Epping Upper Clapton completed their 2016/17 campaign with a real confidence boosting victory against the league’s eventual runners up South Woodham Ferrers and with new personnel and initiatives in situ look forward to their next campaign with a solid base for further progression.
Tom Webb had held the role of ‘Interim Coach’ since the New Year and had installed a more mature game attitude to the side which had started to pay dividends. Ian Matthews has now assumed the role of Head Coach( more details later) working in conjunction with Tom and Steven Douglas. This game saw his tenure start with a winning debut.
Having suffered a sound defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, EUCRFC new that their defence had to be secure to offset any SWF sorties. It was better than secure; Clapton dominating the contact areas, turning over ball and counter attacking at pace. Such actions accounted for 4 first half tries, all converted and EUCRFC had a 28-0 advantage at half time. Scorers were Mitch Sinfield, Ollie Stokes, Harry Barker and Carly Buisson.
The second half performance dipped slightly, the home side continuing to hold their own but as the final whistle approached Clapton relaxed a little too much and allowed SWF a couple of late converted tries. After 2 back to back promotions, EUCRFC finish 5th. In London NE2 and the belief within the club is that that can be improved upon in the near future.