Short Trip to West Ham Ends in Narrow Loss for Manor

Not our first choice given the amount of games that we have lost to the weather at home this year but this more pressing need was to get the guys back out on the field.

The usual early meet time was called to allow plenty of time at the venue for preparation and warm up. We arrived at ELRFC with 45 minutes to go before the scheduled 2.30pm kick off in good spirits.

We knew that the 4s were the only EL side out that week so it would be likely that their ranks would be boosted. A late call off for our 3s however meant that we could cover for this and the mood was good as we entered the changing room. The competitive match anticipated was confirmed by the EL skiper as he told us of his improvements.

The good mood soon disappeared though.

The EL skipper also informed us that the referee had arrived and was in a "...foul mood...". He had decided that the kick off was now to be 2pm and if both teams weren't on the field and ready at that time then the game would be abandoned. We changed as quickly as possible and by the time we got out there had only 7 minutes instead of the comfortable 37 planned for. Thanks you Sir. Whichever side of the bed you got out of on Saturday morning please avoid it in future.

Anyway, onto the game...

EL began strongly showing the benefit of the extra few minutes they had had on the pitch. Manor were immediately called into phase after phase of defensive play and it made me proud to see the dedication with which everyone, from 1 to 15, threw themselves into challenges and breakdowns. We were not going to roll over without a fight here!

After surviving the opening 10 minutes of this onslaught the line was eventually broken after the EL forwards picked and went 3 times while only 5 metres out. One small gap appeared and to their credit they saw it and took full advantage. The extras were taken and Manor trailed 0-7.

The same spirit was still evident in open play from Manor even if the set piece was not the platform the team wanted. With no time to practice line out before kick off that was an improvised affair at best. Massive credit here must be given to Lee Reed, Tom O'Connor & Pete Thomas who used all their experience and ability to at least give some variation to the front ball; realistically the only option with a chance of securing the football in these circumstances.

The pattern of the game, EL possession countered by the pure heart and effort of Manor, continued through the halfway point of the first half. On a rare period of Manor ball the forwards stole a penalty at the breakdown, EL penalised for holding on. Tap and go was called to guarantee retention and through two more phases the ball was spun wide to Tom Howell joining the fray from full back. He shot off like a scolded cat down the right wing to complete the move and score in the corner. A near impossible touch line conversion was dispatched by Brad Cotton with ease. He was very popular with his team mates at this point!

The 1st half wound down with no further scores from either side; 7-7 at the break. We chose to make a couple of changes at this point. Waqqash Mowlana came on to replace brother Tharbish, Jake Taylor took a rest to move Cotton from 12 to 10 and Dave Gibson came on in the centre to add a rugby league flavour to the occasion.

Manor spoke at half time about the need to continue the intensity and basics first approach to the second half. That lasted all of 5 minutes as we were all guilty of showing too much respect to the EL ranks. It was no surprise that they soon won a line out on our 5m line and created space to dive over for their second score. The conversion was secured and Manor trailed again; 7-14.

The energy that had sustained us well in the first half was beginning to fail us mid way through the second. The defensive set up was still there and the tackles were being made but only two games of rugby in two months were showing. Pete Thomas departed with about 15 to go meaning we had used up our compliment of front row. Herbie Morris made his second appearance of the game here after earlier covering for Martin Mitchell during a blood bin. Chris Nastac departed having done well on his first start for Manor and Nicky Morris made a return from suspension to see out the game on the wing. Paul Abery also came on to make his second appearance for the Club.

The changes and the tiredness would cost us 3 more points as captain Morton was guilty of illegally slowing the ball down at a ruck, more out of desire to give everyone a breather rather than disrupt the opposition! EL took the penalty and scored; 7-17.

This was to be how the game finished.

Given the quite appalling attitude shown by the referee before the match I am struggling to think of a time when I've been prouder to be part of a Manor team. The phrase 'Manor Spirit' is often used when talking about teams grinding out results in hard games, but it can also apply in defeat. A team that had never played together before and had their prep time stolen from them came together and fought hard for each other and for the jersey. There was no ill discipline, just bone hard tackling and refusal to go down without giving everything. Massive well done to everyone on Saturday, UTM!

There was no Billericay Blunder voted for, how could we? And given the rush to the bar to watch England beat Ireland a Man of the Match wasn't awarded either....something we can address in later weeks...with appropriate refreshment of course!

The 4s travel to Upminster next time out to play a game lost to the weather on 4th January. Let's send another strong side, and pack along the spirit of this week!