Park Start Season With Tough Test

Romford opened the season away to Upminster with a few familer faces in blue and yellow. Full of confidence after a training game win against the under 13's was soon forgotten as the hosts started positively scoring 32 points in the first 20 minutes. But a Park now full of belief battled back into the game as natural leaders stepped up to drive the team on, getting more ball in hand and trying to play some good rugby. But the hosts managed 2 more try's before the break to give them a commanding 42-0 lead at half time.

Still with a long way to go Upminster had players in abundance and were able to change 15 players at a time whereas Park had only 2 interchanges to swap around with, having a lot of note able absences. Park dug deep and were rewarded with their first try of the season scored by Ade Olaleye (last seasons opening try scorer) in a fine move started by Michael Courtney.

Upminster (going down hill) were able to bag themselves two more tries in a couple of minutes, but Romford were determined not to give up on a regenerated performance and were rewarded with a second try scored by Michael Courtney; converted by Sam Slatford. Romford continued to outplay their hosts and controlled the final few minutes of play and scored a well earned 3rd try to give then a well earned victory in the 3rd quarter (17-12). To bring the overall game score to 54-17

Upminster took full advantage of their large sub bench and put on 15 freshly rested players and continued to play a tired Romford side who were now struggling after 50 minutes of rugby and showing huge character to continue but a unremorceful Upminster side managed 4 more tries to finish the game with a 76-17 win.

A well spirited game with a score line that did not reflect the whole game and lots of positives can be taken.

Congratulations on a good debut for Jude Rawana on a good debut.

And great to see Ryan Page back in a Romford shirt after a few months out.

Final Score:

Upminster 74

RGP 17
Tries: Ade Olaleye, Michael Courtney, Tom OMeara
Conversions: Sam Slatford

Squad: C.Hardy, L.Potter, A.Olaleye, H.Runham(c), M.Courtney, J.Rawana, R.Pooley, S.Kerr, G.Bristow, B.Watts, T.OMeara, R.Page, R.Blinkhorne, T.Poulis, L.Palmer-Anscomb, S.Slatford, R.Dhadwar