Romford on the up…

It may have been a grey day but Romford were up bright and early to make the short trip down the A127 to Basildon. Kick off was slightly delayed and Romford were itching to get started and this showed in the first half of the game. Romford were on top form and were attacking the ruck like machines, so much so that for the first 30 minutes of the game they were camped in Basildon’s half. It took Owen Flower’s weaving run through a huge gap in Basildon defensive line to put Romford’s first points on the board with an excellent try that Sam Slatford converted. Romford were quickly on the attack again and a James Mimm’s turnover caught the Basildon boys off guard, some slick handling across the pitch to Tayo Adewole saw him burst through to score Romford’s second again converted by Sam Slatford. The resulting kick off saw the ball again fall to the Romford players who were feeling in control and a short pass to Torez Polius saw him use his speed to cut through Basildon’s defence to score Romford’s third under the posts with Sam Slatford again converting. Basildon did manage to counter with and unconverted try in the corner but Romford looked in complete control in this half.

HT: Basildon 5-21 RGP

The start of the second half saw Basildon find some form, they began to gain some momentum and the first 15 minutes of this half saw them score two more unconverted trys. Romford regathered themselves though and began to find the form that they had showed in the first half. Another turnover saw Luke Metcalf gather the ball and make an unstoppable run from the Basildon half straight down the wing to score Romford’s fourth under the sticks. Romford now had the bit between their teeth and were determined to win this game. Sam Brindle cut a fine line through the Basildon defence for Romford’s fifth try and Owen Flower quickly scored a sixth with a wonderful run that Basildon just couldn’t stop, again converted by Sam Slatford. Basildon did manage to sneak a try in return but Romford were still looking for more and the continued pressure on Basildon’s defence took one more hit when Tom O’Meara stretched his legs and outrun the backs to touch down for Romford’s seventh of the game. A fine result, a complete performance from you all and an exciting game to watch. Well done boys!

Final score:
Basildon 20
Romford & Gidea Park 43

Tries: Owen Flower (2), Tayo Adewole, Torez Polius, Luke Metcalf, Sam Brindle, Tom O’Meara
Conversions: Sam Slatford (4)

Squad: L. Metcalf (c), T. Adewole, S. Brindle, F. Dickinson, O. Flower, N. Fragjaj, S. Kerr, B. Lloyd, T. McCloud, R. McGuinness, T. O’Meara, J. Mimms, L. Potter, T. Polius, H. Runham, S. Slatford, B. Walton, H. Wright