Sharks come from behind to win thriller

DAGENHAM 29 ROMFORD 34

Romford U13’s made the short trip to local rivals Dagenham RFC for their latest game

The game started evenly, both teams having attacks but both also defending well.

The breakthrough for the Sharks came in the eighth minute when the ball was picked up by captain Louis Ridley in his own half and he punted it forward deep into Dagenham territory where it was chased down by wing Brandan Farrant who made a brilliant pick up and raced through under the posts to score. Farrant converted his own try

The home team then came more into the game and Romford couldn’t hold their advantage for long as the hosts scored a good try which was also converted to level the scores at 7-7

The Sharks appeared to switch off because the home team came forward again and their big second row went charging through towards the try-line, but was tackled just short of the line by Sharks Number 8 Ronnie Brooks, but the ball was recycled and the Daggers got over the line, despite claims that the ball was held up, the try was awarded. Dagenham converted the try to lead 14-7.

Dagenham scored one more try before the interval to lead 19-7

The Sharks came out strongly in the second half and began to dominate their opponents

A excellent move resulted in skipper Ridley driving through to touchdown. Dagenham 19, Romford 12

Romford were on top and it was no surprise when full back Harry Wright ran through to score and make it 19-17 to the hosts

In a very exciting game, the home team were next to score, again their big second row driving through and this time Romford were unable to stop him scoring. 24-17 to Dagenham

Ridley, who was a big influence throughout the game, touched down for his second try to again reduce the deficit to 24-22

Back came the Daggers and a strong move from their forwards resulted in them going over to touchdown and the lead was back to seven points. 29-22

The Sharks again came back at their hosts and the ball was kicked from the Romford half towards to Dagenham line and was chased down by the speedy Wright, who just before he got to the ball was deliberately obstructed and the referee correctly awarded the Sharks a penalty try. The score was now 29-27 to the home team

Romford were not finished though and another fine run by Wright saw him go under the posts and the Sharks were back in the lead at 32-29

Ridley knocked over the conversion and an exciting game finished 34-29 in favour of Romford

Sharks squad: Damien Tredinnick , Sam Walker, Adam Courtney, Dylan Ellis, Aaron Irving-Still, Luke Williams, Louis Ridley, Ronnie Brooks, Harrison Sykes, Kieran Philpot, Brandan Farrant, Sam Brindle, Toby McCloud, Nathan Jarvis, Harry Wright, Ross Walters, Robson Burke, Harry McVelia, Tom Murphy, Miles Wilson, James Tully