3rd XV
Matches
Sat 12 Dec 2015  ·  Division 2
Southend III
17
14
Eton Manor RFC
3rd XV
Tries: M Grogan, M BoshoffConversions: B Cotton (2)
Southend 3s V Eton Manor 3s

Southend 3s V Eton Manor 3s

Thomas Winkworth20 Dec 2015 - 14:39
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A much changed manor 3rd team fall to Southend in a tight battle.

After a 4 game winning streak manor found themselves full of confidence heading into a top of the table away to Southend. However with many of the older members of the team at christmas parties or still recovering from the week before (or in one case trying to defy their age and go to the gym and train on Thursday) Manor 3s came together as a young group. In the absence of the golden oldie and master moaner, Cushy, It was up to Tony Armstrong and his lucky scrum cap to lead the team.

Manor survived the dreaded A127 with limited traffic and set off on their warm up led by Captain Armstrong. Manor split and things looked good as usual with the lineout in the warm up despite the wind. Looking at the two teams warming up it was clear that this Southend team was very strong and would be well organised. Chatting to the ref pre game he didn’t seem sure that this was southend 3s we were actually playing. Undeterred manor kicked off and charged upfield. Good carries from Carly and Boshoff in the midfield created good position before manor found themselves camped in the Southend 22. Manor won penalty after penalty after battering the Southend Scrum repeatedly however the ref decided not to opt for a yellow and Southend were able to clear their lines. Southend then seemed to find their form and carried hard into the manor defence. Eventually pressure told and Southend wriggled over to open the scoring.

Manor got themselves together and started to match the southend attack with excellent defence led by Grogan, Brad and Harold. Sadly Captain Armstrong’s hastrings gave up again and I had to enter the fray. A good break by manuel and good hands after resulted in a fine score by flanker Matt Grogan. Even better was the touchline conversion by Brad to put Manor in the lead. At Half time manor found themselves 7-5 up however knew the second half would be harder as they would have the wind slightly against them.

Manor started the second half well whilst Keeny rested after his adventures from the previous night. However the game turned into a battle between Paul and the opposition loosehead with the rest of the team just being involved to decide where the next scrum would be. Eventually southend won a 5m lineout and used their maul effectively to drive over to score. Manor fought back on and met every Southend attack with ferocious defence. An excellent interception from Boshoff allowed him to race home from inside his own half to put manor in the lead 14-10. Southend then continued to take advantage of the random scrum penalties to put the ball in the corner again and drive over for a try. Converted, Southend now led 17-14. Manor attacked again and again but couldn't turn the pressure into a score. The game ended with Southend winning 17-14.

A tough loss but a close one. Manor should be proud of their performance after missing 8 of the team from the previous week. Southend probably used the ball a bit better and played the ref better too.

Humorous moments this week included; Cushy getting an old age injury and missing out on his weekly moan (sorry match), Tony Armstrong leaving all his clothes in his car and having to walk through Southends clubhouse and car park in just his towel, Brads reaction when he was told he would be playing fly half (and his attempt to put the 10 shirt on!) and Big Nick running the touch in the second half...Luckily the ball never went out on the side he was on!

The whole manor team put a massive shift in but special mentions go to; David R who run well from full back, boshoff and Carly who had very good games in the midfield and Harold who worked his socks off from the second row constantly getting around the pitch. However the two stand out performers and winners of this weeks coverted third team man of the match award goes to; Grogan and Brad who were both exceptional.

Next week Manor 3s take on Thurrock away

Match details

Match date

Sat 12 Dec 2015

Kickoff

14:00

Competition

Division 2
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

First XV Sponsor - White Skips Hire Ltd
1st Team Sponsor - Essex Security
Club Sponsor - Edwards Duthie Solcitors
1st team sponsor - Austin-Chapel LLP
Mens Shorts Sponsor - Macai
1st Team Sponsor - 1st Event Luxury Travel
1st Team Sponsor - Petty Son & Prestwich
3rd Team Sponsor - South East Secondary Glazing
Stand Sponsor - Brownes
Board - Thameside Roofing Ltd
RFU Member Club - Accredited RFU Club