This was billed as a friendly match and turned out to be a highly competitive game , a good hit out prior to next week's quarter-final Essex cup match. The game was played in 4 x 20 min quarters and 23 players were available for selection. The first 20 min was played at a frenetic pace with Saracens having most of the possession. Saracens scored early on through their backs by spreading the ball quickly to the left in manor's 22 . 5 minutes later a good kick by Dan (EM) into the Saracens 22 was scooped up by the Saracens full back and with good support their inside centre ran in to score a converted try next to the posts. Saracens continued to pressure the Manor try line but Manor defended well and held up a Saracens player over the line. Manor’s defence was being sorely tested, with Saracens dominating possession. Saracens were able to run in another try ( conversion) with some good lead up work and support play with no reply from Manor.
The next 3 quarters were a much tighter affair, with Manor finding their rhythm. Saracens scored a quick try against the run of play in the second quarter, when a loose ball was picked up by the Saracens number 8, who beat 3 tackles to score from 30m out. Greater possession and a superb kick and chase saw Henry ( second row) clean out the Saracens ruck allowing the ball to move one pass off the ruck to Joel (outside centre) who burst through the Saracens defence and score in the corner.

The second quarter saw an early scrum on the Saracens 5m line with Saracens trying to demonstrate their running rugby ambitions. However a crunching tackle by Teddy (inside centre) forced his opposite number across the Saracens try line. Manor were unlucky to lose the ball over the line from next phase of play. Saracens were able to move play further up field through a good kick and chase game. A knock on from Manor saw a scrum set and a penalty to Saracens. From the next phase a melee broke out as tempers frayed. The referee soon got the game under control and half time was taken.
The next 2 quarters highlighted the competitive nature of both sides as play moved from one end to the other. A great run by Will ( Manor No.11) saw Saracens defend stoutly down the ® side where the ball was eventually lost by Manor. 5 minutes later a scrum to Saracens 30m out from Manor’s line saw the ball pass through the Saracens backline for a try in the corner. 2 further tries (1 converted) by Saracens in the final quarter, including a great 60m run by the Saracens No 14 through the heart of the manor defence, saw Saracens run out deserved winners. A special mention to Sam (no.7) of Eton manor who never stopped tacking throughout the game.