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4 November 2007 UPPER CLAPTON U17 - 33 BRAINTREE U17 - 05
Clapton continued their travels this week with an away fixture against Braintree. With perfect weather conditions for running rugby and last weeks rout of Burnham still in their minds, the Clapton squad broke the cardinal rule of trying to play an expansive game before softening up the opposition first. This led to far too many unforced errors which allowed Braintree to stay in the game.
Although Clapton had all the possession, it took them twenty minutes to post their first score. After solid forward work at the breakdown the ball was passed out to the blindside where number eight , Michael Watts, drew the last man and put winger, Lee ' Frogman' Aves in for the first try. Instead of this having a settling effect on the team the mistakes continued and culminated in inside centre, Reece King, receiving a yellow card nine minutes before half time.
As is often the case, the team with less men lifted their game and in those last nine minutes of the half Clapton played some of their best rugby of the game. Michael Watts running in two tries with Matt Thorneycroft adding two conversions. The home team rallied in the dying seconds of the half, and after some good driving play, scored in the corner.
The second half saw Clapton back to their full compliment and Braintree camped in their own half for the majority of the time. Further tries came from both the Clapton centres. Michael Goodman side stepping his way through to the line and Reece King chasing up his own kick to touch down in the corner. Both tries being converted by Thorneycroft.
Clapton now have a league match, away, against Brentwood next week. This is followed by a run of four home games. As their impressive start to the season continues, the squad is becoming a force to be reckoned with. New players are joining weekly and anyone wishing to see an enjoyable game, played in the right spirit should come down to Thornwood the Sunday after next to watch the lads.
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