Cup Final Glory

This week Woodham hosted Epping & Upper Clapton in the U13's Waterfall Cup Final at Saltcoats. The weather was dry but windy, and Epping were back to a full team, as they were missing a few players at their last visit 3 weeks ago.

Woodham kicked off with the wind behind them. A good take from the Epping fly half saw the visitors start the attack, ball passed nicely through the hands. Woodham secured the ball from the tackle and the counter attack was on. The ball passed through hands, and after several tackles, the ball passed through to Harrison who broke through the centre to score Woodham's first of the day.

Woodham were given the advantage by the visitors, and kicked off again, with the ball taken nicely again by the Epping fly half. Both teams, working hard to win the ball when not in possession, but Woodham got the ball and passed out to Harrison to score the second of the game.

Woodham kicking again dropped the ball into the Epping 22, without it being picked up, chased hard by H. Epping scooped the ball up and attacked the Woodham line hard. Woodham were struggling at the ruck with good form by Epping, but they were not able to make anything from their dominance over Woodham from the ruck. The Woodham defence holding strong, and Harrison scoring another 2 try’s.

Woodham kept the pressure on the Epping side, with further try’s from Cheeky and Jamie (from a Harrison offload) before a great interception from Coxy on half time to run ¾ of the pitch to cross for Woodham’s 7th of the match – 35 – 0 at the half time whistle.

Epping kicked of the second half and with the wind now in their favour pushed hard on the home side. Several times the attack was broken to create the counter attack, only for Epping to stop Woodham and counter themselves. Epping were finally rewarded after several minutes of pushing the Woodham defence from 5 meters out. A now different looking Epping side again pushed the home side and after 5 minutes secured their second try of the match.

Woodham regrouped, and pushed the visitors hard into their 22. However an Epping break, with kick through looked like a sure try, but Stig intercepted the ball on the bounce from the hands of the Epping scrum half 3 meters out, to push them back outside the Woodham 22. Woodham’s momentum continued to grow with 3 more try’s from Bullet, Gerard and Harrison securing the victory as the full time whistle went 50 -10.

An outstanding game of Rugby from both sides, with a presentation of the Runner Up and Winner Plates from the Essex Youth Waterfall Cup Fixtures Secretary, Chris Bowers following the match. This week’s man of the match chosen by the Epping Coaches went to Toby. A fitting end to a great season for the U13’s. The coaches wish to thank the boys and parents for their effort and support this season, and we hope you enjoy the summer break. Presentation evening on the 19th May at 19:30 – further details to follow.