It must have been the boys lack of familiarity, playing rugby in warm sunshine, that led to a rather lackluster performance from the team. This was not helped by the absence of a number of players through injury and being unavailable. We should, however, take nothing away from a determined Basildon team whose pedigree can be seen by their qualification to the Essex Youth Cup Final this season.
The game started well for Eton Manor with the forwards handling a very large Basildon pack and producing good quality ball for backs who were full of running. The large pitch suited Will Fitch and, with his pace, he rapidly pushed Manor to a 14.0 lead. George W. then broke through the center of the park, side-stepped the full back and scored under the posts and it was 21:0. A series of injuries then decimated the Eton Manor backs and Basildon seized their chance. They scored 2 quick tries with their powerful center and wingers combining well to run through a poor defensive show from the Manor. At the end, Manor were the more relieved to hear the final whistle.
Hopefully, with the return of several players for next Sunday's League fixture against Dagenham the performance will improve too.
Thanks to Basildon for their fantastic hospitality and our apologies for rushing away so soon to see the great Six Nations clash that afternoon.