The two Fords meet in the Lea Valley

The team travelled to Chingford for their second friendly match of the season. With a tough match ahead the team took to the field to do battle with the heat of the sun beating down on what turned out to be the warmest day for a while.

The first half commenced with a good attacking play from Romford who managed to keep the ball despite numerous attempts from a strong defending Chingford team. Chingford eventually found a breakdown in Romford’s defence and managed to score the first try with a successful conversion.

The game continued with the team working with attacking fast play but failed to break Chingford’s defence and take the game over the half way line. Chingford continued to put the pressure on making several attempts to the try line but Romford kept defending with Nathan Anscomb managing to hold up a try but finally Chingford broke through to score their second try 20 minutes into the first half but failed to convert.

With the fast pace starting to take its toll, Chingford soon won one of Romford’s scrums and taking a quick ball, passing through hands scored another try with a successful conversion. Soon another two tries followed taking it to a half time score of 31-0 to Chingford.
The second half started with subs made on both teams giving some tired legs a well deserved rest. However, in the first 5 mins of the half Chingford scored again but failed to convert. Soon Chingford put another 7 points on the board.

From a Chingford line out, Romford won the ball, which landed in the hands of Michael Avraam-Stephenson on his second run out with Romford, who subsequently ran half way up the pitch and with some good passing through the backs’ hands finishing with Oscar Brigden who with his fast pace managed to break away and score the first try for Romford which unfortunately was not converted.
There were some moments of exciting play with Romford’s hopes riding high but Chingford defence got the better of them. Chingford kept the pressure on and subsequently scored again.

After 25 mins into the second half Romford’s grit and determination paid off and turned over a Chingford scrum and passed the ball to Oscar Bridgen who with his trade mark pace again scored another try. Unfortunately this again was not converted.
With spirits riding high, Romford were caught off guard and a with Chingford winning their line out on the 5 metre line mauled the ball over the line to score yet another try with a successful conversion.

Despite the loss the lads had played a good game and learned a lot. We had a number of lads injured or not available which had put had left holes in the half backs and backs. However others stepped up to the mark and took on those positions with relish. Overall a learning experience and the lads took away some positives.