Back to Where it All Began

With a squad roughly double the size that made the journey in 2012 Manor were in good shape and full of confidence. Well, most of us. Marcos Bunbury was actually full of shots and regret after enjoying himself a little too much at Joe White's birthday the night before!

A strong starting line up was selected with a return to action for the much missed but rarely seen Kieron Dwyer at fly half. With Sweet Pete celebrating his birthday weekend with a run out for the 4s we were in good shape.

Manor lost the toss and Billericay sensibly opted to play uphill first half on this unique pitch. The pressure was on Manor to build a lead and calm words to that effect were said to the squad.

Manor kicked off downhill and sought early possession. Pressure was put on the opposition early with some good tackles going in and sensible deployment of forwards to the breakdown. A turn over soon arrived and the ball went through Morton's hands to Martin Mitchell who took the contact and recycled well. Scrum half Jake fed Kieron who was clearly underestimated by Billericay and their half hearted tackles couldn't prevent him bursting the line and drawing the full back. Second row Ugo made a great supporting run on his left shoulder, took the short pass and touched down for the first score. Jake slotted the conversion and it was 0-7 to Manor after only 5 minutes.

A period of forward dominated play followed with the ball rarely getting out of the middle of the park and a fair few scrums being evenly contested. On one of Manor's drives at this stage ground was made in to their 22 when Billericay were penalised for hands in the ruck. Conscious of the need for points Morton pointed at the posts and Jake duly obliged with his second successful kick; 0-10 to Manor.

Winger Billy Morris was clearly unhappy with the rumbling nature of the game and he started screaming for the ball to be spread earlier. Manor went back to basics and improved the communication of the forwards at the breakdown. The ball came out and went to inside centre Reggie whose strength drew 3 defenders. He still managed to offload to Ralph who shipped to Billy. His pace was needed and was never in question as he rounded the winger and made good yards inside before touching down. Jake made it 3 from 3 with another conversion and Manor were taking control at 0-17.

Shortly before the break Billericay infringed again and another penalty was awarded. Jake was on great form and struck the ball clean through the middle of the posts for 0-20 Manor. This would unfortunately prove to be the last score of the game.

Right on half time Manor were awarded and won a scrum. The ball went out to Ralph who was being closed down by the Billericay 12 at pace. It looked like he had connected with Ralph's thigh, never a good idea, with his head instead of his shoulder and both men went down. The injury to the opposition player was clearly the more serious and he was in need of urgent medical attention. Both sides initially felt we could continue the game but when it became clear how severe the injury was it was abandoned at the request of Billericay. Manor had no problem with this decision and understood their concern for their team mate.

The score at the time was 0-20 but will be recorded as 0-39, perhaps a little harsh on Billericay who would have been using the slope on their home ground in the second half. We look forward to meeting them again in early March.

Man of the match was awarded to Kieron who beat Jake into second place by one vote. Billericay Blunder went to Martin for his unique lifting decision at a lineout. Front ball clearly called by hooker Anthony Gillham, Martin turned and lifted the second man. Special.

Next week the 4s take on Kings Cross at home, 2.15KO, let's build on a good performance and a good win.