London 2 North East - South Woodham Ferrers RFC 32 - Saffron Walden 15

A dominant display saw the lads score four tries against a team that had beaten them in the four previous encounters. The game was notable for the return of Stewart Whatling playing his first game for the club in eight years and an off the bench debut for Jake Knowles.

In the late summer sun, the game started brightly for the home team with an early trademark score under the posts for Liam Searle; Jamie Cox adding the extra 2. Sevie Hurrell could have added a second score soon after but managed to drop the ball when seemingly clean through. More home side pressure resulted in a second score when they were awarded a penalty try following a high tackle by the last defender on man of the match, scrum half Kieran Ballinger. The tackle also brought about the first of five yellow cards in what was never a dirty game.

Despite being a man down the visitors then enjoyed a period of attacking dominance during which the ref evened up the teams by yellow carding Jamie Cox for a shoulder charge. In their second visit into the Woodham 22 Saffron Walden scored the first of their two tries. Soon after the visitors were awarded a penalty which was converted following Jack Reeve’s yellow card, for not releasing.

With home side down to 13 men you might have expected Saffron Walden to draw clear but as the half drew to a close it was Woodham who scored next with a converted penalty from Terry Stiffell. In the closing minutes of the half Woodhams forwards began to take full control of the game as they began to boss the set piece with fine scrummaging.

Half time came with the score at 17 point to 10 in favour of the home side.

In the second half Woodham showed some real promise with some fine running play behind a dominant pack. The ball was allowed to do the work as Woodham stretched the Saffron Walden defence allowing Jack Reeve to run in Woodhams third try of the day.

A missed conversion and shortly after a missed penalty could have seen the home side home and dry early in the half but it was the visitors who scored next. Saffron Walden were awarded a penalty against the run of play and capitalised by kicking deep into the Woodham 22. They scored a well worked push over try from the resulting line out.

Woodham were soon back in control with two further scores; a penalty converted by Alex Baker and a fine try from close range from Tate Holliday.

The final period of the game was notable for two further yellow cards. The first, a high tackle, for Saffron Walden and the second for Neil Gittos who was unlucky to have a tackled player fall into him, being pinged for a no arms tackle!! Neil had just enjoyed making his annual pass of the season.

The final whistle was blown with the home side on 32 points and the visitors well beaten on 15.

Woodham showed some real promise in the season opener and with a strong squad they must be looking forward to more success in the months to come.