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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
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