Southwold hosted an Upminster side which like Southwold had made an great start to the season, so this top four clash was always going to be a tough encounter.
On a day which didn’t feel like a late October afternoon (more like a late spring), Southwold stepped up the gears and were simply too good for the visitors. However a 39-0 home win didn’t look possible during a first half which Southwold dominated, but at times forced the issue which lead to mistakes. Unfortunately Southwold were disallowed a try early when the ball was passed out wide and before Richie Thickett could score the referee had given a forward pass.
Having most of the possession during the first half Southwold put the press on continuously, but it was not until the 38th minute in which Paddy Connors dotted over after numerous phases in the Upminster 22. The try was converted by Luke Wade 7-0 Wold!
You might of thought finally a try for all this effort, lets have half time and regroup? But Joe Block had other ideas, from the restart he gathered the ball and burst through a number of tackles. Before he knew it he was in open space and just the try line in front of him. A suberb solo effort and congratulated by all of his team mates which was great to see. 14-0 at half time.
After half time, although very happy to have a lead, Southwold stepped the intensity up and played nearly all the rugby in the Upminster half. Having again most of the possession Southwold were awarded penalty which from near the half way line looked tricky, but Luke “Duka” Wade stepped up and slotted it over. 17 -0 to Southwold.
With confidence really high Southwold were able to continue to play expanse rugby with forwards and back combining to set up tries. Richie Thickett’s first try was exactly this, after good build up play from the forwards space opened up for the backs and good passing opened up the Upminster defence and Richie was able to score in the corner . The try was converted again by Luke Wade, 24-0 to Southwold.
Again Southwold didn’t stop there and with three tries already in the bag, Southwold went on the hunt for the fourth and bonus point try. After Luke Wade had added another 3 points with an understanding kick from near the half way line, the Southwold forwards scored of an excellent driving maul.
Having all the possession again in the Upminster half the away team gave penalties away at the breakdown. From this Southwold opted to kick for touch a set up a driving maul. Having practised this so well week to week, James Hall threw to the back of line out and Sam Webb and the rest of pack were able to drive to the line before the ball was passed to the back and James was able to dive over himself! Great to see the set piece doing so much damage. 34-0
The scoring was rounded off be Richie who grabbed his try let on with a try in the corner, 39-0 the final score.
This is an excellent result and moves Southwold to the top of London Three North East. Next week the team travel to East London looking for revenge from the RFU Senior Vase defeat on the 15th October.
Man of the Match. Joe Block for his excellent work around the park and his fabulous try!!
