on the pitch.

A stray kick from prop-shaped fly-half and captain Stuart Pearson was gathered by the Bancroft full back who seeing space behind Pearson chipped through and raced after the ball. In a moment of madness Pearson tackled the full back without the ball but two other Bancroft players had followed the kick and one picked up and scored under posts. Bancroft converted the try and Stuart Pearson was sin-binned meaning his brother Chris now moved to fly-half.

The game resorted to an even affair and the ref blew the final whistle with Bancroft winning 19 – 5. Maldon were fairly pleased with their performance, especially the defensive effort and know that nay improvement in the attacking will see them scoring some more points.

The remainder of the fixtures are against the teams in the lower half of the league and Maldon will be hoping to improve on Saturday’s performance and get a good win away to bottom placed Ilford Wanderers on Saturday 30th Jan.

Old Brentwoods 31 - 24 Maldon

Maldon played their third Essex 1 League fixture at the weekend hoping to build upon their first two league victories but they met stiff opposition against Old Brentwoods who took the game to Maldon straight from the start, and dominated the early possession and scored fine converted tries to lead 14 – 0 after 20 minutes. Maldon, somewhat shell-shocked from the first 20 minutes got themselves back into contention with a couple of tries, both unconverted to close the gap to 14 – 10. But Old Brentwoods extended their lead however with another try to make the score 19 - 10. One again Maldon responded however, with their right wing Andrew Yardley scorching down the right wing, after some good work by Maldon from the restart, to score under the posts. With the try converted the deficit was again narrowed to 2 points with Old Brentwoods leading 19-17, which was how it stayed until half time. Old Brentwoods started strongly in the second half and somewhat against the run of play spilled a ball in open play when they looked like threatening to score. Maldon, sensing an opportunity spun the ball out side in their own half and some clever inter-play put full back Nick Hall through to score under the Old Brentwood posts in an end to end move. The try was converted to put Maldon in the lead for the first time in the match 24 - 19 with about 20 minutes left to play. Maldon started to play more controlled phases with better ball retention and just as it appeared as if they were going to be able to play out the half for a victory, Old Brentwoods managed to win a scrummage against the head, which allowed them to get in behind the Maldon defence and go through some phases to score a try, to put the score 26 - 24 with about 8 minutes to play. Maldon subsequently missed a penalty kick, which would have put them ahead only for Old Brentwood to score a last minute try to seal their victory 31 – 24.

Maldon 2nd XV won at home to Upminster 3rd XV, 22 – 17 with two tries from captain Steve Harris and one each from John Milne and Ben Hockton plus one conversion from John Milne.

A visit from John Whittingdale MP

Maldon Rugby Club recently had the pleasure of playing host to local MP, John Whittingdale who visited the Club on Sunday 27 September 2009 to see the various youth teams in training. Mr Whittingdale was shown around by the Chairman of the Youth, David Scott and he was also introduced to Club President Peter Binder and Senior Club Chairman Jerry Wood, who also coaches the U16s at the Club. David Scott gave Mr Whittingdale, who has played rugby himself in the past, a tour of the various year groups in training and he also got to meet a large number of the players and coaches. John Whittingdale, who has recently become a non-playing member (vice president) at the Club, appeared to be impressed with what he saw, saying "It is marvellous to see so many of all ages getting such obvious pleasure from playing rugby. In particular, the enthusiasm of both boys and girls, some of whom were only just turned 4, was striking. The Club is doing a fantastic job both in introducing young people to the game as well as competing very successfully at the senior levels." Maldon Rugby Club wishes John Whittingdale a warm welcome to the Club and looks forward to seeing him later on in the rugby year.

Maldon 13 - 12 Clacton

Maldon continued their good start to the season by recording their second Essex 1 league win in as many matches against Clacton at the weekend. Maldon dominated the early stages of the match breaking through the Clacton backline on a few occasions. However, it was not until about 15 minutes into the match that Maldon went ahead with a scorching run by right wing Andrew Yardley, down the right touchline, who ran around to score under the posts. The try was converted by Maldon full back Lee Higham to put it 7-0 to Maldon. This is how the score remained until after half-time.

Early in the first half Clacton exerted considerable pressure on the Maldon line and eventually scored a try which was unconverted, 7-5. Maldon played their way into the Clacton half and were awarded a penalty, which was converted by Lee Higham, 10-5 to Maldon. Maldon continued to dominate but were unable to capitalise on the use of their possession with their backs being disappointing at times. However, Maldon did earn a further penalty, which was again taken by Lee Higham who bagged a further 3 points to put Maldon ahead 13-5.

In the final 7 minutes of the match Clacton made something of a comeback and after a series of scrums and mauls were awarded a penalty try, which was converted to put the score 13-12 to Maldon with just 5 minutes left to play. Maldon ground out the victory but overall will be disappointed by their performance and there was a general feeling by the players afterwards that they should have done better.

Maldon 2nd XV were unfortunately unsuccessful playing away to Upper Clapton 2nd XV, losing 26-15.

However, Maldon 3rd XV also won at home to Braintree 4th XV, winning 75-45 with winger, Rob Yardley, scoring 6 tries!

Maldon 1st XV play their next league game away to Old Brentwoods next weekend and will be looking for a much improved performance.