Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2009-2010
23rd January 2010
West Norfolk RFC 30 - 12 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London 3 North East
Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2009-2010
23rd January 2010
West Norfolk RFC 30 - 12 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London 3 North East
Despite the reorganisation, Dagenham really did themselves no favours in the first half, play often becoming too rushed, which gave far too much turnover ball to the home side's dangerous back line. West's were first on the score sheet, a Dagenham infringement allowing West's outstanding fly half to bang over the kick. Shortly after, the home side were further in front when numbers out wide allowed them to cross the whitewash. The kick was despatched with precision and another long range penalty soon had the score out to 13-0. Dagenham were enjoying some success in the tight but their first half was summed up when they shoved the home side off their own scrum only for the ball to be lost again straight away and the home left winger sprinted away to score in the corner. Yet again the West's fly half boomed over the kick to give the home side a 20 point lead. At this point, you would not have bet against the home side running up a cricket score. Dagenham battled bravely but plainly had played the wrong type of game for the first half with the players available.
After being told a few home truths at the break Dagenham came out a little more fired up in the second period but still slipped further behind when the home team number eight burst through some rather lethargic tackling. Surprisingly the fly half's boot was off target this time, but it was the worst possible start to the second half for the D's. The introduction of Tom Warwick gave a bit more impetus to the pack, and they picked a tighter driving game to take them forward with some success. Securing a bit more field position, they drove hard at the line and Sean Clarke eventually barged his way over to open the D's account. Simon Foster slotted the kick to bring it back to 25-7. With a little more life in their game, the D's started to go through the phases much better, Clarke and fellow prop Lee Morgan making several good charges that kept the defence honest. Simon Argent made a couple of smart breaks and it was the outside centre who provided the assist for the D's second try, a delicate chip over the top allowing left wing Nick Ereira to sprint through and touchdown. The kick was missed but was their time for a comeback? Unfortunately it was a case of two steps forward, one back, as West Norfolk killed the game off with a fourth try. Again, the D's will be disappointed with the softness of the score, an overthrown lineout from West Norfolk was pounced on by their flanker and the D's did not react, allowing him to dot down in the corner. Dagenham rallied hard into the final whistle, a couple of good forwards drives getting them close to the line but they lacked the final punch to get them over.
Dagenham were ultimately made to pay for a lacklustre first half performance, but this should take nothing away from West Norfolk who were lively throughout and who's mobility and better back play was the key difference between the sides. Results were a mixed bag at the bottom, the good news for the D's is that there is only a couple of points separating about four sides. They face another tough test at the weekend, as fourth placed Wisbech visit Central Park.
Dagenham man of the match was awarded to Perry Lock, the winger having a fine game at scrum half.
2nd January 2010
Dagenham RUFC 25 - 10 Billericay RFC
Home - London 3 North East
Both sides started tentatively as you might expect with little rugby behind them for the past few weeks. Billericay certainly had the upper hand to start with, in the set piece, their well organised pack causing Dagenham some problems in the tight, however, the home side defended ferociously around the fringes and across into the midfield, and their greater mobility meant that they created several neat half breaks early on. It wasn’t too long before they took the lead, scrum half Kieran Clancy reacting to a loose ball before skilfully hacking on twice and winning the foot race to the line to touch down. Simon Foster was just wide with the conversion but the D's had achieved what they set out to do and struck an early blow. Confidence gained and with a bit of momentum behind them, they pushed on, and added a second score midway through the half. This time it was a real team effort. Good lineout ball led to a couple of phases and when the ball was moved smartly through the hands of Foster, Simon Argent and Neil Covell, full back Dan Ryan was able to dummy the last man and finish smartly. Foster completed the job by landing a superb conversion. Billericay came back hard and their dangerous scrum half made a couple of telling breaks, and while each time the Dagenham cover defence was there, it was a timely reminder not to be complacent. The rest of the half passed without further score and Dagenham went into the break with a handy 12 point lead.
A sloppy start to the second period left Dagenham grateful that they had built up a cushion. Billericay used their driving game to good effect and rolled and rumbled to the line before finally touching down, and shortly after, in something of a carbon copy of Kieran Clancy’s first half effort, the visitors full back hacked through and touched down wide right. Both conversions were missed but Billericay were now back within two points, and Dagenham realised they needed to up their game and get some decent possession back. They kept the game tight for the next ten minutes and their patience was finally rewarded with a kickable penalty which Foster gratefully despatched to give them a little more breathing room. Sensing the next ten minutes would be crucial Dagenham threw everything at the visiting defence, and after several good phases, flanker James Griffiths broke away and evaded several tacklers to score the crucial try. The try seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors and with Dagenham now having far more control up front they were able to dictate the pace of the game. West Calverley made a couple of good breaks and lock Dave Charles made a stunning charge through the centre of the park, unfortunate that his pass could not quite fund the onrushing Simon Argent for what would have been a great score. With time running out, Bill Nelson, who made a great second half appearance in the back row, made three tackles on the trot to force a turnover and from the ruck, Foster showed great vision to slot through an immaculate grubber kick that the ever alert Calverley was able to grab and ground to finish the game in style.
At times this was far from pretty, but given the lack of training and match time that all sides have had to endure, this was another great win for the D’s. Beccles victory at Upminster means that the D’s jump above their closest rivals in the table. Dagenham face another extremely tough game this week, when they travel to take on West Norfolk.
Dagenham man of the match was awarded to Dan Ryan for a very accomplished display at full back.
2nd January 2010
Dagenham RUFC 23 - 12 Wanstead RFC
Home - London 3 North East
The original game had fallen victim to the snow that fell just before Christmas, and when we awoke to heavy frost on Saturday morning, there were some doubts about it going ahead this time round too. However, come kick off, the winter sun had thawed the pitch to leave a very good surface, and excellent conditions. Both sets of players did not disappoint, as they put on a good show, full of hard work and endeavour.
Dagenham started brightly, a solid scrum following a Wanstead knock on paved the way for several charges at the visiting defence, and when sufficient phases had been completed, full back Kieran Clancy dropped into the pocket to land a well struck drop goal. Despite the 3 week break, Dagenham were looking fairly cohesive and the forwards continued to work hard to provide plentiful supply to the backs. The D's three quarters all looked threatening, and gaps were appearing, so it was no surprise when left wing Perry Lock gathered the ball and scampered home to extend the home side's advantage. Not to be outdone, Nick Ereira on the opposite wing was asking all manner of questions with his pace, and owing to good hands from centres Simon Foster and Simon Argent, was seeing a lot of the ball. Another good break to the right saw Argent cut through a gap and feed Ereira, for Dagenham's top try scorer to finish. With a cushion developing, Dagenham continued to press, and Clancy ensured the 3rd member of the back three got in on the act, finishing well out on the left. Louis Stevens added a penalty and a conversion and Dagenham had amassed 23 unanswered points in as many minutes. Wanstead came back hard though and used their well drilled pack to good effect, with their powerful number eight in particular causing the D's defence some problems, with several good ball carries. Some unnecessarily sloppy play from the D's handed territorial advantage to the visitors and from one of their trademark driving mauls they were able to claim a try from the last play of the half.
Dagenham could not match their first half performance after the break, the game becoming much more fragmented and forward orientated. The D's pack worked very hard though, and gave as good as they got in both the tight and the loose. The loss of Wanstead's second row disrupted their lineout somewhat, and Steve Tucker and James Griffiths did a sterling job of contesting the throw in the second period. Disappointingly for the D's, an increasing penalty count allowed the visitors to grab some decent field position, and they eventually snaffled the second half's only score, when from a tapped penalty their number eight burrowed over for what was a deserved reward for his hard running all game. With time still left on the clock, Dagenham kept the ball tight and closed the game out in a professional manner.
Despite not kicking on from what was a very good early lead, Dagenham will be well pleased with the overall efforts. They applied themselves well to the task in hand and the most important goal was achieved - the 2 points for the win. There will be much to work on this week before they visit league leaders Beccles, but this was a good start to the New Year, with lots of positives, notably a very solid debut at prop from Lee Morgan.
12th December 2009
South Woodham Ferrers RFC 16-0 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London 3 North East
Dagenham started the game relatively brightly, and certainly felt they could cause some damage at scrum time. However, no sooner were they into their stride, than influential prop Stewart Ali had to leave the field with injury. Tom Warwick stepped up from the second row and had a fine game in a fairly unaccustomed position, but it was a blow to lose Ali, who has been in great form for the D’s of late. The D’s had plenty of possession, but, unfortunately, multi-phase play was something of a scarcity, and too often, play broke down following a set piece, which was frustrating. South Woodham have undoubtedly got one of if not indeed the most talented back lines in the league, and they showed flashes of brilliance, but for the most part, Dagenham defended solidly, which has been a real feature of their game over the past month or so. Two well struck penalties by the home fly half gave South Woodham a 6-0 half time lead.
For the most part, the second half was contested in midfield. The heavy pitch began to cut up more, and certainly didn’t help two teams who like to throw the ball around. Dagenham had a couple of half chances, but too often coughed up the ball in contact and allowed the home side to clear. Midway through the half, the home fly half booted his third penalty to extend their lead to nine points. Dagenham continued to fight for everything, but with virtually the last play of the game a poor scrum was turned and the SWF number eight crashed over from close range. The formality of the conversion was completed which disappointingly left the final score at 16-0.
There was plenty of heart and effort from Dagenham, and defensively they continue to look sharp, but they will have to be more accurate with ball in hand this week when they take on Wanstead in their last league game before Christmas.
5th December 2009
Dagenham RUFC 15 - 7 Upminster RFC
Home - London 3 North East
The game was keenly contested early on, Upminster's large, well drilled pack, posing a number of questions, particularly in the scrum, and their big runners proved to be a real handful, but the Dagenham defence, which has been right on its game of late held firm. With a few players returning to the side, the home side's lineout was superb all day, and provided a plentiful supply of ball for the backs to use. It was from a lineout that the home side took the lead, ball was moved wide and Perry Lock collected well on the bounce to finish expertly in the corner. The conversion was just wide, but the score proved a real confidence boost to the D's who began to get on the front foot a lot more. Debutant Lee Griffiths showed his pedigree with a superb charge through the heart of the Upminster defence that had the visitors scrambling. This burst was just a warm-up for the main event a few minutes later though, as good lineout ball was again shipped into midfield where Griffiths broke several tackles to touch down just to the left of the posts. Louis Stevens was able to convert to give the home side a handy 12 point cushion at the break.
Dagenham started the second period a little scruffily, and surrendered territory to the visitors. Upminster again rumbled towards the line and after several minutes of sustained pressure mauled the ball over for a converted score to bring themselves right back into the game. Dagenham were determined not to let their lead slip though. The pack was beginning to gain a little better than parity in the scrums, and Steve Tucker, James Griffiths and Ian Semain continued to be imperious in the lineout. Defensively the home side remained solid, with the midfield trio of John Hobden, West Calverley and Simon Argent putting in a great afternoons work in the tackle. Chances were becoming fewer, and it looked as though Dagenham had worked an opening on the blind side when try scoring machine Nick Ereira broke, but he was halted by a superb tackle by the Upminster Full Back. All was not lost though, as the referee brought play back for a penalty to the home side. Stevens struck the ball through the uprights to extend the lead back out to 8 points. The last fifteen minutes became something of a war of attrition, but Dagenham closed the game out in a professional manner to claim a vital 2 points.
In many respects, this was Dagenham's best performance of the season. The whole squad was superb on the day and fully contributed to the victory. There is still a lot to work on, but Upminster are a decent side, and this win was both important and deserved. The D's need to build on this now, and keep this level of intensity in their game.
28th November 2009
Dagenham RUFC 19 - 20 Canvey Island RUFC
Home - London 3 North East
Ultimately the D's paid for a poor first half performance, when they failed to match Canvey's firepower. After the fantastic win against Harlow last week, Dagenham were forced to re-shuffle their pack again, and they just did not fire from the kick off, allowing the Islander's big and dangerous runners to punch holes in the Dagenham defence. An altercation after ten minutes saw both sides have a man red carded and tempers threatened to boil over on several occasions thereafter. Canvey took an early lead with a penalty and soon after drove over from a lineout to extend their lead, with the Canvey fly half slotting an excellent conversion, the visitors had racked up a 10 point lead which they soon made 13, with another penalty. Despite their lacklustre effort, the D's had chances to get back in the game. The outstanding Louis Stevens put in two great cross field kicks, but on both occasions the bounce of the ball evaded first Perry Lock and then Nick Ereira. The D's also had an off day from the tee, with a couple of missed penalties adding to their first half troubles.
A half time roasting seemed to do the trick as Dagenham played with much more purpose in the second half. The first twenty minutes showed much more grit and determination but with little end product. Nobody could have predicted the fireworks that followed though. With the referee losing patience, Dagenham lost another player to take them down to 13, however if they had built up into 3rd gear before, this somehow took them up to fifth. In a ten minute period the game was turned on its head. Dagenham upped the pace and took the game to the visitors with a series of tapped penalties. With Canvey on the retreat a gap opened out wide and full back Stuart Beattie finished well in the corner. Almost immediately after, more good phases in the Canvey 22 saw Jimmy Roberts break superbly before feeding back row colleague Ian Semain, who raced round under the sticks. Stevens slotted the kick and moments later the D's found themselves in the lead. Inside centre John Hobden pounced on loose ball and raced away. He was hauled down just short of the line by a great tackle from the full back nut managed to expertly offload to Simon Argent. He in turn fed Stevens who was able to finish just wide of the posts. The same man converted his own kick, and from nowhere, Dagenham held a 19-13 lead. A tense finish was sure to follow and Canvey restarted and were almost immediately awarded a penalty. They opted for the lineout, and drove for the line but knocked on in the tackle and Dagenham were awarded the scrum. Several resets and a knock on later, and Canvey had one last chance from the resulting scrum. Agonisingly for the D's, their fly half found the slightest of gaps and jinked through under the sticks to leave a regulation kick which sealed the points in a pulsating contest.
Dagenham must realise that it is an 80 minute game and they need more consistency in their performances. An outstanding comeback does not mask a very poor first half. They can be competitive in this league, but not if they keep handicapping themselves with bad starts against good sides.
21st November 2009
Dagenham RUFC 22 - 3 Harlow RFC
Home - Essex Intermediate Cup
The threat of poor weather never really materialised, but Dagenham still had to contend with a fairly strong wind in the first half. The visitors took the game to the hosts early on, and appeared to have scored in the corner, but their winger was adjudged to have dropped the ball in the act of grounding, so the D’s escaped unharmed. Harlow did take the lead with a penalty soon after, but it was to prove to be the only time they got on the board for the rest of the game, as the resolute D’s defence shut the door firmly shut. Dagenham grew in confidence as the half progressed, and a decently performing set piece was providing a steady stream of ball for the outside backs. Dagenham probed and pushed, and eventually the outstanding James Roberts smashed over out wide following a period of sustained pressure on the Harlow line. The score was a real boost for the home side and just before the break turned over ball allowed Kieran Clancy to move the ball blind and Roberts was on hand to finish powerfully and complete his brace. The score gave Dagenham a very handy half time lead of 10-3.
Dagenham were sensing an upset and in no mood to take their foot off the pedal. Despite a scrappy opening to the half, the D’s found themselves in the Harlow 22 and when the ball was moved wide from a lineout, mercurial fly half Louis Stevens jinked and danced his way through the Harlow defence to score a brilliant individual try. The score effectively sealed the contest, and Dagenham were able to make several changes from the bench, all of the players coming on having a real impact. Dagenham finished the game in complete control, playing smart rugby and keeping things simple, not allowing the opposition back into the game. The afternoon was rounded off, when flanker Bill Nelson spotted space and tapped a penalty, he took a return pass from Roberts before crashing over. Stevens slotted the conversion to leave the final score at 22-3.
This was a result that the D’s hard work of the past few weeks has richly deserved. Hopefully it will provide them with a good deal of confidence, as they approach a difficult clash this week with Canvey Island, one of the seasons early pace setters.
The players, coaches and club officials all wish Tom Waller a speedy recovery from his injury, and hope to see him back in a Dagenham shirt very soon.
14th November 2009
Lowestoft & Yarmouth 15 - 0 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Three North East
In atrocious conditions, which made flowing rugby impossible, Dagenham had to face the gusting wind first and found it difficult throughout the game to get any kind of good quality ball, starved of possession by a huge, and well drilled home pack. Dagenham have spent much time on the training ground in the last few weeks working on defence, and it has to be said, that their work rate throughout the contest in this department was something to be proud of. L&Y used their huge size advantage upfront to squeeze the life out of the visitors, rumbling towards the line at will, but, for the most part, when they broke away from scrums and mauls they were met with big defence from the travelling D's. Despite their ability to shove the much lighter D's pack at will, the visitors nicked a couple of strikes against the head in the first period at crucial moments to keep the home side out. Eventually the pressure told, and L&Y's scrum half struck a penalty over to give the hosts a lead that their territory merited. After a succession of drives at the D's line, the home side eventually got over the whitewash via their impressive number eight, from a 5 metre scrum. A well hit conversion gave the home side a 10 point lead at the break, but the D's were more than satisfied with their first half's efforts, given that they now had the wind in their favour.
L&Y kept the ball even tighter in the second period and a rumbling maul soon after the restart led to a scrum which again was driven over for an unconverted score. The game degenerated into a series of scrums for what seemed like an eternity, no fault of the players, just the conditions they were faced with. Dagenham continued to ask questions and when they ran the ball they certainly troubled the L&Y midfield. Regular back row man Jimmy Roberts, playing out of position at inside centre had a great afternoon, breaking several tackles and providing great strength in defence. Dan Ryan continues to blossom at full back and made several telling breaks. Dagenham simply didn’t have the ball for long enough to cause major problems.
Both sets of players should be applauded for providing a keenly fought contest in terrible conditions. Back to the drawing board for the D's, beaten, but far from disgraced or outclassed.
7th November 2009
Dagenham RUFC 14 – 14 Wymondham RFC
Home - London Three North East
In good conditions for rugby, this was a very good, competitive game between two well matched sides on the day, with, in the end, neither side doing quite enough to secure victory, despite putting an enormous amount of effort into the game.
Dagenham welcomed back several stalwarts into the line-up this week, which, while certainly bolstering efforts, particularly up front, took some time to gel together.
The D’s struck first, when fly half Louis Stevens slotted a penalty, and the Dagenham vice skipper soon doubled the advantage when he struck a beauty from just inside the Wymondham half. Frustratingly, Dagenham allowed the visitors back into the contest when their full back knocked over a penalty, and he soon gave his side a great boost going into the interval by putting his side on level terms.
Dagenham started slowly in the second period, allowing the Wymondham to drive hard into home territory. Their mobile forward pack were having a good afternoon at the loose, with their dynamic captain having a storming game from number eight. Over recent weeks though, the Dagenham defensive line has improved considerably and they were able to repel much of what Wymondham launched at them. With some field position gained, Dagenham had the opportunity to level, and the well functioning boot of Stevens needed no second invitation, converting a penalty to tie things up at 9-9. Wymondham came back hard but the midfield defence held firm, with some big hits coming in from Stevens, West Calverley and Simon Argent. With defences clearly on top, a moment of magic put the D’s back in front. Ball was moved out to the right wing, where try scoring machine Nick Ereira cut inside and jinked his way through several tackles before touching down for his fourth try in as many games. The wide conversion proved too much for Stevens but Dagenham had opened up a handy five point lead. Try as they might, they could not add to this, a couple of big runs from the outstanding Stewart Ali asked questions, but all too often Dagenham couldn’t build on this good work. Wymondham remained patient and after a period of pressure on the Dagenham line they finally squeezed their way over in the corner for an unconverted score to once more level things up. The visitors had one more chance to win things when awarded a penalty, but the effort fell just short, and the final minutes of this pulsating contest were played out in the middle of the park. The referees whistle brought the game to an end with both sides gaining a point each.
From a rugby perspective, this was an entertaining fixture, with two well matched sides giving their all and showing enormous commitment to the game, in what was once more a good advert for rugby at this level.
Dagenham face another tough fixture this week, when they travel to Lowestoft & Yarmouth
31st October 2009
Cheshunt RFC 50 - 26 Dagenham RUFC
Away - EDF Senior Vase Rd 2
Missing no less than ten first teamers, the bulk of them up front, meant that Dagenham were up against it, and didn't help themselves by starting slowly and allowing the home side to grab a ten point lead in as many minutes. Well won lineout ball allowed Louis Stevens to release well built inside centre Simon Foster and he used his bulk to crash over the line after picking a very good line. It was a case of one step forward two back though as the home side grabbed two more scores to put themselves 20-7 in front. Dagenham came back again, another very good lineout saw ball driven to the line and skipper Ben Fowler went over for an unconverted score. Cheshunt had the final say in a high scoring first half, neat offloading allowing them to score out wide once more.
Dagenham started brightly after the break but couldn't turn pressure into points, two very poor scores took the game well and truly our of their reach. The visitors refused to give up though, Ian Semain produced another fabulous display on the openside and his tenacity and drive were a major plus point. Dagenham had a period of good play and Stevens scored a majestic solo effort, selling a subtle dummy before ghosting through the gap and under the posts. Shortly after, a very good attacking scrum from the D's allowed Jordan Wigham to peel off and crash over. However it was left to the home side to come out of the other side of this passage and grab another late score to finish as they started.
A disappointing day for the D's, but with so many players to come back, things should markedly improve. The commitment of the players who made the trip was first class, and special mention must go to Anthony "Buster" West who answered the SOS call on Friday, and 3rd XV Captain Gary Wilson who came off the bench and produced a very committed effort.
Dagenham entertain Wymondham next Saturday in a crunch league fixture at Central Park. All support welcome
24th October 2009
Wisbech RFC 13 - 3 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Three North East
However, Saturday displayed much of what is good about rugby at this level. A fierce but sporting contest, with two sides refusing to give an inch and the final result in the balance until the final few minutes. The home side's ability to convert two chances the difference between the sides. Dagenham, although defeated again, should take much heart from this performance, with their threadbare squad battling tremendously all day. A few minor errors at key times, proving their downfall, but, if they can keep this level of intensity up, then better times are surely round the corner.
Dagenham started the game in positive mode, after good preparation, a huge hit from tough tackling centre Ben Thomas set the early tone, and the D's continued to defend tigerishly in the early exchanges. A well struck Louis Stevens penalty gave the visitors the lead and the Dagenham outside half was unlucky with a couple of other efforts. The D's were illegally halted on the Wisbech line from a well set rolling maul, but, crucially, they failed to turn this pressure into points, and the well organised home side were able to keep the gap to 3 points at half time.
With the conditions constantly changing, Dagenham started the second half very brightly, the forwards engineering a series of drives that put Wisbech on the back foot, again though, the home side were just about able to snuff out the danger and able to clear their lines. As the half wore on, the home side gradually saw possession swing in in their favour, and their adventurous back line had a couple of dangerous forays into the D's twenty two, which almost yielded tries. The D's were thankful for a couple of spilt passes and some last ditch tackling, in particular from the outstanding Ian Semain, keeping Wisbech at bay.
The pressure finally told though and Wisbech forced their way over for an unconverted score. Dagenham continued to battle bravely, but the home sides powerful tighthead drove over inside the last ten minutes to seemingly seal the game. Dagenham still had a couple of half chances, a stolen scrum against the put in on half way released Nick Ereira on the left wing and he made good yards but was just halted by a desperate tackle. Wisbech added the final nail as last play was called, Dagenham attempting to run from deep were penalised for holding on at the ruck and a regulation kick was dispatched to end the game.
Dagenham must learn to be more clinical at crucial moments, but, the last 3 games have seen a huge improvement in terms of both quality and commitment. As stated above if this can continue to be applied, the results will surely follow.
Dagenham travel to London 3NW side Cheshunt this week, in round 2 of the EDF Senior Vase.
17th October 2009
Dagenham RUFC 15 - 13 West Norfolk RFC
Home - London Three North East
Dagenham were again depleted in the pack, a midweek training injury to key man Daryl Keen putting yet another strain on their resources. However, the whole squad battled heroically, particularly in defence, which was ultimately the deciding factor.
The first half saw Dagenham start brightly. They had the first scoring opportunity but Louis Stevens was just wide with a penalty attempt. It wasnt long however, before they were on the board, a solid scrum saw the ball moved blind where inside centre Ben Thomas straightened before feeding speedster Nick Ereira who raced home for a well taken try. Stevens added a well struck conversion before a good period of play from the visitors saw them awarded a penalty on half way, which their impressive kicker converted via the cross bar. Stevens cancelled this out with a penalty of his own to leave the score at 10-3 at the break.
With the elements against them in the second period, Dagenham knew they would have to withstand some extreme pressure. The visitors tore into them, but the defence was ferocious from the D's. Flankers West Calverley and man of the match Ian Semain were imperious both at the breakdown and in loose play, while the midfield duo of Thomas and Simon Argent did not give their opposite men a sniff. West Norfolk cut the arrears from a penalty but Dagenham continued to snuff out their dangerous runners. Having weathered almost 2/3 of the second half virtually unscathed, the D's broke out of their own 22, clever play from Argent feeding right wing Stuart Beattie who broke with pace. He in turn fed Jimmy Roberts, but despite the Dagenham eight staying on his feet well, he was bundled into touch. Just as Dagenham were beginning to assert some control, the game took a twist. The D's tried to force play when they didn't have to, and as the ball came loose West Norfolk broke with pace and purpose and finished superbly from long range. A great try but they should never have been gifted the ball. The conversion put the visitors 3 points to the good with eight minutes left. Staring at heartbreak again, Dagenham rallied and within two minutes they were back in front, the ball finding Ereira again who showed his marker a clean pair of heels to race away and finish brilliantly. Surely this was the game? No, indiscipline saw two penalties awarded in the final minute, both though were pushed either side of the posts, handing the D's a vital two points.
This was far from pretty and their are still many things for the D's to work on, but the work rate and effort in the last two games has been much improved and has given the Central Park side something to build on. The D's will have to raise their game again this week as they visit Wisbech.
10th October 2009
Billericay RFC 23 - 22 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Three North East
In something resembling groundhog day, the D's left themselves a mountain to climb again, resulting in a fourth straight defeat, although there were many more encouraging signs from this performance.
A reshuffled backline looked very threatening from the off, and after something of a stalemate, a good lineout saw ball moved swiftly through the hands for inside centre Ben Thomas to hit a beautiful line and round the full back to score under the sticks. Louis Stevens added the extras. Dagenham failed to capitalise on this though, and several moments of indiscipline at the ruck allowed Billericay to nudge their way into a 9-7 half time lead, courtesy of the reliable boot of their fly half.
Billericay used the slope to early advantage in the second period, their large and well organised pack, mounting a series of charges on the Dagenham line. These were repelled for the most part but eventually the added weight and pressure ensured that Billericay were able to claim two converted tries to seemingly put the game out of the visitors reach. Dagenham had other ideas though, and the outstanding Stevens continued to orchestrate attacks that were forcing the home side to scramble in defence. Tempers became frayed, and when a penalty was awarded in front of the posts, Stevens took the opportunity to take some of the steam out by kicking the 3 points on offer. The score boosted the visitors and they seemed to gain a second wind. Despite being at a huge weight disadvantage, the Dagenham eight managed to turn over a Billericay scrum and West Calverley beautifully fed Nick Ereira for the winger to show all of his finishing skills. Stevens slotted the kick and almost immediately after, the fly half was at it again, breaking right and straightening the line before feeding lock Jordan Wigham who crashed over. The kick fell just short but it was now a 1 point game and it set up a frantic finale. The D's threw everything at the home side, and a Stevens charge down saw the lively Thomas sprint away but agonsingly the Central Park side were called back for an infringement at the scrum.
The final whistle brought huge disappointment to the home side, but, with several players due to return this was a far more encouraging display than recent outings.
12th September 2009
Dagenham RUFC 20 - 24 Basildon RFC
Home - London Three North East
A poor first half performance cost Dagenham the game in their first league outing of the season, against a very good Basildon side at the weekend.
A good week's preparation and in dry sunny conditions, it was looking good for the D's, but a fired up Basildon had other ideas and tore into the Central Park side from the kick off. The hosts repelled the early charges and just as they began to make inroads into the Basildon defence, the visitors broke away and dotted down under the posts for a converted score. Dagenham came back hard, the pack toiling manfully and a very well functioning set piece provided a steady stream of ball. The pressure eventually paid dividends when a penalty at the ruck allowed West Calverley to reduce the arrears. Dagenham then had their worst period of the game. The Basildon back line, with fly half and inside centre in superb form probed and prodded and found their way over for two more scores to race into a 19-3 lead. At this point it was hard to see a way back for the home side. They were given hope just before the break, when another excellent lineout, allowed the impressive James Griffiths to break away and finish powerfully in the corner. The conversion was wide but the try was a tonic to the home side going into the break.
The second period saw a brighter start for the D's and they were on top for the first five minutes, before a fortunate bounce fell into the arms of the pacey Basildon full back who raced home. The unconverted score saw the visitors take a handy 24-8 lead. You could say that the fight back was a real plus point. The D's rolled their sleeves up and went back hard at Basildon. Another lineout was driven towards the line and Kieran Clancy peeled off and dived over in the corner for a try that his performance deserved. Tails up Dagenham threw everything at the away side and with ten minutes to go Calverley obliged. The powerful inside centre had asked a few questions of the defence and he finally found a way through to bring the home side right back into it. Converting his own score meant that it was now a 1 try game and the hosts had time on their side and momentum to go with it. Unfortunately for the D's they could not quite eke out another try that would have snatched a victory that seemed very unlikely at one point.
A hugely disappointing afternoon for the D's, but they must regroup this week before the visit to old rivals Wanstead next weekend.