Match Report - Romford Festival

For the first time in 3 and a half years Romford managed to enter 2 teams into a fixture meaning every player got a lot of game time. Romford "Purple" played in pool 1 and failed to win a game but was not the point as everyone had the chance to prove themselves ahead of the Essex festival squad selection.

But on the other hand Romford "White" Had a very contrasting time. The first game saw them show a very tidy and confident performance against a strong fired up Billericay side which from which Romford managed to take a 15-0 win with try's from Tom Chapman, Thayne 'Tank' Henwood and George Bristow. Final score Billericay 0-15 RGP. The second game saw Park come up against a exceptionally well drilled, big and talented Eaton Manor side showing some future stars and Romford matched them in every position for the first 10 mins on the match (3/4's of the match) but a few moments of quality and some off switching moments by park saw them slip to a 20-0 defeat. Final score RGP 0-20 Eaton Manor, but from there Romford didn't look back winning a closely contested match against Stanford to reach the plate final.

Romford and Gidea Park RFC vs Stanford Le-Hope RFC;
With Billericay out of the competition completely and Eaton Manor through to the cup final Romford and Stanford were left to battle it out for a spot in the final; Which Romford wanted as cup winners the year before was not going empty handed at their own festival. The match kicked off and immediately both side were in top gear, both sides putting it all in for a place in the final. The game could of gone either way then in the second half a lapse in concentration by Stanford saw Luke Metcalf pounce and steel the game late on. But Stanford were in no mood to concede the game and gave Romford a very tough 2 and half mins which Romford responded to exceptionally and held on to knock Stanford out and reach the final.

Plate Final- RGP vs Harlow
The plate final was always set up to be very hotly contested with Romford just edging out Harlow in one of the games of the season in February. Harlow who were desperate to cut their loses after being edged out of the cup final by Woodford on try difference, and Romford wanting to salvage something of last years cup success. The game kicked off and was fought strongly in the middle of the pitch until 4 mins in Harlow broke the deadlock which Tom Chapman responded to just before the half time whistle. Half time score Romford and Gidea Park RFC 5-5 Harlow RFC. Try's- Harlow - Harlow player, Romford - Tom Chapman(c).

The second half kicked off and was very similar to the first half but a moment of magic from Michael Courtney saw him run the length of the pitch to what seemed to be the winning try but with 45 seconds left on the clock Harlow snatched a try to share the trophy between both teams. A very fitting way to end such an enthralling, well contested match.
Final score: RGP 10 Harlow 10

Todays try scorers;
Tom Chapman 2
Luke Metcalf
Michael Courtney
Thayne Henwood
George Bristow

The Squad
Tom Chapman (captain)
Thayne Henwood
Michael Courtney
Kai Tarrent
Ryan Page
Ryan Pooley
Ryan Blinkhorne
Josh Monnie
Lewis Potter
Nathen Hunte
Sean Donohoe
Dan Mustif-Bonnici
Tom Chuter
Sam Slatford
George Bristow
Owen Flower
Rajan Dhadwar
Charley Rice
Callum Rutherford
Ben Walton
Ben Shawyer

Thank you's
First to Stuart and Kevin (and all of the people behind the scene) that made the festival happen today.
The second is to Connor Flower and the rest of the under 13's that came over to help running in the scores.
Alan Clarke for keeping the peace - and the scores.
Anyone who refed a game today.
All of the First aiders.
The Coaches and Players for all of their efforts.

And I and on behalf of the players and coaches would like to thank every single Parent, Grandparent, Brothers, Sisters and friends for your outstanding support not just today but through out the whole season.

Now Bring on Essex!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Romford and Gidea Park RFC 2013 Romford Festival Plate winners.