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The boys took the long journey to Ipswich with a much depleted squad due to school holidays but again took the opportunity to show their strength in depth, and with the aid of two guests from our under 15s really turned in a superb performance to continue their upward development which has seen them unbeaten since the 6th of January.

With guest Stuart Whatling starting in his new position on the wing the boys started well enough but were finding a lot of their possession being stifled by the big Ipswich pack and it was only when the ball begin to fizz around the hands that they really threatened to score and thus it was no surprise when Stuart finished of a series of phases to put us ahead with a good try in the corner. The boys realised that they had better chances of winning once they kept the ball alive and they attacked Ipswich in waves, one of which lead to the second try from the captain Graham which was converted by Robbo to leave us 12-0 up at the break. Subs Brad, Adam, Zane were joined by our second guest Josh Lesczcuk at the start of the second half and SWF really put Ipswich to the sword with five unanswered tries from Robbo, Lewis G, Patch, Curtis and Jack N, with 2 conversions from Robbo to seal an emphatic 39-0 victory. Unfortunately just before the end Graham sustained a fractured wrist and his competition with Connor for the 'A&E most visited' award is really hotting up, tough luck Graham and we wish you a speedy recovery. Earlier in the season we visited Ipswich and came away with a scrappy win 10-5 so this result and the manner it was achieved in shows real progress, well done everyone and a special thank you to Stuart and Josh for their contribution.

Squad - Robbo, James, Curtis, Graham (Capt), Stuart, Jordan, Jon, Adam, Zane, Sam, Lewis G, Stevie, Mike, Jack S, Harry, Patch, Jack N, Brad, Josh,

The boys played against local rivals Chelmsford on Sunday and it was an unusual game as a lot of our lads were playing against friends and schoolmates. But once they took to the pitch all friendships were put on hold as both sides got stuck in from the off. The boys started well and good breaks from Aaron and James produced early opportunities not taken. It was a defensive error from Chelmsford due to pressure from our back row which led to Aaron intercepting a pass and crosing for the first try of the game. Chelmsford came back strong and scored their first try under our posts to leave them ahead. Woodham came back and their pressure produced a penalty which Jordan narrowly failed to convert but further pressure brought more chances and off a 5 metre scrum Patch fed scrum half Jon who crossed and Aaron converted to put us ahead 12-7 at half time. We made a lot of changes at half time and while the subs were settling in Chelmsford scored a good try in the corner to leave matters even at 12-12. But agin the boys upped their game and showing much more composure than of late they probed the Chelmsford try line and Jack Norkett crossed to restore our lead, but not for long as Chelms ford came back within minutes to level the game at 17-17. In previous months the boys may have panicked but not today and when they won a penalty under the Chelmsford posts Jordan converted to leave the score 20-17, and a few minutes later following some quick thinking from Ben who fed Dan Mascall on the wing who went around his winger and scored what was the winning try, the final scoreline being 25-17.

A good performance in what was a difficult game saw the boys play with new found composure and this enabled them always to keep Chelmsford at bay due to their ability to score their points when the opportunities came their way.

A blustery Sunday morning greeted us at Chingford as the boys lined up for their penultimate league game of the season. With Chingford just below us in the league this was a game the boys could not afford to lose. We started very brightly and proceeded to dominate matters for the next 70 minutes but paticularly in the first half where Chingford found it hard to get out of their half. Try scoring opportunities fell to Jack Norkett, Lewis Gilbert, James Murphy and a glorious backs move just failed to finish off with Graham in the corner. The score remained at 0-0 at half time and it was against the run of play when the Chingford full back powered through our defence to put Chingford ahead early in the second half. The boys who were now playing against a strong breeze did not let their heads gp down and further chances fell to Graham and Big Will but again the final pass let us down. It took a brilliant piece of great running from Lewis King to tie the game at 5-5, and so it finished all square. A good performance abd a great result away from home vould have been so much better if the boys showed some composure in the opposition 22. Great performances all round the pitch with Dan and Lewis King and Robbo outstanding in the backs and the whole pack playing good rugby but man of the match award went to Sammy Sharp who was not found wanting in a brutal front row contest.

The lads really showed up well in their latest league encounter against a very strong Braintree outfit, in a physically intense game at Saltcoats today.

The boys took to the field without their talismanic forward Big Will King who next week plays a trial game which could see him selected for the England under 16s training camp in February and we all wish him well in his endeavour. Braintree won the toss and decided to play the first half with the strong wind at their backs, but the SWF lads were first to dominate for the opening ten minutes but could not convert the odd chance that came their way, and Braintree gradually found their way into the game. However the boys did not panic and very nearly opened the scoring when Lewis King went around his opposite number but got tackled into touch about 10 metres short of the try line, but it was to prove a short reprieve for Braintree as wave after wave of forward drives brought Jack Norkett a well deserved try which was unconverted. At this point the boys had other opportunities to score but the scoreline stayed the same until just before half time when some slick backs handling led to the Braintree winger going over in the corner, leaving the match tied at halftime 5-5.

The second half turned into a battle of attrition but SWF were putting real pressure on the Braintree defence with great chances for Jordan and Thomas Perry narrowly missed. The match got a bit ugly with the odd bout of handbags but SWF stood up to everything that was thrown at them and eventually the match settled down again with Braintree finishing the game strongly but still finding it hard to break out of their own half. So honours even and probably a fair result although if the boys get a bit more clinical when on top they will win games like this. The whole front row Bradley, Sammy and Lewis G were awesome today as were the whole team but man of the match was Jack Norkett who epiomised the spirit of the whole team with an immense display of back row forwards play.

The boys finally got back in the winning way with a hard fought win over a determined Rochford side at Rochford today.

We had almost a full squad to pick from for a change and it was a chance to look at the whole squad and their development.

The first half saw Rochford defending well not to let the boys score too easily but due to some last minute handling errors the boys contributed to their own blank on the score line.

They were playing great rugby through contact and offloading and sooner or later it had to bear fruit, when new flanker Zane picked up the ball in broken play in midfield there was not a lot on until full back Lewis arrived at real pace on his shoulder and took a lovely pass to break through and one on one with the full back went around him to score. Lewis, Aaron, James M and Jack N all had their opportunities to score but narrowly failed.

A whole raft of changes came at half time and our strength in depth showed as we hit Rochfords 22 in waves and scored 3 unanswered tries from Dan, Graham, and Jack N all scored from good play. Dan who is now looking the genuine article at outside centre broke up a Rochford attack and kicked on picking the ball up on halfway and racing under the posts for a great individual try.

Graham scored his try off a set piece 5 metre scrum coming off his wing to take the ball off our number 8 Patch and broke through the massed ranks of Rochford defenders to score. Jack N scored his try from a pick up and drive over from 5 metres out to seal the win. Robbo was successful with 2 conversions.

A very polished performance but still lacking that finishing touch when the try line is beckoning, but all round praise from Rochford supporters and the referee for our continuity play with our forwards/backs linking up really well to support and enable offloading of top quality in the contact area. Keep it up.

Unfortunately the whole thing was soured by the totally inadequate performance of the choir who had Liam crying into his coffee with an inept and lacking performance of 'The Wild Rover' in the Rochford clubhouse post game we hope we treat our home supporters to a better rendition next week.

This was the first game of 2008 and we visited the same ground where we had finished 2007 so abjectly against Barking going out of the Essex cup by a score line 38-5 and the boys finished the year with their worst performance, so they had a point to prove and prove it they did, and unfortunately this score line was extremely hard on the boys as they completely dominated this game from start to finish.
In terms of territory and possession this game should have been wrapped up by half time in our favour.

All the boys were magnificent with Lewis Gilbert, Jack Norkett and Patch leading a ferocious forwards effort and a new look backline with Graham and Lewis King on the wings, Dan at centre and the outstanding Robbo at full back.

The first 25 minutes of this game were spent with SWF setting up camp in the Barking 22 but coming away with nothing to show for it other than some decent chances for Lewis King, Graham, Lewis Gilbert and Jack Norkett.

What happens next, a couple of missed tackles - Barking ahead 5-0, Ho hum. But the boys went straight back at them got and converted a penalty thanks to Jordan 5-3. Cruelly just before half time Barking sneaked another try to leave them ahead at half time 12-3, but this is what we wanted to see from the boys, rugby with a smile on its face and so out they came for the second half where they tried vainly to get down Barking blindside with Graham on one to many occasions and Barking broke the siege to score and lead 19-3.

The smile went off the boys now and they set about Barking with renewed purpose and got their reward after a sublime break by Lewis G who fed the ball to Jack N 3 metres out and he duly fell over the line with great style to leave the score 19-8.

The boys were on fire and they really had Barking worried but their effort was taking its toll and Barking to their great credit sneaked another try at the death to leave the score line 24-8. what can one say SWF roughly 8-9 scoring chances 1 try Barking 5 real attempts 4 tries, but what a performance and when our backline really begins to fire look out.

The boys took the long trip to Ipswich and it turned into the morning after the night before as they played an error strewn game and could not repeat the fireworks displays of recent weeks.

They started off putting themselves under pressure due to bad decision making and only strong defence by Jordan and Curtis kept Ipswich at bay. The lads slowly started to find some rhythm and the ball was stolen from an Ipswich line out by the ever impressive Harry Baldock who tapped down to Nick who sent the ball along the backline where Graham went over for the first score of the game. The score remained 5-0 until just before half time when Ipswich went over for a try to level the game 5-5. We made a lot of changes at half time and hoped for an improvement, which we got but still sloppy errors cost us dearly near the Ipswich try line. Our forwards were dominant in the set plays but too often were guilty of standing off in the loose and letting Ipswich compete. It was from an Ipswich scrum on their own 5 metre line that we got the winning score when Patch and Robbo put pressure on their fly half and blocked his clearing kick and Patch simply had to fall on the ball to score. This left the score at 10-5 and that�s the way it stayed although Graham, Aaron and Jack Norkett did have opportunities to close out this game. In the end a win is a win but the lads know they will have to pick things up in their next outing against Westcliffe in two weeks time.

The boys went on their long awaited tour to Jersey and as the theme for the tour was the '52 amigos' the clubhouse was a colourful sight on Friday the 19th. The flight went well and the bandidos brought smiles to many faces along the way. Saturday came around and the lads set out for Jerseys rugby club for their first game on tour.

The lads took to the pitch pumped up and quickly showed their prowess when taking the lead through rumbling forward play saw Jack Satwick score the try that started SWFs dominance, which despite some pretty poor refereeing and some over the top play by Jersey, never let up, further tries from Graham, Curtis (2) and Jack Norkett, four of the tries being converted by either Curtis or Jordan. The scoring was only part of the story however as the boys stood up really strongly in what was a fairly hostile environment and met fire with fire with everyone hitting Jersey with everything they had and the forwards constantly driving Jersey away from ruck and maul. Quite a few injuries at the end of this game but the boys were unbowed and were very disappointed that the Jersey lads did not join them back in the clubhouse for lunch but left us to our own devices, which after the effort we made to get there was pretty sad, but no fear we had a ball.

We now waited for the next big game and after the loss of England to South Africa the next days game against Guernsey could not come quick enough.

Due to the previous days war of attrition Stephen Northey, and Lewis Kings playing on this tour was over but as we had 28 boys on tour there was no problem with numbers, this was a much better game and the boys were held by Guernsey in the first half at 14 each with big Will and Bradley scoring the tries, Bradleys being a gem as he sprinted in from half way to score.

The second half however was a different story and the boys played fantastic stylish rugby to record a 100% record on the tour to leave the coaches and the big band of supporters ecstatic. Tries by Graham, Curtis, Jack Norkett and Connor completed the win, Connors try being probably the pick of the whole weekend as the ball went through the hands of the backline after some powerful forward play and found Connor who skipped around three defenders to finish the tour of on a very high note.

We returned to the UK on Monday the 22nd slightly the worse for wear but all agreeing that a great weekend was had by all but that the rugby played by the boys on this one had elevated it to our best tour yet. the boys were simply brilliant and can hold their heads up high.

Thank you to all the people who made this happen from fund raisers, sponsors, coaching staff, and to the parents who came on tour, but a particular mention goes to our tour organiser Andy King who once again put it altogether superbly.

Most of all on behalf of the club thank you to the boys who represented us so well both in play and in behaviour and enhanced the reputation of our club. Last word to them - VIVA MES AMIGOS -El Presidente.

The boys went to Brentwood to participate in the annual under 16s 'Golden Boot' tournament and left with a growing reputation as a real force at this age group. In what was a very tough pool we were drawn against Hertford, Braintree, and Upminster. First up was the unknown quantity from hertford whose backs started the tournament on fire and they rattled up an impressive 10-0 win against the boys who had not yet woken up. Next up for the lads was Braintree a team that always seemed to edge it, but not today with Graham and Curtis inspirational in the centre SWF recorded a 12-7 win with Graham and the rejuvenated Patch scoring the tries and Curtis converting one. Lastly came Upminster and despite a battling second half from Upminster SWF held on for 5-0 win

As we finished second in the group we then went into the plate semi-final where we faced old rivals Burnham. They of course fought us all the way but a Graham Barclay solo effort and conversion from Curtis plus a penalty ensured a 10-7 win, Jamie Bache scoring the Burnham try. So to the final of the plate and a clash with the pre tournament favourites Medway who looked a huge side but were put under so much pressure from the start it was hard to tell why SWF were not the favourites, although their defence of their line was immense. Jack Norkett, Graham and Aaron all had real opportunities to score but Medway held firm and with last play of the game their winger got the luckiest of bounces to score the winning try. Very hard on the boys as they had put everything into this game and according to most of the Medway supporters should have won the game hands down. Well done everyone for a great day of rugby and thanks to all the parents and fans who stayed the course. The boys are away to Jersey next week on tour. I wonder what we can possibly do on Saturday night I suppose we may as well just watch the telly - COME ON ENGLAND

In the opening game of the league season SWF entertained a strong Brentwood side who they had never beaten so although the result was very pleasing the performance was immense by every one of the SWF boys.

The lads started the game and settled very well with most of the first 10 minutes or so spent in the Brentwood half and although the Brentwood team had the advantage of a larger pack the SWF forwards were tenacious at the breakdown using the ball very well and disrupting the Brentwood supply. It was from one such breakdown that SWF took the lead when the ball was made available quickly and went out to the backs where Graham fed Big Will who went over for the try.

Brentwood then upped their game and scored a good try through Jake Eagleton which was converted to leave them ahead 7-5. The boys did not panic however and a penalty resulted in Curtis scoring to leave us ahead 8-7 with about 5 minutes to go to half time. The match then turned into a war of attrition as both sides looked to score what would have been the clincher. The SWF defence of their try line in the last 5 minutes was awesome with everyone looking for people to tackle and no one taking a backward step. The final whistle finally went and was greeted by loud cries of relief from both players and supporters alike and a big scalp was added to the boys collection.

TEAM - Lewis G, Zane, Brad, Thomas, Harry B, Patch, Jack N, Big Will, Robbo, Jordan, Curtis, Graham (Capt), Aaron, Connor, Lewis K. Replacements