This week saw Erith RFC cross the Thames and face Dagenham’s 3rd outfit.

The visitors arrived with 14 men and so numerous Central Park men took turns in playing for the opposition during the afternoon.

The game started very evenly, the visitors probably had more possession however the men in Red and White defended magnificently! Some great tackles all over the park.

In the scrums prop Ian Drake managed to use the dark arts to lift his opposite number up like some sort of magician!

After around 20 minutes the hosts couldn’t hold out anymore and Jack Matthews (in an Erith shirt) ran through a couple of missed tackles to score!

Despite some increased possession, including the pack making good use of some catch and drives, the home side found themselves 17-0 down at half time.

The half time swig of port made the home team come out of the blocks from the restart!

Centre Ian Robinson, in a man of the match display, punched up numerous holes in the midfield, at one point coming within an inch of getting the ball over the try line!

After being camped in the Erith 22 for a long time the hosts eventually managed to get some points on the board with Jonny Smith beating 3 defenders. Ballard unfortunately missing the conversion due to gale force winds!

After this the men from south of the river finished the game off with some well worked tries. Including a full length charge from Jon Lyme in an Erith shirt! (Why doesn’t he do that in a Dagenham shirt!)

Before the final whistle the D’s managed to reply with a well worked chip from fly-half Ballard, touched down by Shaun Riley. Conversion slotted by Jack Matthews.

Final score 12-36

Dagenham showed great effort and the score line didn’t quite reflect the closeness of the game.

Thanks to all that put an Erith shirt on and to Shadi who volunteered and had a good game at referee.

Many thanks to Erith for making the trip and staying for a beer after.

Team:
Drake, Ali, Andrews, D. Francis, Newson, Boot, Lindsey, Harold, Riley, Ballard, Robinson, B. Smith, Ismael, Lyme, J. Smith, Khan, Albie, Ashton, Hogwood, Matthews

Tries:
J. Smith
Riley

Conversions:
Matthews

MOTM:
Robinson