Match Reports
By Ben
By Ben
2-4-2005
CANVEY ISLAND 20-3 DAGENHAM
AWAY ESSEX LEAGUE 2
By Ben
2-4-2005
CANVEY ISLAND 20-3 DAGENHAM
AWAY ESSEX LEAGUE 2
Playing into a strong wind, Dagenham found much of their progress halted in the first half by their own indiscipline, as they were often hauled back by the referees whistle. It was from one of the many penalties conceded that Canvey took the lead, slotting 3 points from a fine long range kick. The Central Park side, gradually worked their way back into the game, getting reasonable lineout ball and certainly enjoying the upper hand in the scrum, but they were looking unlikely to break down a resolute Canvey defence. the home side increased their lead when they worked their powerful fullback over in the corner, weight of numbers providing the extra man. Dagenham ended the half strongly. Billy Nelson made a telling break but could not offload in the tackle and right on half time a catch and rive from a lineout saw James Ffitch held up when a try looked certain. Going into the break 8-0 down, the visitors were in good heart as they felt the game was opening up and the wind would be with them for the second period.
Both sides cancelled each other out for the first few minutes of the second half before Dagenham made a surge forward. A fine move in the backs saw Louis Stevens hit the line and with the whitewash begging was halted by a last gasp tackle. However all was not lost as Canvey infringed at the resulting ruck and Stevens slotted the kick to bring the D's to within a score. From there Dagenham made several attempts to secure a platform for the vital try that would put them level. They were gaining great ball at the back of the lineout from Kevin Everitt, but it seemed that at the critical moment the ball was either given away in error or a penalty conceded. With time running out the wind was firmly taken out of the visitors sails when a ball squirted out of a ruck and Canvey darted through to score. The conversion rubbed salt into the wounds and put the home side out of sight. The final play of the game saw further frustration as Canvey chipped over the defence and their outside centre won the race to the ball to touch down. The conversion was put wide but was an irrelevance anyway.
So with one game to go Dagenham will be hoping for a big performance to end the season on and can then begin their preparations for next season. Congratulations to Canvey Island who have proved themselves worthy champions.
Dagenham: Ffitch, Fowler, Purton, Tape, Knowlden, Keen, Everitt, Warwick; R.Smith, Calverley, Lock (Blade), Argent, Nelson, M.Smith, Stevens. Subs (Unused): West, Davis
12-3-2005
DAGENHAM 46-15 OLD BRENTWOODS
HOME ESSEX LEAGUE 2
Dagenham started strongly with some good forward surges to the visitors line in the early exchanges. Skipper Ben Fowler was held up over the line, but from the resulting scrum a mix up in the Dagenham backs allowed The Old Brentwoods three quarters to cut loose and score in the corner. The conversion attempt fell just short, but the warning bells had been sounded. this spurred the home side back into life and while they were fortunate not to concede a second they were soon on level terms, some good work from Louis Stevens saw him release Peter Blade who drove his way over the line. The score did wonders for the team and they soon found themselves in the lead. Several drives were held just short, before Dave Purton found a way over. A further score from Blade and successful conversion from Stevens took the lead to 17-5. The visitors kicked a penalty on the stroke of half time to leave things 17-8 at the break.
Dagenham's second half showings have been much improved of late, and Saturday was no exception. Some excellent rugby was played to run in a further four tries. The first score of the half came as the forwards again drove manfully to get close to the line, before Fowler spotted a gap and squeezed over in the corner. Stevens fine conversion finished the job. Billy Nelson crossed the whitewash next as he capitalised on a mistake in the visitors midfield to pick up and crash over. Perhaps the try of the game came next, some great work from the forwards set up the platform before a rehearsed move was run in the backs for Louis Stevens to hit the line at pace and dive over. To their credit, Old Brentwoods kept going and were rewarded with another good score under the posts as their back line cut through some rather weak tackling. Dagenham were not to be kept out of the game for long though and it was Nelson who is enjoying a purple patch at the moment who scored the seventh try. From some twenty yards out, he crashed through several tackles to go under the posts, to complete his brace. His fifth try in four games showing what a real prospect the young centre is. Wes Calverley rounded off the scoring with a regulation penalty in front of the posts.
Another good win for Dagenham sending them into Easter in good heart. Next up are champions Canvey Island. Dagenham will need to end their fabulous unbeaten record if they are to have any chance of claiming second spot and promotion to Essex 1.
Dagenham: D.Brooks, B.Fowler, D.Purton, P.Lewis, G.Knowlden, K.Butler (D.Tape), D.Keen, T.Warwick; R.Smith, W.Calverley, P.Lock (J.Smith), S.Argent, B.Nelson, P.Blade, L.Stevens. Sub: M.Collins
26-2-2005
RAVENS 5 - 19 DAGENHAM
AWAY ESSEX LEAGUE 2
The second half showing was much better, but far from a classic performance. However the forwards started to put a real platform down, and performed powerfully in the set piece, continually disrupting the home sides scrum. It took about ten minutes before they were on level terms. A well rehearsed lineout move saw Mick Blakeborough peel round the front and crash over the line. Louis Stevens stroked the conversion over to give them the lead. The score appeared to deflate the home side a little and Dagenham pounced on this and soon increased their advantage. Wing Perry Lock took a pass from Stevens on the Ravens 22 and beat a couple of defenders for a fine score in the corner. The kick from Stevens was pushed just wide but Dagenham were now in the ascendancy. To their credit Ravens came back and had a coupe of darts at the line, but some great defensive work frustrated the home side and it was left to Dagenham to close out the game. The pack pressured the home scrum five yards out, and some great pressure from scrum half Richard Smith saw the ball bobble loose for number eight Steve Tucker to pounce on. Stevens slotted the kick for a final score of 19-5.
A satisfying win for the D's who were made to scrap every inch of the way. With Canvey Island now out of sight and May & Bakers slipping up again at the weekend, the fight for second place is still alive. 3 points separate Bancroft, Bakers and Dagenham, with Bakers having played one game more. The last month of the season promises to be an exciting one.
Dagenham: M.Blakeborough (T.West), B.Fowler, D.Purton, D.Tape, G.Knowlden, T.Waller (T.Warwick), K.Everitt, S.Tucker; R.Smith, W.Calverley, P.Lock, S.Argent, B.Nelson, P.Blade (A.Young), L.Stevens
19-2-2005
DAGENHAM 29-17 MILLWALL ALBION
HOME ESSEX LEAGUE 2
Conditions were again tough with a strong wind blowing diagonally down the pitch and Dagenham were slow out of the blocks, as the visiting scrum half sprinted virtually the length of the pitch in the first five minutes to put the home side a score down. Dagenham then produced a fairly decent ten minutes, some good phases of play saw them work prop Micky Blakeborough over in the corner and this score was closely followed by another touchdown as the forwards rolled a drive from a lineout over ten metres for Kevin Butler to grab his first score for the club. Rather than build on this though, the D's again let their game go very sloppy, taking poor options in their own 22 and allowing pressure to build. The introduction of livewire Millwall winger Jermaine Barnes was causing the home defence some problems and he was rewarded a score when he was afforded too much room on the outside and outpaced his opposite number to score. All tries were unconverted leaving the score 10-10 at the break.
A half-time roasting from Dagenham coach Mark Collins was well deserved but did little to improve the performance as mistake after mistake threatened to put a final nail in the coffin of the D's league season. With ten minutes gone a speculative punt was put up from the Millwall stand-off and Barnes leapt highest to claim the ball and run unchallenged to grab his second try. A more straight forward conversion gave the visitors a 17-10 lead. Dagenham stuck to their game despite being below par and with under ten minutes on the clock finally crossed the line again. Young lock Tom Waller proving why he is so well thought of by taking a ball up the blindside and crashing through several tackles to score, reward for his willing running all game. Louis Stevens just fell short with the kick, but the try appeared to boost the home side. With just two points the deficit and time running out, the forwards drove close and some great hands in the backs saw Dico Hennig crash over to give the advantage back to the D's. Stevens nailed an important kick to put them five points ahead. the victory was sealed in the final minute, Millwall throwing caution to the wind, spilt the ball in midfield and 17 year old centre Billy Nelson capped another fine personal display by sprinting clear and touching down under the posts. The resulting kick a formality and the final whistle was met with great relief.
A far from vintage performance, with the final score line probably flattering the home side a little. But a massive win that keeps the D's promotion hopes flickering and five tries to go with the six scored last week shows some of the attacking flair has returned.
Dagenham; M.Blakeborough, B.Fowler, D.Purton, T.Waller, G,Knowlden, T.Warwick (K.Butler), K.Everitt, B.Davis (S.Tucker); R.Smith, W.Calverley, P.Lock, D.Hennig, B.Nelson, P.Blade, L.Stevens. Sub (Unused); T.West
12-2-2005
DAGENHAM 38-12 CAMPION II
Home Friendly
After a 3 week lay off, and again with several changes, Dagenham played with plenty of enthusiasm in the first half and enjoyed some superb phases of play, but were unable to find an end product for all of their endeavour. They found themselves 5-0 down at the break after Campion broke away and snatched a lead against the run of play.
However, in what was a refreshing change versus the last couple of months, Dagenham saved their best for the second period. The forwards continued to provide excellent posession through their solid set play work, and were working manfully in the loose, providing great support for Wes Calverley, who was orchestrating play beuatifully from fly half. It was Calverley who drew the scores level, taking a scoring pass from winger Peter Blade to go over in the corner. The wind meant that the conversion was nigh on impossible but Louis Stevens was mighty close with the effort. This score seemed to galvanise Dagenham and they produced some fabuluous attacking rugby. Openside flanker Kevin Everitt, who has been in superb form of late was rewarded for his efforts with a score, converted by Stevens. Dagenham then scored arguably the try of the match, great phases from the forwards saw a platform for Calverley and his backs to weave their magic. Stevens bursting through the lin e to feed Balde for his first try for the club. This was quickly followed by a close range score from Billy Nelson. To their credit, Campion then forced their way back with a converted score of their own, but this was immediately cancelled out from the kick off as Everitt led a charge with four forwards in support, the pressure caused a fumble and Everitt dotted down. The last word went to 17 year old Nelson, who scored a memorable solo try. Chasing his own kick he outpaced the Campion cover to hack through and gather a difficult ball , touching down under the posts under great pressure to cap a fine personal display from outside centre.
A great team effort will give the side huge heart as league duties are resumed next week.
Dagenham: T.West (B.Smith), B.Fowler, D.Purton, T.Waller, G.Knowlden, T. Warwick, K.Everitt, S.Tucker ; R.Smith, W.Calverley, P. Lock, D.Hennig, B.Nelson, P.Blade ( A.Young), L.Stevens
22-1-2005
Dagenham 13-14 Burnham
Away ESSEX LEAGUE 2
The home side certainly appeared more fired up than in previous weeks, taking the game to the opposition but lacking an end product to some good build up play. It was Burnham who took the initiative, slotting two early penalties to give them the advantage. Dagenham came back into the game rucking to good effect to provide some decent ball to the backs. Debutant fly half Matt Terrett orchestrating things in midfield well, which saw some trademark bursts from Dico Hennig and some nice lines from centre partner Simon Argent. The pressure appeared to be rewarded when a catch and drive from a lineout saw skipper Ben Fowler go over, however, much to the amazement of both sides the referee claimed not to have seen the ball grounded and a certain try was disallowed. Dagenham kept their composure however and with the last play of the first half, Louis Stevens struck a long range penalty to half the deficit.
Dagenham began the second stanza in determined fashion, but far too often were unable to string more than a couple of phases of play together before either poor handling or bad decision making let them down. The constant stream of needless penalties also cost them dear, allowing Burnham to inch closer to the Dagenham line. In similar fashion to the first period, it was Burnham's turn to feel aggrieved, as their hooker Jake Baker drove over the line, again to be judged held up by the official. Shortly after, Burnham full back Jez Longley kicked his third penalty of the afternoon to stretch the visitors lead to 9-3. this appeared to galvanise the home side and they soon found themselves in front for the first time. Finally finding some continuity, they sucked the Burnham defence left before Terrett opened the midfield up with a wonderful one handed pass to put Hennig in under the sticks. Stevens gratefully converted and five minutes later increased the lead with another beautifully struck long range kick. Fresh legs in the pack gave the home side fresh impetus, and Tom Waller showed his continuing improvement with a couple of nice charges. Also good to see was eighteen year old back rower Billy Davis making his debut in the second half, reward for some fine performances for Dagenham's 2nd XV.Finishing the game strongly, Dagenham looked as though they were about to cross for a second try when Hennig fumbled in the tackle inches short of the line. But heartache was to come from the resulting scrum, with twenty seconds on the clock, Burnham fly half Paul Nunn, carved his way through some woeful tackling to sprint virtually the length of the pitch to snatch victory.
A shell shocked Dagenham, must now try to regroup again and rediscover some continuity quickly if they are to make up for their recent poor run. Of main concern will be the error rate and penalty count, which both remain far too high. They must also cope without Simon Argent, who's good performance was ended by injury on Saturday.
Dagenham: Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden (Waller), Butler, Everitt, Warwick (Davis); Smith, Lock (Blade), Hennig, Argent, Nelson, Stevens.
8-1-2005
Bancroft 15-10 Dagenham
Away ESSEX LEAGUE 2
The game started badly for Dagenham as they conceded the first score early on. The visitors managed to get a hand to a Bancroft lineout, but the tap was not cleaned up and it was the Bancroft number eight who reacted quickest and hacked through and beat Louis Stevens to the touchdown. Dagenham immediately came back with some powerful surges into the Bancroft half. They were awarded a couple of penalties out wide, which given the conditions, Ben Fowler elected to run, and this paid off, after several pick and drives from the forwards, scrum half Dicky Smith was able to squeeze under a pile of bodies to score. Stevens added the extras to level the scores going into the break, and with the wind behind them for the second half, spirits were pretty good.
However the D's could not really stamp any mark on the game in the second half. The contest became fairly scrappy as both sides searched for a way through. Bancroft edged in front after ten minutes when they kicked a straight forward penalty, but worse was to come as Dagenham pressing in the Bancroft 22 through a risky pass which was gleefully claimed by the home side full back who ran virtually the length of the field to touch down under the sticks. The situation could have been a lot worse were it not for Kevin Everitt's magnificent charge down. With 15 minutes to play, Stevens kicked a fine penalty to get Dagenham within 5 points but there was to be no fairytale finish this time.
The team must now show immense character to salvage their season. There is not a lot wrong with the performances, and general consensus is that a win will be the ideal boost. Again the side was much changed and once injuries and unavailability's have died down, hopefully greater consistency in selection will help.
Dagenham: Clarke (Purton), Fowler, Ffitch, Lewis, Waller (Tape), Butler, Everitt, Knowlden; Smith, Stevens, Lock, Hennig, Argent, Nelson, Blade.
13-11-2004
MAY & BAKER 11-6 DAGENHAM
Away ESSEX LEAGUE 2
As is becoming fashionable, Dagenham started the second period poorly, and within five minutes had gifted Bakers the only score of the game. Sloppiness at the base of the scrum allowed Bakers to pounce and blindside flanker Martin Parker reacted the quickest to get over for the score. The conversion fell short but left Dagenham with work to do at 8-3. The away side, though, could not get into their stride, as Bakers played the perfect game, mauling to great effect and tying in the Dagenham pack, not allowing them to play their favoured quick rucking game, consequently a try never really looked like appearing. To make matters worse, Dagenham conceded a needless penalty in front of the posts with twenty minutes to go with gave Power the opportunity to stretch the lead to eight points, which he duly did. The introduction of both Steve Tucker and Dicky Smith certainly gave the D's fresh drive, and a stream of penalties on another day may have given them all they needed to take the win, but on Saturday, not being clinical enough certainly cost them dear. A further penalty from Stevens the best they could muster.
Dagenham must now pick them up and take a long hard look at themselves. The team is still sitting nicely in the league but must bounce back from Saturdays below par showing quickly. The two rivals renew acquaintances on the 11th December when the return fixture is played at Central Park.
Dagenham: Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Stander (Tucker); O'Neil (Smith), Spamer; Lock, Calverley, Argent, Nelson, Stevens. Sub: Brooks
30-10-2004
Dagenham 17-11 Bancrofts
Away ESSEX LEAGUE 2
For the first time in a few weeks, conditions were nigh on perfect for the occasion, and good preparation meant that the home side took to the field full of confidence. The early exchanges were keenly contested, with the D's probably edging out the visitors in terms of territory and possession, although they could find no way through a tough, well organised Bancroft defence. Opportunities did arise, however it was often the final pass that was the let down. Midway through the first period, the forwards started to take a bit more control and some good surges towards the line started to punch some holes. Phil Lewis and Steve Tucker both making some good yards. However, it was scrum half Brian O'Neil who opened the scoring with his sixth touch down in as many games. A good burst by centre Dico Hennig found some space, and when he was tackled, skipper Ben Fowler was in support to put in O'Neil to score under the posts. Louis Stevens completed the job by slotting a regulation conversion. There were no further scores in the first period, with the Dagenham defence in typical mean mood not allowing their opponents any sniff of their 22 let alone the line, with man of the match Kevin Everitt in superb form at openside, continually hounding and chasing down opponents.
Bancroft clearly upped the ante in the second half and showed determination in an effort to avoid their first defeat of the year. They got points on the board early on, when Dagenham indiscipline gave them a kickable penalty in front of the posts which they duly took. For the second week running Dagenham appeared to then be hard done by, a kick through from Bancroft saw a frantic chase for the line and the ball appeared to be knocked on by a Bancroft hand before being touched down, much to the dismay of the home players. However the try stood and perhaps more damaging than the one point deficit they now faced was the players focusing too much on the decision as opposed to the game. Yet again though, the D's composed themselves and set about closing the game out. They got an immediate chance to respond when a Bancroft infringement in front of the posts gave Stevens the chance to restore the lead, the chance made easier by a further ten metres being added thanks to some backchat from Bancrofts. With the score at 10-8, Dagenham now sensed a real chance and were further buoyed when the referee binned the Bancroft number seven, after he took Dagenham vice captain Tucker out in the lineout. There then followed a period of good pressure on the Bancroft line. the forwards sucking in defenders through several phases. A good drive from Gary Knowlden took them to within five yards and the ball was spun to Lewis who muscled his way over out wide. A beautiful conversion from Stevens put the home side in a more comfortable position going into the last ten minutes. Bancroft came back again but could not break through the home defensive wall. With five minutes on the clock they elected to kick a penalty to get within a converted score of victory, but that was to be the last chance they had.
A tough but well deserved victory for Dagenham who now have a weeks break before taking on local rivals May & Baker, themselves in good form on the 13th of November. The D's will be working hard in training to add more ruthlessness to their finishing, however will be again delighted with their defensive work, having conceded only four tries so far.
Dagenham: Blakeborough (Ffitch), Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker; O'Neil, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Argent (Calverley), Nelson, Stevens
23-10-2004
BURNHAM 7-25 DAGENHAM
Away ESSEX LEAGUE 2
The second stanza took on a similar start for Dagenham. Some sloppy play led to a little bickering between the troops and a loss of momentum. That being said they spent the entire second period camped in Burnham's 22 and only resolute home defense and poor handling prevented further scores. Wing Darren Gunner came closest, cutting back inside, but again held up in goal, a Burnham arm getting between ball and turf. The introduction of Billy Nelson for Gunner gave some fresh impotus to the visitors, and it wasnt long before he grabbed his first senior try for the club, chasing down a kick to the corner that was missed by the home defense and touching down. There was one more deserving score for the visitors and the front row got in the act again. An excellent set and drive from a lineout was taken towards the Burnham line by skipper Ben Fowler, before prop Dave Purton took on the ball to crash over for his third try this year.
Dagenham will have been delighted with the effort and committment of the squad on Saturday in what was a thoroughly professional display. They now welcome Bancrofts to Central Park next Saturday in what will be a colossal encounter of two of the leagues three undefeated sides.
Dagenham: Blakeborough (Brooks), Fowler, Purton, Warwick, Knowlden, Ffitch, Everitt, Tucker; O'Neil, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Argent, Gunner (Nelson), Stevens
11-9-2004
Dagenham 31-12 Bishops Stortford III
Home Friendly
Following a delayed kick off thanks to the Saturday afternoon traffic, Dagenham were soon into their stride, number eight Steve Tucker marking his return to the side with a score after picking up and driving over from a scrum. Two further scores were added by midway through the half as scrum half Brian O'Neil grabbed his fourth score of the season, before putting prop Dave Purton over for a score. Louis Stevens added two of the three conversions for a 17-0 lead. Dagenham appeared to ease off after that, giving the opposition a chance to get into their stride. Rushed plays meant further opportunities were wasted and no further points added before half time.
The first twenty minutes of the second half saw Dagenham ill discipline let Bishops Stortford get a score back, a succession of penalties allowing the visiting sides pack to roll over in the corner. From here Dagenham appeared to step their game up a little, O'Neil denied a second score in the corner by an infringement, the disappointment short lived however as the referee awarded a penalty try. Stevens completing the job with the conversion. Micky Blakeborough completed the home sides scoring for the afternoon from a rehearsed lineout, crashing over in the corner. There was still time for a late Stortford score, working a good try following some sloppy Dagenham defensive play from a kick off.
Another good win for the Central Park side, although they will be a touch angered by giving away two soft tries after defending well for the past few weeks. The game also saw a strong second half performance from Dagenham youngster Billy Nelson, who was on in place of the injured Perry Lock. Good preparation for him as he attends Essex U17 trials this week.
Dagenham: Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker (Waller); O'Neil, Smith; Lock (Nelson), Hennig, Argent, Gunner (Wigham), Stevens
11-9-2004
Old Brentwoods 5-36 Dagenham
Away Merit Game
Despite discussing the need to stay focused and controlled, Dagenham had a disastrous ten minutes after the break, the visitors showing great pride and character, scoring virtually straight away, and nearly adding a second. But credit to Dagenham, they rallied round and got a score back virtually straight away. An overthrow on an Old Brentwoods lineout saw Lawrence Hartney react quickest and poach a try from nothing. Stevens with the extras for 24-5. This score seemed to knock the stuffing from the home side and Dagenham ran in two further scores, Du Plooy and Dico Hennig both rewarded for their hard running all afternoon with tries. Stevens slotting a further conversion to leave the final score at 36-5.
A great start for the D's, this result will give them great belief for the season, and who travel to London 4 outfit Old Merchant Taylors this Sat in the Powergen Vase
NEW SEASON 2004-2005
4-9-2004
Dagenham 5-17 Upminster
Friendly
Clearly firred up for the second half, Upminster took the game to the hosts after the break and were rewarded with a score under the sticks when several phases of well worked play were finished off by a regulation run in from their blindside flanker. Amazingly the kick was missed to leave the score at 10-5 and the home side still well in the contest. However as the half progressed, tiredness set in, and Upminster, with a bigger bench of replacements made their experience tell. The finished off the scoring close to the end, butrsting through from a rehearsed pivot move, with the Dagenham defensive line committing the cardinal sin of standing and appealing for a forward pass. The kick was successful to leave the final score at 17-5.
On the whole a decent effort from the Central Park side, who, with more players due to retun, will take a lot of heart into Saturdays key opening league fixture away at Old Brentwoods.
NEW SEASON 2003-2004
25-4-2004
Dagenham 25-24 South Woodham Ferrers
Played At Basildon RFC
Presidents shield
In glorious summer sunshine, Dagenham took on South Woodham Ferrers in their first ever cup final, in what proved to be a highly charged, epic showpiece. Roared on by a fabulous band of supporters, the D's started the game fairly slowly, as South Woodham, who have just been promoted to Essex 1 came hard at them, holding on for dear life in the first ten minutes. The pressure finally told when SWF's athletic number eight, who appeared to be everywhere got over in the corner. The conversion went wide but the warning shots had been fired. Dagenham were living on scraps, but managed to get back to within two points. Wes Calverley, taking on the kicking duties in the absence of the injured Louis Stevens, slotting a penalty. Dagenham failed to build on this however, and found themselves further behind when SWF's flanker forced his way over following another driving maul from their pack. With the score at 10-3 Dagenham's pack started to get some traction and won a couple against the head in the scrum.
The second half started and the Central Park side felt they were in with a great chance, but disaster struck, when a couple of needless penalties allowed SWF to punch their way forward for an easy score in the centre. The simple conversion put Dagenham 14 points in arrears and the game appeared to be slipping away. However this side is one with great character and commitment and they forced a try soon after. A well worked lineout allowing Bertus Pool to thunder up the blindside for a trademark score. Now in the ascendancy, Dagenham grabbed a second try fairly quickly, the forwards driving to within a couple of metres out from several rucks, before top scorer Dico Hennig crashed over under the posts. Calverley completed the extras and it was back to 17-15. A remarkable turnaround and it now seemed that Dagenham had the upper hand. More heartache though as a speculative kick bounced awkwardly between Martin Rogers and Perry Lock, and the SWF stand-off gathered to touchdown under the posts. The conversion stretching the lead again to nine points. Not wanting to be outdone, Dagenham again took the game back to the opposition and were soon back to within two points. After some good passages of play, Pool called upon all his experience to power through for his second score. Calverley has no problem with the kick to set up a tense last few minutes. From the restart, SWF managed to pin Dagenham back into their 22 and it looked as though time was running out. The D's were finally awarded a penalty, and the ref informed Ben Fowler that there would be enough time for a lineout. Fowler managed to hit Lewis who was under real pressure from his opposite number. The ball was spun wide and crashed up the middle. A further penalty was awarded and with some confusion over the scoreline, Dagenham believed they had to run, however the ref called Peter Evans back due to an injury to an SWF player. In the resulting break, it was determined that the difference was in fact only two points. With the kick fairly central, Fowler called up Calverley and a hushed crowd erupted into frenzy as his kick sailed over.
A fairytale end to a fairytale day as Dagenham collected their first piece of silverware ever. The players wish to extend their thanks to the magnificent support from everyone who attended, also to Basildon RFC for their hospitality.
Dagenham : Mike Blakeborough (Stewart Ali), Ben Fowler, Dave Purton (James Ffitch), Phil Lewis, Gary Knowlden, Tom Warwick, Bertus Pool, Steve Tucker; Lawrence Hartney, Dicky Smith, Perry Lock, Dico Hennig, Wes Calverley, Kevin Everitt, Martin Rogers (Peter Evans). Subs (not used): Daryl Keen, Craig White
A final word ....................
As Captain, I would like to also pay tribute to all the players who have contributed so much to this effort throughout the season, especially the three lads who sadly missed the final through injury, namely Louis Stevens, Simon Argent and Micky Honour. Sundays game wasnt just about the 20 players who pulled on a shirt, it was about everybody who has been involved this year. I think in a situation like this it would be unfair to award a man of the match, however some special mentions. Obviously Bertus Pool for his two tries and great running all day, but also our two wingers, Perry Lock who was outstanding, and Kevin Everitt, who was switched at the last minute from the pack, had a fine game.
3-4-2004
Dagenham 13-19 Thames
Essex League Div 2
Dagenham tasted defeat at Central Park for the first time since Christmas, as champions-elect Thames took the points in an entertaining Essex 2 encounter.
Playing into a stiff breeze Dagenham started the game stronger and were giving Thames real problems in the scrum, despite the obvious difference in size. The pack were also quicker to the breakdown and a succession of penalties gave Dagenham good field possession, until finally a kickable chance arose for Louis Stevens to convert. Thames showed their experience though and gradually made their way up the field and claimed a try, crashing over from a close range penalty. The kick made it 7-3 at half-time, but their was a good degree of confidence from the home side who would then have the elements at their back in the second half.
Disaster though, as the D's were caught out virtually from the kick off. The big Thames pack mauling the ball before catching out the Dagenham boys with a score on the blindside which was converted. 14-3. The next twenty minutes saw Thames pinned to their own line, withstanding an onslaught from the Dagenham 15. They held firm however, and a string of penalties saw the home side come close but not quite cross. Eventually Dagenham had to settle for a Stevens penalty before regrouping. The elusive try was not far away however, the Thames line finally breached, when full-back Micky Honour burst into the line to score, continuing his superb recent form. The touchline kick was superbly converted by Stevens, and with ten minutes to play the game had a remarkable symmetry with the December clash at Belhus. Tails up Dagenham went for the kill but Thames stole the thunder. Fresh legs in the forwards finally gave thei pack the upper hand and they crashed over from yet another rolling maul to complete the job.
Dagenham so close, the stroy of their league season, after playing most of the rugby, but credit to Thames who never panicked and pressed hard for the victory.
Dagenham: Ali, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Ffitch, Everitt, Pool; Haney (Evans), Smith, Lock, Rogers, Calverley, Stevens, Honour. Sub : Waller
27-3-2004
Dagenham 71 - 15 East London II
Friendly
Dagenham, again minus several regulars, took on an East London second team in a friendly at Central Park on Saturday. The hosts got into groove fairly quickly and man of the match Tom Waller started what was a dream debut by helping himself to two of the first three scores in what was a fairly one sided first half. The platform was very solid and the Central Park side certainly made the most of the amount of posession they had, turning round 42-0 in front with further scores from Kevin Everitt, Mick Honour, Perry Lock and James Ffitch, all converted by the boot of Louis Stevens.
The second half saw the visitors put up a pretty brave effort, looking fresher after making several changes. Dagenham allowed their game to get a little sloppy and in turn allowed East London to cross the line three times. They managed to counter this by adding five more scores themselves. Peter Evans who by now had switched to the wing where it was felt his pace would be an asset, finished off a move direct from a restart where the ball travelled the width of the pitch through several sets of hands. fly half Dicky Smith danced over for a couple of scores and Louis Stevens completed an excellent afternoons work with a brace of tries to give himself a personal haul of 26 points. Mention also to Daryl Keen who was in good shape on his return to the Dagenham side.
Dagenham: Ffitch (West), Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Waller, Keen, Everitt, Knowlden; Evans, Smith, Lock (Hartney), Calverley, Honour, Browning, Stevens
13-3-2004
Ravens 15 - 38 Dagenham
Essex League Div 2
Dagenham made the short trip to Ravens on Saturday, with a combination of last minute unavailability and injury robbing them of five of the players who had started the previous week in the semi final victory over Burnham. However, with something of a cobbled together side, they managed to post a convincing victory to notch their 7th win from the last 8 games.
With the elements in their favour, Dagenham had their hosts pinned firmly in their own 22 for much of the early exchanges. The Central Park side stealing untold scrums against the head to supply plenty of possession for the backs. However, often, the away side were too eager and failed to capitalise on their advantage. Eventually the deadlock was broken, when Dico Hennig went over from a rehearsed penalty move. Flanker Kevin Everitt then added the second try, showing good support play to finish after a nice break from Wes Calverley. Peter Evans then got the first of his two tries, jinking over from close range. Louis Stevens added all three conversions to give the D's a 21-0 half-time lead, but the half-time mood was one of disappointment at opportunities not taken.
As predicted Ravens battled hard in the second half, but after weathering the early pressure, it was Dagenham who scored next. Everitt again on the mark to touch down following some good phases of play from backs and forwards. Ravens then hit back with a penalty and soon after got their first try, some sloppy play from the Dagenham defense following a kick through. However to the D's credit they marched back into Ravens territory and again, some good sets of hands saw Peter Evans complete his brace under the posts. Stevens two conversions plus a penalty, giving him a 100% success rate with the boot. There was still time for Ravens to add a try in the last minute, there hard working openside rewarded for his efforts with a score to the right of the posts.
Dagenham : Fitch, Fowler, Blakeborough, Lewis, Wren, Everitt, Hartney, Knowlden; Evans, R.Smith, Lock, Hennig, Calverley, Browning (M.Smith), Stevens. Sub : Purton
6-3-2004
Dagenham 28-20 Burnham
President Shield Semi Final
Dagenham booked their place in this years final, the first in the clubs history, with a hard fought win over old adversaries Burnham on Saturday. In near perfect conditions for rugby, the visitors started far better, attacking the hosts from the off with great enthusiasm. Dagenhams pack found it hard to stamp any authority on the game and it was against the run of the play when the home side took the lead. The D's finally got some decent field position and possession and outside centre Martin Rogers took a flat pass from Dicky Smith, bursting through the line at great pace before outrunning the fullback to score under the posts. Louis Stevens adding the extras. Burnham were not going to lie down though, and hit back fairly promptly, the forwards driving the ball up, and the Burnham tight head crashed over from close range. The conversion was missed and despite not fully hitting their straps, the Central Park side added a second score before half time. Electing to run a penalty in the corner, prop Dave Purton took the ball on the inside and managed to touch down. Stevens again slotting the conversion to take the score to 14-5 at the interval.
The need to start the second half in positive fashion was lost on the home side as they conceded an early penalty to Burnham, but from this point they probably played their best rugby of the game. The forwards now into their stride started to supply good ball from the backs and they used it to good effect. However it was another member of the front row, James Fitch who scored the next try, crashing over from close range. This was then followed fairly quickly by a great score from full back Micky Honour, who was enjoying a fine afternoon. He took a pass on a perfect line and beat his opposite man to touch down under the posts. Louis Stevens kept up his 100% record with both kicks. The Dagenham side then had a further score disallowed. Another rehearsed penalty move saw Peter Evans go over, but he was alledged to have crossed with inside centre Dico Hennig. 28-8 up and fifteen to go, Dagenham appeared to be cruising, but the less said about the last part of the match the better. Indiscipline, leading to a string of penalties, allowed Burnham, who never stopped fighting two late tries, the second of which was hotly disputed by the Dagenham players, resulting in another penalty from the restart.
The D's held on though, having done enough to win the game and take their place in the Final versus either Ravens or South Woodham Ferrers on Sunday 25th April.
Dagenham : Fitch, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker; Evans, Smith, Lock (White), Hennig (Calverley), Rogers, Stevens, Honour
28-2-2004
Bancroft 17-18 Dagenham
Essex League Division 2
Dagenham took the points in a thrilling game at Bancrofts on Saturday, coming back strongly against a well drilled and vastly improved Bancroft outfit. In very good conditions, Dagenham started sloppily, giving away far too many penalties and allowing their hosts territorial advantage, however they managed to get themselves a few good phases in the Bancrofts half and then took the lead in bizarre fashion. A penalty was pushed to the left of the upright by Louis Stevens, but as the ball bounced around in the large dead ball area, left wing Perry Lock raced up to embarass the Bancroft players and touch down. The try went unconverted, but further Dagenham pressure soon after gave Stevens an opportunity to stretch the lead with a simple kick in front of the posts. Half time 8-0.
Bancrofts took the game to the visitors in the second period. Despite Dagenham exerting real pressure in the scrums, and performing well in the lineouts, the Bancroft pack made some great surges in the loose. In particualr their strong running number eight, made numerous carries for good yards, and was aided by some sloppy tackling from the Dagenham backs. Bancroft opened their account with a simple penalty and then touched down twice, the second try a great example of handling from their very good three quarter line. Dagenham now found themselves 17-8 down and were further hampered by injury to Stevens forcing a complete reshuffle. However the last twenty minutes showed great character and the D's fitness showed as the forwards picked up another gear. A good surge and some recycling saw the home side open up. Captain Ben Fowler took the ball towards the corner before feeding lock who popped back inside to Dico Hennig for the burly centre to crash over. Tails now up and with five minutes to go a succession of penalties gave Dagenham a lineout ten metres out and from the resulting drive, supersub James Fitch who had made a real impact in the back row since his introduction, smashed over the line. A nervous last couple of minutes had to be endured, but any attack from Bancrofts was met with some hefty tackling, notably from Hennig and his centre partner Martin Rogers who had now switched to full back and the Central Park boys held onto a great win.
Full credit to Bancrofts who played their part in a top game of rugby, Dagenham now switch attention back to the cup, where they take on old rivals Burnham in the Semi Final of the Presidents Shield this Saturday at Central Park.
Dagenham: Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker; Evans, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Rogers, Browning, Stevens (Fitch). Sub West
21-2-2004
Dagenham 22 - 5 Loughton
Essex League Division 2
After last weeks disappointment at the hands of South Woodham Ferrers, Dagenham were keen to get back on track at Central Park on Saturday. With several players returning this weekend, Dagenham started very well, the forwards dominating the visitors and setting up a good platform. Number eight Gert Van Tonder opened his account for the club with two first half touchdowns, crashing over out wide after some good build up play. The home side further stretched their lead when free-scoring prop Micky Blakeborough bulldozed his way through the Loughton defence. All three scores were unconverted giving the D's a 15-0 advantage. Dagenham full-back Martin Rogers was shown a yellow card after a disagreement with a Loughton player, and he was joined in the bin by the away team lock for his part in the incident.
Turning round with the wind against them for the second half, the Central Park side questioned whether they had made enough of their great start to the game. To their credit, Loughton proved what a tough side they are, taking the game to the D's on more than one occasion, with their hard running centres constantly asking questions of the home defence, and as a result some big hits were put in by the Dagenham players. Having whethered the early storm, the home side then scored the try of the match. The backs moving good ball out wide to man-of-the match winger Perry Lock who sprinted clear and timed a pass back inside to perfection to his opposite wide man Louis Stevens to touch down. Stevens then slotted a difficult conversion to put the home side 22 points up. Loughton again pushed hard and were finally rewarded with a score in the corner.
A hard fought victory against spirited opposition, but Dagenham will need to improve again this Saturday as they travel to improving Bancrofts in a rearranged League Fixture.
Dagenham : Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Tug Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Van Tonder; Evans, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Honour, Stevens, Rogers.
14-2-2004
South Woodham Ferrers 17-0 Dagenham
Essex League Div 2
What a difference a week makes. After their cup exploits last week, Dagenham travelled to promotion chasing SWF with a flat fifteen and eight of their squad missing for various reasons. That being said they were well in touch with the home side for the majority of the first period, conceding a solitary try, and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Scrum Half Peter Evans the closest to the line, just failing to touch down after a nice break and chip ahead.
The second half saw a battling D's effort, some good midfield breaks though were simply not turned into points, and the home side stretched their lead further, the referee awarding what looked to be a very dubious score, giving the try despite D's Full back Micky Honour appearing to have touched the ball down first. The decision made all the more baffling given that the man in charge was clearly unsighted. Dagenham ended the game strongly, taking the game to the opposition, but could find no way through.
A good showing in terms of effort, but as Dagenham contemplate a mid table finish, they must question what might have been possible if only they could have had their whole squad available on a more regular basis.
Dagenham : Munn, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, West, Knowlden, Hartney, Warwick; Evans, Smith, White, Hennig, Stevens, Lock, Honour.
Dagenham 2nd XV bowed out of the John Adler trophy. Going down 50-14 to a very good Westcliff 2nd XV in the semi final on Saturday. The away side raced to a 35-0 half time lead as their pacy backs took control, but a spirited second half performance from the hosts saw them cross the line with scores from Jay Harrison and Billy Nelson. A commendable effort from the Central Park 2nd's, underlining what great strides they have made this year.
7-2-2004
Dagenham 23 - 8 May & Baker
Presidents Shield Qtr Final
Dagenham took on local rivals and Division 3 pace setters May & Baker in Saturdays Essex President Shield Quarter Final in front of a good sized crowd at Central Park. The game had been eagerly awaited and started ferociously in blustery conditions.
Bakers, clearly pumped up for the encounter, seized the initative as they took an early lead when skipper Dave Scawthorne drove over following a lineout. This stunned the home side in to life and they began to settle into some sort of groove. Louis Stevens reduced the deficit to two with a well struck penalty, and shortly after a well rehearsed move from a lineout saw number eight Bertus Pool race up the blindside to score. Stevens slotted a fine conversion to give Dagenham a 5 point cushion. From here the Central Park side seemed more relaxed and played out the rest of the half in opposition territory. The away sides defence held firm however, until ex Bakers Prop Micky Blakeborough crashed over for his fifth try in three games. Stevens again succesful with the kick to take the half time score to 17-5.
The second half failed to match the first in terms of continuity as no tries were scored. Bakers hit first with a penalty in front of the sticks, which was almost immediately cancelled out by the ever reliable boot of Stevens. Dicky Smith, who was enjoying a good afternoon at fly half, added three points with a sweetly struck drop goal following slow ruck ball. To their credit Bakers kept taking the game back to Dagenham, but could find no way through a well marshalled defence, and often found themselves living on scrappy ball as man of the match Kevin Everitt made a great job of disrupting the half-backs. Dagenham looked dangerous when moving the ball, and were unfortunate to lose Simon Argent with a dislocated shoulder midway through the half.
A bruising encounter, and Dagenham, although deserving winners, were made to fight every inch of the way for their semi final slot. This week is the turn of the 2nd XV as they take on Westcliff II's in the Semi Final of the John Adler trophy, 2:30pm kick off at Central Park.
Dagenham: Blakeborough (Fitch), Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden (Warwick), Tucker, Everitt, Pool; Hartney (Evans), Smith, Honour, Hennig, Argent (Lock), Stevens, Rogers.
10-1-2004
Rayleigh Wyverns 0-50 Dagenham
Essex League Div 2
Dagenham travelled to Runwell Park on Saturday, with the luxury of almost a full squad for the first time in months, and it paid dividends as they recorded their most comprehensive victory to date, against a Rayleigh side who have greatly improved over the past couple of months.
The visitors took the game to their hosts from the off, with prop Mick Blakeborough marking his return to the side with two tries early on. Louis Stevens adding the extras. Dagenham were completely dominant, but there then followed a frustrating period where unforced errors meant they could not increase their advantage. They had to wait till near the end of the first period, when a broken down attack was re-ignited by Kevin Everitt who fed Fly half Dicky Smith, who in turn put in skipper Ben Fowler for a comfortable score under the posts. the resulting kick from Stevens making it 21-0 at the interval.
The second half was a much better showing from the D's, as some of the rustiness appeared to be abating. The pack were much more cohesive in the loose, with some good pick and drives setting up nice ball for Smith and his backs. they used this to good effect with man of the match Simon Argent making some telling breaks. Dagenham spent much of the half camped in the opposing 22 and helped themselves to a further 5 tries. Ever improving lock Phil Lewis grabbed his first two tries for the club, while the home defence had no answer to the powerful running of centre Dico Hennig, Dagenhams top try scorer helping himself to two tries also. The scoring was finished off by Perry Lock, who took a floated pass from fullback Martin Rogers to round off another slick move in the backs. Stevens successful with two of the kicks.
An impressive win for Dagenham, who will hope to build on this performance in the coming weeks, and iron out some of the basic errors that cost them a bigger win on Saturday.
Dagenham: Fitch, Fowler, Blakeborough, Lewis, Pool, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker; Hartney, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Argent, Stevens, Rogers; Knowlden (for Warwick), Keen (for Everitt), Evans (for Hartney)
3-1-2004
Dagenham 3-10 Romford & Gidea Park II
BL Merit League Div I
Unfortunately Dagenham started 2004 as 2003 ended, with a squad down to its bare bones, taking on a strong, well organised Romford second team, clearly with a point to prove to their old coach Mark Collins, now in charge at Dagenham.
The visitors started the game in strong fashion, taking the game to Dagenham, but early efforts were repelled by some solid home defence. Despite some crunching hits from the Dagenham players, their line was finally breached with a score in the corner. This appered to spur the home side on somewhat as they mounted a series of assualts in the Romford 22. Louis Stevens unlucky midway through the half with a penalty which would have reduced the deficit to two points. To add insult to injury romford crashed through again shortly before the break to give them a 10 point cushion at the interval.
The second half was pretty evenly contested. Dagenham took the game to the opposition and had a couple of darts at the line but were unable to get the try they possibly deserved. A Stevens penalty their only reward, despite some nice breaks from scrum half Peter Evans, who was a menace to the visitors all afternoon.
In terms of effort and committment, this was a good showing, but it will be important to get the rest of the squad back this week as an away trip to Rayleigh next week starts a run of crucial games for the Central Park boys.
Dagenham: West, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Hartney, Everitt, Warwick; Evans, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Argent, Stevens, Rogers
13-12-2003
Brentwood II 3-21 Dagenham
Friendly
Dagenham were massively understrength for this friendly on Saturday and were exceptionally grateful for the players who turned out at the last minute. Kicking up the slope and with the elements against them, Dagenham had to whether some early pressure from the lievely home side, but soon got into their stride. the Dagenham pack completely dominating its opponents, driving them off almost every scrum in some style. Stuart Ali, making his return from injury, marked his comebcak with one of his trademark tries, bustling over from close range through some rather weak tackling. Dagenham continued to produce some good rugby, with the forwards driving and mauling superbly and the backs making some telling breaks. Before long, Dagenham extended their advantage, powerful number eight Gert driving over after the home side's scrum again buckled. Dagenham perhaps saved their best score for right on half time. flanker Tom Warwick made a terrific break up the blind side. the ball was quickly recycled before being spun the width of the pitch through a couple of sets of play, before coming back inside to centre Simon Argent who jinked over for his first score for the club. Scrum half Louis Stevens who was enjoying a good afternoon slotted all three conversions to give Dagenham a 21-3 half time lead, the home side managing a solitary penalty in response.
Thoughts of a second half drubbing were quickly dispelled as Dagenham, despite playing the entire second half in the opponents half could not find a way through, mainly due to their own over eagerness. The forwards again secured good possession from lineout and again, took the opponents scrum to pieces, at one point being asked to ease off by the ref, but were guilty of conceding far too many penalties. In the end, the second half petered out with no further score. Disappointing for the visitors who must have set their sights on a 40/50 point winning margin, but given they were missing eight regular squad members, it was a very dominant display
6-12-2003
Thames 12-11 Dagenham
Essex League Division 2
Dagenham travelled to Belhus Park on Saturday to take on table topping Thames, who had suffered their first defeat all season the week before. Good preparation saw Dagenham make a positive start to the contest, driving their hosts to within ten metres of the line from a lineout. However, the pack were adjudjed to have infringed and some needless backchat saw them marched back a further twenty metres to allow the home side to clear their 22. Dagenham suffered further soon after, having to reshuffle their backline as scrum half Lawrence Hartney had to leave the field with a dislocated finger. Futher indiscipline gave Thames the opportunity of a first score, as their loosehead prop crashed over from close range following a lineout. A swift response was needed and this came from Dagenhams next attack. This time the no nonsense referee penalising the home side, allowing wing Louis Stevens the chance to reduce the deficit to two points. Unfortunately Dagenham failed to build on this, and a scrum fifteen metres out saw the Thames number nine dart around the blind side to score, the resulting conversion giving the hosts a 12-3 lead. Again though the Central Park side battled back, showing what a resilient side they have become this year. South African centre Dico Hennig making a great burst through the middle, the forward quickly recycled the ball to allow prop Dave Purton to crash over out wide. Stevens unlucky with the conversion to leave the score 12-8 at the break.
Dagenham coach Mark Collins urged his charges to up their game in the second half, and they certainly responded, completely taking the game to Thames. The forwards out scrummaging the big home pack and producing some aggressive running and driving, with number eight Steve Tucker at the centre of everything. The backs enjoying plenty of possession but just unable to quite break through. Having battered the hosts line for thirty minutes, Dagenham were finally awarded a penalty straight in front of the sticks and Ben Fowler elected to take the three points on offer, Louis Stevens obliging, to set up a tense finish. To their credit, Thames didnt allow the D's to capitalise on this, and the game closed out with a heartbreaking 1 point defeat for the visitors. Many plus points for Dagenham, including another big performance from the ever improving Perry Lock.They can now look forward to the second half of the season with renewed confidence, hopefully injuries and unavailability will ease allowing some more consistency in selection.
Dagenham : Fitch, Fowler, Purton, Lewis, Knowlden, Warwick, Everitt, Tucker; Hartney, Smith, Lock, Hennig, Rogers, Stevens, Honour, Keen.
22-11-2003
Dagenham 30-10 Burnham-On-Crouch
Essex League Division 2
A weeks rest appeared to have done the Central Park boys a world of good as they produced some of their best rugby of the season to defeat a Burnham side lying one place above them in the league.
In wet and windy conditions, both sides started tentatively with Dagenham winger LOUIS STEVENS swapping penalties with his opposite number. From there though Dagenham got into the groove and went into the lead when MICKY HONOUR, playing at full back, burst into the line to touch down. The home side were forced to reshuffle shortly after, when scrum half RICHARD SMITH had to leave the field to have a head wound stitched. This saw STEVENS switch to scrum half, and produce a man-of-the-match performance. Dagenham soon stretched their lead, Fly-half MARTIN ROGERS switching play cleverly before feeding wing PERRY LOCK who raced home. Stevens converted for a 15-3 lead. Unfortunately a slip just before half time saw the Burnham number eight go over, giving the visitors a sniff at half time. 15-10
The second half was all one way, as Dagenham produced the kind of display they knew were capable of. The forwards secured excellent possession in both lineout and scrums, and produced some very aggressive rucking to provide the backline with a real platform. The home side were unlucky not to extend their lead, skipper BEN FOWLER denied a try, just held up over the line after a great forward drive. Disappointment was short lived however, the ball was whipped out to South African centre DICO HENNIG from the resulting scrum, and he duly crashed over. Dagenham closed out the game in some style, flanker KEVIN EVERITT who had been switched to the wing following SMITH’S departure, was rewarded for his efforts with a try, and prop MICKY BLAKEBOROUGH produced a tremendous solo run, breaking through several tackles to score.
The whole squad contributed to the win, wrapping up a very enjoyable Saturday.
Dagenham : BLAKEBOROUGH, FOWLER, PURTON, LEWIS, KNOWLDEN, WARWICK, EVERITT, TUCKER; SMITH, ROGERS, LOCK, HENNIG, CALVERLEY, STEVENS, HONOUR. Subs : FITCH, KEEN.
8-11-2003
Old Brentwood 22-6 Dagenham
Essex League Division 2
Already missing several key players and with a couple more crying off at late notice, Dagenham travelled to in-form Old Brentwood without the best preparation possible. This was blatantly highlighted when Old Brentwood ran in 3 unanswered tries in the first ten minutes to race into a 17-0 lead. The home side must have been expecting a repeat showing of the previous week when they stuck 50 points on top of table South Woodham, especially when Dagenham lost scrum half Peter Evans to injury after twenty minutes. Some further reshuffling and some rallying cries saw Dagenham slowly warm to the task in hand, with lock Phil Lewis, on as a replacement, enjoying his best game to date. Armed with some decent ball they made several surges into the home sides half, and from one of these they were awarded a penalty which Louis Stevens slotted home. Unable to capitalise though, the advantage swung back to Brentwood who broke through again to stretch their lead to 22-3. Dagenham again, refused to roll over and they peppered their opponents line for the final ten minutes, but stout defense saw them unable to break through. A penalty awarded on the stroke of half time was converted to take the score to 22-6 at the interval.
In terms of scoring that was it. the second half saw the two sides cancel each other out, but pschologically it was a big plus for the visitors. They stuck manfully to their task, disrupting the home sides scrum and lineout and tackling anything that moved. You could sense the frustration creeping into the Old Brentwood team, as penalty after penalty was conceded and bickering amongst their own players followed. However for all their committment and endeavour, Dagenham lacked the cutting edge required to get the necessary scores to get back into the game. They also had to whether ten minutes at 14 men, when Doddy Knowlden was harshly sin-binned for a second high tackle.
A weeks rest now, to give the Central Park side ample time to prepare for the visit of old rivals Burnham, who lie 1 point above them. Dagenham need to get their full squad back together for what is a must win game.
Dagenham: Fitch, Fowler, Purton, Knowlden, Warwick, Keen, Hartney, Rogers; Evans (Lewis), Smith, Lock, Hennig, Honour, Slade, Stevens
1-11-2003
DAGENHAM 45-5 EAST LONDON II
Friendly
Due to the late cry-off of Rayleigh, fow which Dagenham were awarded the league points, the Central Park side took on East London II in a friendly on Saturday, giving them the chance to iron out a few of the problems that have dogged them for the previous two weeks.
The home side started brightly, taking the lead early on through returning number eight Bertus Pool From there on, a succession of excellent phases saw Dagenham completely dominate their guests, with the forwards providing good momentum and the backs looking a lot more fluid this week. Four further tries were added before the break, Pool completing a hat-trick, with East London having no answer to his powerful running, with prop Micky Blakborough and Centre Dico Hennig also touching down. Louis Stevens was in fine form with the boot, slotting four of the five kicks to give the home side a 33-0 half time lead.
Disappointingly the home side again let their foot off the gas at the start of the second period, and East London managed a score of their own following a swift backline move. Dagenham certainly had the better of the territory and possession but let their discipline go a little and lost some of their first half structure. However, to their credit they pulled their game together for the final 15 minutes, Peter Evans danced over to score to complete a good afternoons work for him and centre Mick Honour completed the scoring, reward for his hard running all afternoon.
Dagenham travel to Old Brentwoods next Saturday in what will be a very tough encounter against a side who inflicted a heavy first defeat on South Woodham Ferrers on Saturday.
Dagenham: Munn, Fowler, Blakeborough, Knowlden, Tucker, Warwick, Everitt, Pool; Evans, Smith, Slade, Hennig, Honour, Browning, Stevens. Subs: Purton, Gert, Lock
25-10-2003
Old Edwardians 18 – 18 Dagenham
Essex League Division 2
Much was expected of Dagenham this week, after a couple of decent wins on the bounce, but they failed to capitalise on the situation, and ran into a very committed Old Edwardians side, who were welcoming back several key players.
The D’s had the advantage of the breeze in the first period, but started poorly, with two penalties from Louis Stevens their only scores in the first twenty minutes. Old Ed’s showed they were not prepared to lie down and several forays into the visitors half finally produced a kickable penalty, which they gladly took. 6-3. This seemed to add a little spark to Dagenham’s play and they soon crossed the line through Micky Honour. Stevens kick taking the score to 13-3. Again though, the away side failed to press on, and a further penalty from Ed’s took the interval score to 13-6 in Dagenham’s favour.
The second half started badly for Dagenham, as a succession of mauls from the Ed’s pack finally gave them an opening and their backs obliged. The converted score levelling things up. Again Dagenham responded with a first try from Dan Slade, and again they failed to turn their possession into points, allowing the Ed’s pack to again rumble up the field and level at 18-18. the last ten minutes saw Dagenham in territorial control but their efforts came up short, as often bad options or bad execution cost them dear.
A very disappointing afternoon for Dagenham who must take a long hard look at this performance before next weeks visit of basement side Rayleigh. They need to get back to basics and improve on discipline, with too many penalties conceded.
Dagenham: J.FITCH (D.MUNN), B.FOWLER, D.PURTON (M.BLAKEBOROUGH), P.LEWIS, G.KNOWLDEN, T.WARWICK, K.EVERITT, S.TUCKER; L.HARTNEY (P.LOCK), D.SLADE, M.ROGERS, M.HONOUR, D.GUNNER, L.STEVENS.
18-10-2003
Barking III 22-24 Dagenham
BL Merit Table – Division 1
Dagenham made the short trip to Goresbrook on Saturday, with several regulars missing, to take on Barking III’s.
With the wind at their backs, the visitors started brightly enough, the home side giving away a succession of penalties, allowing Dagenham full back Louis Stevens to give his side good field position. Dagenham opened the scoring, a well worked lineout allowing Tom Warwick to crash over in the corner. Stevens struck the conversion sweetly for a 7-0 lead. Dagenham had plenty of territory and possession, but could do little with it, often taking the ball far too flat and offering little penetration. However, they stretched their lead after about thirty minutes when the forwards set up a drive from a lineout and skipper Ben Fowler took the ball at the back of the maul to dive over. Stevens this time unlucky with the kick. From there though, Dagenham’s play became very loose and they allowed their hosts back in the game, and some sloppy tackling allowed the home side’s inside centre to cross. Matters could have been worse as just before the break, Barking were awarded a five yard scrum under the posts, but full credit to the Dagenham pack, who stole the ball against the put in, allowing Stevens to clear and maintain a half-time lead of 12-5.
Dagenham started the second period very slowly, and conceded a number of penalties close to their line, and despite Barking being reduced to 14 for ten minutes, they capitalized on their territorial advantage by crossing the line, following some sloppy handling from Dagenham. A missed conversion, but game on at 12-10. Dagenham then started to move the ball more freely and it wasn’t long before they added another score, winger Perry Lock finishing off a move that traveled along the whole back line. Frustratingly though, Dagenham couldn’t hang onto the lead, and after two quick scores they found themselves 22-17 down and staring defeat in the face. However, one final twist with five minutes left on the clock saw prop Dave Purton score his third try in four games after he crashed over under the posts following a rehearsed penalty move. Stevens completed the job with the conversion and the D’s hung on to delight the supporters that had made the trip to watch.
A win’s a win, but there will be plenty to work on in training this week. Some plus points though, a very solid performance at full back from Stevens, and another good showing from Ross Browning, on as a second half sub, who continues to improve with every game.
Dagenham: 1. BLAKEBOROUGH (MUNN), 2. FOWLER (CAPT), 3. FITCH (PURTON), 4. LEWIS, 5. KNOWLDEN, 6. KEEN, 7. EVERITT, 8. WARWICK, 9. HARTNEY, 10. SMITH, 11. LOCK (BROWNING), 12. HONOUR, 13. SLADE, 14. GUNNER, 15. STEVENS
11-10-2003
Dagenham 33 – 14 Bancroft
Essex League Division 2
Dagenham returned to winning ways on Saturday, after a couple of below par performances, securing a vital two points with a much improved display, despite a poor opening ten minutes.
The visitors opened the scoring, when their inside centre cut back on the angle through some poor tackling to cross the line, the conversion giving them a seven point lead. Dagenham were quick to respond though, the accurate boot of Martin Rogers slotting three successive penalties to put the home side two in front. From their though, further Dagenham indiscipline saw a penalty awarded close to their own line, and despite the pack halting the initial charge, the ball was spun to the Bancroft ten who went over under the posts. The resulting kick taking the score to 14-9 in the visitors favour. However, fly-half Dicky Smith gave the home side a great boost going into the break as he charged down a clearance and collected the ball to score between the posts. Rogers added the extras, half-time 16-14.
The second half saw Dagenham take control of the game. A criticism so far this year, has been that they have been unable to finish teams off, but they certainly did that on Saturday. The pack took control, with the tight five exerting great pressure on the Bancroft scrum, and from a ball against the head, fly half Smith added his second try to put Dagenham 21-14 in front. From here, the Central Park outfit appeared more relaxed, with the pack providing good ball to the backs who were looking increasingly menacing, with some swift hands and excellent running lines. The next score, however, went to Kevin Everitt, who was proving to be a real handful at openside. Good pressure from the entire Dagenham back row saw Bancroft spill the ball close to their own line, and Everitt pounced to touch down. Number eight Steve Tucker was then extremely unlucky to have a score ruled out, as he crashed over from a lineout. The disappointment for the home side was short-lived though, as Everitt capped an outstanding personal display with his second score. Rogers added the conversion to make it 33-14. Bancroft produced something of a late flurry, but solid defending kept the lead intact.
Dagenham’s next two games are against bottom two sides Old Edwardians and Rayleigh, and they will be looking to build on this weekends performance.
DAGENHAM: FITCH (BLAKEBOROUGH), FOWLER (Capt), PURTON, WARWICK, KNOWLDEN, KEEN, EVERITT, TUCKER; HARTNEY (EVANS), SMITH, GUNNER, ROGERS, HONOUR, LOCK (BROWNING), STEVENS.
4-10-2003
Dagenham 1st XV 15 South Woodham Ferrers 1st XV 31
Essex League Division 2
After a disappointing performance last week Dagenham would have to improve mightily to get anything from this game. However, they rose to the challenge and showed a marked improvement despite the score line.
A solid opening twenty minutes from Dagenham kept Woodham pinned in their half and after a period of sustained pressure Prop Dave Purton crashed over in the corner for Dagenham’s first try.
Dagenham held the lead for just ten minutes though, after putting themselves under pressure from the restart, a succession of penalties against handed Woodham the incentive and two tries later Dagenham were 5-14 down at half time.
Dagenham’s second half started badly, but they soaked up huge Woodham pressure and struck back with a Try from Skipper Ben Fowler and two great wide kicks from Full Back Louis Stevens to take the lead by a point. Dagenham had fifteen minutes to hold on but the loss of a player to the sin bin hit Dagenham hard, the resulting penalty, although missed put Dagenham in an almost undefendable position. The Try came ten minutes from time to steal the lead and as Dagenham threw everything into attack Woodham exploited the gaps and added another two scores.
Better from the Central Park side but a ruthless streak seems to be missing in Dagenham’s game which will need to be addressed before Bancroft’s visit next Saturday.
27-9-2003
Loughton 1st XV 36 Dagenham 1st XV 16
MERIT GAME
Dagenham, fresh from an inspiring performance against Finchley last week were looking forward to Saturday’s fixture against Loughton and despite fielding an under strength side fully expected to walk away with the league points.
Loughton had other ideas and had improved greatly since last season and came out blazing.
Dagenham took first blood though through a Martin Rogers penalty but Loughton soon replied, running in a well worked try. Dagenham plodded through the first half putting over another penalty but leaking two more tries
Dagenham started the second half in the same lethargic vein, their pack were being out mauled, out scrummaged and out rucked by an aggressive Loughton eight and their only saving grace was some good lineout work. The threequarters fared little better with limited quality possession, appalling handling errors at crucial moments ruining any chance of an early comeback.
Another Loughton Try seemed to have done for Dagenham but an impressive fifteen minute spell saw the visitors put over two quick tries from Dico Henning and Dave Purton, well rehearsed set pieces paying dividends. Thanks to Loughton’s poor conversion record Dagenham were now within one score and had ten minutes to steal the game, not to be though, Dagenham had run out of heroics for the day and surrendered the incentive, Loughton putting paid to any last minute upset with two more tries.
A stunned Dagenham will now have to regroup, visits from South Woodham and Bancrofts over the next two weeks will prove stiff tests.
20-9-2003
Dagenham 13 – 22 Finchley
POWERGEN VASE ROUND 1
Saturday brought the visit of London 4NW side FINCHLEY to Central Park for the 1st round of the Powergen Vase. Both sides kicked off their League campaign the previous weekend with convincing victories, so Saturday’s encounter promised to be entertaining, despite the 2 Division gap between the sides.
Dagenham, missing several first team regulars, seized the initiative in sweltering conditions, fullback MARTIN ROGERS slotting a penalty for a 3-0 advantage. A further infringement from the away side gave ROGERS another shot at goal and he responded to extend Dagenham’s lead to six.
Despite being reduced to 14 men for ten minutes, Finchley upped their game after the interval, and if you wished to be critical, you could accuse the home side of taking their foot off the pedal. Two tries were added without reply, despite a spirited last ten minutes from the home side, which again gave proof that there was little to choose between the two sides.
Disappointment at the final whistle, but with a more youthful squad, containing 7 players under 22, and key men to return, this season promises to be an exciting one.
From there though, Finchley took advantage of a couple of lapses in the home defence to touch down twice, which saw them push in front 12-6.
However, this is a Dagenham side that plays with great belief and they came back strongly, with some well worked moves and strong running to keep the away sides defence on its toes. Centre DICO HENNIG just failed to hang on to a flat pass from his centre partner STUART BERRY, denying Dagenham a certain seven points.
Continued pressure though saw a well deserved try for the home side. A mistake from the Finchley fullback let in his opposing number ROGERS, who fed blindside DARYL KEEN, who in turn passed inside to PERRY LOCK. The ball eventually finding its way to BERRY, who touched down, to leave the half time score at 13-12.
13-9-2003
Dagenham 30 – 7 Ravens
Essex League Division 2
Dagenham kicked off their league campaign in winning style against newly promoted Ravens on Saturday. In hot conditions, Dagenham started the game well, as number eight BERTUS POOL thundered up the blindside to cross, following a well rehearsed lineout move. The same player then added a second a short while later, going over under the posts, this time a planned penalty move, opening up the visitors defence. Fullback MARTIN ROGERS slotted the resulting kick to give the hosts a 12-0 lead. From there though Dagenham really didn’t take advantage of the amount of ball they had available, often letting themselves down with either sloppy handling or simply kicking the ball away. A penalty from ROGERS gave the home side a 15-0 lead at the interval.
As with the week before, Dagenham made a slow start to the second half, and the visitors touched down during their best period of the game. To their credit though the Central Park side stuck to their task manfully and added a converted score from DICO HENNIG, while debutant Centre STUART BERRY capped a solid personal performance with a try of his own. A further penalty from the boot of ROGERS completed the scoring.
Dagenham’s second XV completed a good afternoons work for the club as they notched an impressive 19-7 away win against Romford & Gidea Park 3rd XV.
Dagenham 1sts : BLAKEBOROUGH, FOWLER, PURTON, TUCKER, KNOWLDEN, WARWICK, KEEN, POOL; HARTNEY, SMITH, EVERITT, HENNIG, BERRY, GUNNER, ROGERS. Subs : EVANS (For HARTNEY), HALIT (For EVERITT), STEVENS (For SMITH).
7-9-2003
Dagenham 1st XV 53-12 Kings Cross Steelers
Powergen Vase Prelim Round
Dagenham kicked off their 2003/4 campaign in convincing style against Kings Cross on Saturday. A combination of powerful forward play and some slick handling in the backs saw the Central Park side race to a 38-0 half-time lead. Scrum-half Peter Evans kicked the scoring off as he jinked over from close range, and this led to a host of scoring with further touchdowns added from Dicky Smith, Louis Stevens (2), Micky Blakeborough and Micky Honour, before the interval.
The home side, however, failed to maintain the intensity of the first period and the second half saw some very loose play. Prop forward Blakeborough completed his brace, while Springbok Centre Dico Hennig also went over the line. Steve Tucker crashed over to score on his first game back in a Dagenham shirt. Kings Cross to their credit battled hard in the second half, and added two breakaway scores of their own from their rapid left wing.
Overall a reasonable first outing, but the home side will have to be a lot more ruthless, if they are to mount a serious title challenge this season.
Dagenham: Blakeborough, Fowler, Purton, Tucker, Knowlden, Keen, Hartney, Warwick; Evans, Smith, Gunner, Hennig, Stevens, Halit, Honour. Subs: Harrison (for Evans), Lock (for Halit), Browning (for Gunner), Munn (Unused).
Season 2002/2003
12-4-2003
Dagenham 1st XV 6 Bancrofts 1st XV 13
Dagenham started well enough, absorbing early pressure from Bancroft’s pack and soon had them on the run, frantic defending from the visitors deemed illegal giving Dagenham the chance for first blood.
Louis Stevens having no trouble with the penalty for Dagenham’s first 3 points.
Dagenham continued to dominate throughout the first half but could not convert pressure into Tries and had to make do with a sweetly taken drop goal from Fly Half Dicky Smith for their next score.
Dagenham then lost their Prop to the sin bin for 10 minutes; Bancroft took full advantage of the extra man and laid siege to Dagenham’s line for the rest of the half.
Dagenham considering themselves fortunate closing the first half ahead.
The second half continued in much the same vein, Dagenham failed to get a grip on the game and had to defend like Trojans, a task which they performed admirably, smashing back every Bancroft attack.
Dagenham could not break Bancroft’s stranglehold on the game though and were starved of possession.
Inevitably Bancroft scored leaving them a point behind, this should have served as a wake up call to Dagenham but still they failed to clear their lines with conviction and were soon on the wrong end of Bancroft’s big No. 8 charging over for their second Try and the lead.
Bancroft added a further 3 from a penalty leaving Dagenham a converted Try behind. A late surge from the home side, the only one that half, saw them go close, only to be denied by the referee’s final whistle 5 metres out.
Dagenham finish with 12 points, safe from relegation and with 12 points more than they were predicted to get.
Year 1 objective achieved, staying up. Next season beckons with Dagenham gunning for top three!
29-3-2003
South Woodham Ferrers 1st XV 39 Dagenham 1st XV 0
Woodham, however, fresh from a trouncing at the hands of Bancrofts had a backlash to dish out and Dagenham caught the lot.
Woodham’s big, experienced pack burst into the game, Dagenham, not expecting this level of ferocity were left reeling, defending attack after attack and finally conceding a penalty to give Woodham a 3 point lead.
Despite Woodham’s early superiority Dagenham soaked up the pressure and made some promising forays into Woodham’s 22m area but despite long periods of pressure wrong options and careless handling ruined every attack.
Woodham on the other hand took full advantage of Dagenham’s misfortune and capitalised on every mistake, leaving Dagenham 20 points behind at the break.
Despite the deficit Dagenham had high hopes of turning the game around in the second half; Woodham’s big pack would surely run out of steam and allow Dagenham to recoup the 25 points needed to take the game and Woodham’s league position?
Dagenham started the second period well enough, plenty of pressure but their ability to score tries seemed to have deserted them, nothing they did went right whereas Woodham on the other hand, defended with cool heads and hit Dagenham on the break with remarkable efficiency, excellent support play leaving Dagenham’s normally stalwart defence in tatters. The expected Woodham decline was nowhere to be seen. Woodham doubled their lead in the second half and Dagenham could find no answer. Bruised and battered they left the pitch, back to the drawing board for their final league encounter, a home fixture against Woodham’s tormentors Bancrofts in two weeks.
Typically, Dagenham started slowly but once they got going the Tries flowed like water. Centre Hennig going over twice and Wing Forward Wickham also bagging two.
Westcliff having started relatively well began to look completely demoralised and a further Try from No. 8 Goral just before the break killed them off.
Dagenham were reduced to fourteen men just after half time when Goral pulled up sending Hennig over for his third of the day. Dagenham seemed not to notice the missing man and just carried on scoring Skipper Tommy Warwick and that man Hennig for his fourth.
Vice captain and Hooker Ben Fowler was finally rewarded for his diligent support play all game with a Try at the death.
A resounding win away from Home for Dagenham but their coach Mark Collins was far from pleased, “49 to 0 away from home is a great win against a Westcliff 2nd team but our whole game plan went out of the window and if that happens we will suffer against better sides”
Dagenham can take some heart though; they were complemented on their performance and attitude on the pitch by the referee, a rare thing indeed for a Dagenham side.
A league trip to South Woodham Ferrers next Saturday, Dagenham have their tales up Woodham had better beware.
Dagenham had prepared well for this one and were straight into Brentwood from the off, the shellshocked visitors had not expected this and struggled to keep Dagenham out. Their resolve finally crumbled on 20 minutes, Dagenham Scrum Half Peter Evans splitting the Brentwood defence with the slightest show of the ball and then over for the Try.
Old Brentwoods replied with a penalty, reducing Dagenham’s lead to 2 but that solitary 3 points would be all Brentwood would be allowed to leave with that afternoon. Dagenham shut up shop and set their game plan in motion. What followed was quite an extraordinary display from Dagenham. I doubt the Central Park crowd have ever witnessed a performance like this from their side.
Dagenham battered the Old Brentwoods defence and all credit to them they held out well, Dagenham were not to be denied though, No. 8 Bert Poole collecting from his Stand Off on the inside to crash over for Dagenham’s second. Despite their superiority Dagenham failed to increase their lead and went into the break 12-3 up.
Dagenham opened the second half in much the same vein, slick handling from the threequarters coupled with great support play from the pack kept them firmly on top and a penalty 20m out would secure their final Try, No. 8 Poole on the end of a nicely executed penalty move for his second mid way through the half.
Brentwoods, now staring defeat in the face began to lose their cool, tempers flared and Dagenham faired worse in the resulting penalty flurry and found themselves on the back foot for the first time. However, they soaked up the pressure and responded with another defence splitting move, Poole seemingly over for his Hatrick, only to throw an unnecessary wild pass a metre out with no one to beat.
A good result for Dagenham who will be looking for a maximum 4 points in their last two league outings against South Woodham and Bancrofts to boost them into mid table.
Dagenham flew out of the blocks and soon had London reeling and a Louis Stephens penalty giving the visitors the lead within 5 minutes.
Alas, their lead was to be short lived. A slip from the Dagenham Stand Off Dicky Smith allowing his opposite number to put his centre over for 7 points.
Dagenham so far had only bad luck and worn out studs to blame for their predicament, however London’s second was a different matter, their pack lumbering over the line as Dagenham’s defence crumbled, 12-3.
The second half saw Dagenham redouble their efforts, London were beginning to wobble and soon enough the Try came, Stand Off Smith making up for his earlier faux pas, bringing Dagenham to within 4 points.
Dagenham then laid siege to the East London line but could not get that vital score to snatch the lead, London’s Stand Off delivering them every time with his huge clearances, forcing Dagenham back again and again.
Dagenham pressed and pressed but the Try would not come, the refs final whistle a welcome sound for East London.
The Dagenham dressing room was a sombre place afterwards, 18 players well aware that this one could have and really should have been won. No big scalp this week, however this result will send shockwaves up the division, none of you are safe from this new look Dagenham side.
Thames were fired up from the off and Dagenham spent the early part of the first half soaking up pressure. Thames’ initial onslaught eventually abated, Dagenham settled into their game and began to make inroads into the Thames defence.
The first Try was a while coming though, but worth the wait. A practised penalty move coming up trumps, Skipper Tommy Warwick over just to the right of the upright.
Dagenham’s second followed shortly after, No. 8 Bertus Pool taking two defenders with him as he crossed the line. Louis Stevens converting again to take Dagenham’s tally to 14.
Half time could not come quickly enough for Thames; unfortunately for them the break had not dampened Dagenham’s appetite for Tries and after immense pressure Dagenham put the game out of sight, Centre Dico Hennig collecting a loose pass and over under the posts.
Dagenham had it wrapped up, Thames had not had a sniff of their line all game. Thames however had other ideas and finally started to play to their strengths, ball up the props jumper, forwards taking it up the pitch yard by yard.
Dagenham were now constantly defending and losing a man to the sin bin only made matters worse. Thames continued the pressure and were rewarded with a Try in the corner.
Dagenham, still relatively unconcerned did not heed the warning and a botched clearance led to a second for Thames.
Fortunately for them, Dagenham had pushed Thames wide for both Tries and with the conversions unsuccessful, Thames still trailed by 11 points.
Dagenham regained composure and put paid to any more ideas of a Thames comeback the referees whistle signalling Dagenham’s fourth victory in a row.
Dagenham weathered an upbeat start by Burnham and were the first to score, a scrum taken against the head, setting up the perfect platform for Dagenham’s threequarters to carve an opening. Winger Darren Gunner finishing off in the corner and Louis Stevens converting with a great effort from the touchline.
Dagenham had now settled into their game and soon added to their tally, another for Gunner, a carbon copy of his first. Dagenham dominated the rest of the first half but despite their superiority they failed to covert pressure into further points.
The second half saw a better performance from Burnham but once again Dagenham, playing a controlled steady game hit them on the break new recruit Dico Hennig crashing over at Centre.
Burnham stuck at it and they were rewarded with a Try, Dagenham’s threequarters caught napping and allowing a breach of their defence for the first time in three games.
Dagenham’s riposte was swift No. 8 Bertus Pool pouncing on a loose ball in the ruck and hot footing it up the pitch for a Try on his debut.
No further shocks from Burnham as Dagenham played out the final minutes in full control. Dagenham face Thames next week knowing that victory there should secure their Division Two status.
Dagenham started the game well and despite giving away about 15 stone, their pack acquitted themselves well.
First points to Colchester however, Dagenham giving away a penalty under their own post for an easy 3 home points.
Dagenham, facing a driving wind dug in and despite heavy Colchester forward pressure allowed no further points in the first period.
The second half saw a marked improvement in Dagenham's performance breaks from threequarters and backs alike creating chances, all in vain until a quickly taken penalty put Flanker Kevin Everitt over. Louis Stephens converting to take the full 7 points.
Dagenham, having taken the lead lost their way a little, complicating their game and making a bit of a hash of it. The result was a final 20 minutes of frantic defending as Colchester showed why they have such an impressive record, battering Dagenham's line relentlessly. Fortunately, since their League promotion Dagenham have had to defend quite a bit and they seem to have acquired a talent for it , Colchester were foiled and the referees final whistle was music to Dagenham's collective ears.
Dagenham weathered the initial storm, fought back and took first blood with a penalty from Louis Stephens. Dagenham kept up the pressure, and a scrum 5m out proved the perfect platform for their first Try. No. 8 Lee Acerbis picking up and feeding his Scrum Half, who in turn released Winger Mark Smith to cross the line.
Dagenham seemed to ease off and once again allowed their opposition to dominate, conceding penalty after penalty as Eds pack trundled up the pitch metre by metre.
Dagenham again threw everything into defence and survived until the half time whistle.
The second half continued in much the same vein, despite some strong words from Dagenham’s new coach Mark Collins. Edwardian’s lumbering pack starving Dagenham of possession and frustrated attempts at regaining the upper hand saw them penalised again and again. An Edwardians scrum 5m from Dagenham’s line proved to be the turning point, an injury to Ed’s hooker held the game up for twenty minutes and once play resumed Dagenham cleared their line, made two substitutions and never looked back.
Dagenham advanced into Ed’s half and at last released their threequarters, all the way along to Right Wing Mark Smith for his second. Dagenham had finally hit form and were now unstoppable, their final Try a joy to behold, Mark Smith once again collecting on the right wing, kept out this time but shipping the ball inside through another three pairs of Dagenham hands and finishing with Centre Micky Honour under the posts.
Dagenham back out of trouble for the time being, wins against Thames and Burnham over the next month imperative to secure their Division 2 status.
Ilford opened the scoring from the kick off and a rout seemed on the cards. Dagenham collected themselves and managed to slow down the Ilford assault and made some territorial gains but another two breakaway Tries put paid to any Dagenham revival.
Dagenham stuck at it and pressured Ilford’s line for long periods, all in vain though the elusive Try would not come and Ilford repeatedly hit Dagenham on the break.
The second half did not bring a change of fortune for Dagenham and results elsewhere were also going against them, a surprise win for Thames over South Woodham has seen them leapfrog Dagenham. A return to winning ways is now essential if Dagenham are to continue there adventures in this league.
Westcliff, unused to being behind threw everything at Dagenham and took the lead with three quick tries. Dagenham, unfazed came back a spent the final minutes of the period camped in the Westcliff 22. Dagenham poured into the attack and Scrum Half Dicky Smith capitalised on a solid Dagenham 5m scrum to score at the break.
Westcliff got into their stride in the second half capitalising on the slightest of errors from Dagenham and soon extended their lead by a further two Tries. Dagenham refused to go down without a fight and replied with a Try of their own, Louis Stephens under the posts after a good period of Dagenham pressure.
Westcliff soon cancelled out that effort and Dagenham would make no further inroads into Westcliff’s tally.
Not this week though, what ensued was the worst display of Rugby by a Dagenham 1st team in recent years. Dagenham suffered their customary opening jitters and conceded early. This was soon rectified though with a levelling effort from Winger Nick Lewis after a good build up from Dagenham.
Dagenham now had the opportunity to settle, but they rushed everything they did and a catalogue of errors allowed Woodham far more possession and territory than their efforts deserved. Before too long Woodham had increased their lead by a further two Tries before the half time respite.
The half time team talk must have gone in one ear and out of the other as Dagenham resumed the match in much the same vein. Loads of effort but very little cohesion and despite having the elements in their favour now, Dagenham failed to capitalise and went further behind.
Woodham growing in confidence against this disjointed Dagenham side were being made to look good.
A rare period of Home side pressure saw Hooker Ben Fowler cross the line only to have his effort ruled out, Woodham hands getting under the ball in time for the Referees arrival, little matter though; the resulting scrum saw Dagenham bring their tally to 10, No.8 Martin Rogers opening his account for the season.
The final whistle was a welcome sound for the home side after this dismal display.
Table topping Westcliff visit next week, perform like this Dagenham and it will be a rout.
Dagenham’s second half started well, their forwards starting to get the better of their counterparts busied themselves in the Bancroft 22m and were soon rewarded with a Try from Scrumhalf Peter Evans.
Underdogs Dagenham were now asserting their authority in all areas and a perfectly placed penalty kick to the corner set up the platform for a second Try, however an awful line call decreed that the ball had gone dead and Dagenham lost their impetus.
Dagenham never seemed to recover from that decision and allowed Bancroft to regain their composure and with it control of the game.
The flurry of Tries that followed put the game out of sight for Dagenham; they will point to some weak refereeing, which may have prevented them narrowing the gap, but in all fairness Dagenham lost this one before they got on the pitch. A consolation Try from Centre Bob Bruce at the death put Dagenham into double figures for the day.
Dagenham face fellow strugglers South Woodham Ferrers at Home next week, a victory imperative in that one.
Dagenham had run themselves ragged in the first half and with Westcliff fielding what was essentially an U 21 side things began to get a bit tricky.
The home side began to stretch Dagenham time and time again, constantly spinning the ball wide to their lightning Centres and Wingers. Dagenham unable to cope with their pace started to leak tries.
Dagenham never lost heart and were still making life difficult for Westcliff up front, unfortunately as soon as they involved their young backs a Try usually followed.
A difficult say for Dagenham but they can take heart ,despite the scoreline a performance like this will trouble some of the lesser sides in the league.
Dagenham were now rampant and added a third just before the break, a twenty yard rolling maul finished off by Flanker Kevin Everett to close the half 17-0.
Dagenham looked forward to a fruitful second half but seemed to have lost their earlier confidence. A succession of missed passes and wrong options plus losing a man to the Sin Bin for ten minutes allowed Stanford back into the game, sensing Dagenham’s unease Stanford took full advantage and pressed forward. Two converted Tries later after another spell of incompetence from Dagenham, Stanford were back in it at 17-14.
Dagenham were now in Danger of throwing the game away and desperately needed some inspiration; this came in the form of Winger Nick Lewis on the end of a break from his Scrum Half to take his Hatrick.
Dagenham regained their composure, never lost control again, finishing Stanford off with a second from Kevin Everett pressuring well at the Scrum.
Dagenham face table topping Westcliff next week and will need an impressive performance if they are to get a result.
Whilst Ilford’s first Try could be considered fortunate, their second, ten minutes later was a lesson in handling and Dagenham’s threequarters could do nothing to stop it and went into the second half 12-0 down.
Despite the scoreline Dagenham had performed pretty well and were far from out of this game, however they failed to capture the form which saw them dominate the first half and conceded yet another Try. Dagenham’s game deteriorated further and mistake after mistake thwarted every attack right up until Skipper Tommy Warwick crossed the line for Dagenham’s consolation at the death.