Christmas cheers as Romford remain unbeaten in the league

After some snowy weather the previous weekend Romford U16s were looking forward to their last league game of 2017. The U16’s made the short trip to Chingford on a cold, damp Sunday.

Both teams started brightly and the both teams were trying to attack down the middle of the pitch. Strong rucking and some ferocious tackling ensued but it was Romford who would make the breakthrough as Chingford missed touch from their 22. Romford pounced on this opportunity and a couple of excellent passes saw Torez Polius weave through the defence and score under the posts. A score that was converted by Jack Bennett. The U16’s quickly went on the attack again and this time a penalty to Romford in the 22 saw them nearly maul the ball over the line for a second try only to be stopped short. However, some deft recycling saw Romford get their reward as Nelson Fregjaj scored his first try for Romford, his low drive pushing him through the Chingford defence to ground the ball over the line – well done Nelson!

Unfortunately, at this point an injury to a Chingford player left them unable to field a full team and they forfeited the game giving Romford the win.

HT: Chingford 0-12 RGP

It was agreed that we would play the second half with Romford lending Chingford players and continuing the game as a friendly. With the pressure off Romford were enjoying themselves. Although Chingford scored the first try of the second period, Romford dominated this half. A Romford scrum deep in the Chingford 22 saw Chingford turnover the Romford scrum, Chingford’s scrum half fumbled the ball and the resulting confusion saw Shaun Kerr seize the opportunity to dive over the line to ground the loose ball under the sticks. Jack Bennett was able to convert the try. Romford were in control and what followed next was a great individual try from Ryan Page whose jinking run from his own half saw him manage to evade numerous defenders to score Romford’s fourth try of the game. The final try showcased some excellent passing from the Romford team, with the U16s on the attack passing the ball from player to player allowing winger Rae McGuinness to use his speed to score Romford’s final try. Well done boys – four league games, four wins and top of the table for Christmas!

Final league score after match forfeited:
Chingford 0
Romford 50

Final friendly score:
Chingford 5
Romford 29

Tries: Torez Polius, Nelson Fregjaj, Shaun Kerr, Ryan Page, Rae McGuinness
Conversions: Jack Bennett (2)

Squad: L. Metcalf (c), T. Adewole, J. Bennett, S. Brindle, M. Courtney, O. Flower, N. Fregjaj, S. Kerr,
B. Lloyd, T. McCloud, R. McGuinness, T. O’Meara, J. Mimms, W. Noor, R. Page, L. Potter, T. Polius,
J. Rawana, H. Runham, B. Shawyer, B. Walton, H. Wright

Man of the match: Shaun Kerr