Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2006-2007
14th April 2007
Dagenham 45 - 10 Bancroft
Home Essex League One
Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2006-2007
14th April 2007
Dagenham 45 - 10 Bancroft
Home Essex League One
Dagenham ended their debut season in Essex One in commanding form with powerful performance against a battling Bancroft that secured them a top four finish.
In blistering hot conditions, the game started fairly slowly with the two well matched packs jockying for supremacy. The set pieces were evenly contested, but the D's were probably a bit sharper at the breakdown. When the D's pack kept the ball in hand they looked menacing and after a succession of drives they finally broke the deadlock when flanker James Griffiths drove over for a deserved score. Louis Stevens slotted the extras and the score settled the home side down. They continued to play with style and freedom and they duly added another score before the interval when full back Dexter Devlin carved his way through the visitors defence for the score. Stevens was unable to convert, but the Central Park side went into the interval with their tails up and looking strong at 12-0.
Playing with the slight breeze at their backs, the D's were looking to hammer home their advantage in the second period. They were soon on the board when man of the match Devlin popped up on the left wing and had too much pace and power for the Bancroft defence to skate home behind the posts to leave Stevens a simple kick to stretch the lead to 19-0. Bancroft came back hard and had a real go the home side. They had a series of powerful drives at the line and finally breached it when their prop crashed over under the posts. The conversion was added and more pressure soon led to a kickable penalty whcih was slotted to leave the score at 19-10. Thoughts of a comeback were pretty quickly quashed however, with the D's changing up a gear to put the match out of sight. The forwards drove themselves to within a couple of yards of the line following good lineout work and Phil Crawley was on hand to crash over. Stevens again obliged with the kick and this seemed to give the home side the impetous they needed. More good work by the pack set up good quick ruck ball and after a couple of great surges by first Wes Calverley and then Jimmy Roberts, the ball was flicked out by skipper Ben Fowler to Louis Stevens to handed onto Chris Carpenter to touch down in the corner. Stevens kick stretched the lead to 33-10. From the kick off came the try of the game. Bancroft attempted to switch play, but the alert Carpenter grabbed the kick on the right wing and set off down the touchline. With defenders homing in on him he threw a pass inside where outside centre Simon Argent batted the ball on skillfully to his centre partner Calverley who drew the last defender before feeding Stevens who scampered home beneath the sticks. His conversion gave the D's a 40-10 lead and himself a 15 point haul. There was still time for a final salvo. Another rock solid D's scrum saw them break blind and scrum half Kieran Clancy fed Carpenter to touch down in the corner.
The final whistle brought the curtain down on a highly pleasing season for the D's. All 3 Central Park sides have performed heroically this year, and with a little hard work over the summer, they will be looking to push even higher next year.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Purton (Worthington), Knowlden (Waller), Keen, Crawley, Griffiths (Pearce), Roberts; Clancy, Stevens, Lock, Calverley, Argent, Carpenter, Devlin
Dagenham: Clarke (Purton), Fowler, Worthington, Waller, Knowldem (Pearce), Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Stevens, Calverley, Lock, Nelson, Argent, Carpenter (Devlin), Clancy
31st March 2007
East London 25-24 Dagenham
Away Essex League One
The difference between top and bottom half being relatively small was painfully highlighted to the Central Park men on Saturday, as the D's suffered their first defeat in 5 to a very competitive East London side.
In truth, the D's never lacked effort and heart, but in exceptionally tricky conditions, their decision making and accuracy was never precise enough. They faced the elements in the first forty minutes, and for much of the period they shut out East London and restricted them to a solitary penalty. The D's tried to keep things fairly simple but were too often wayward when they had ball in hand and never really looked threatening. The set piece functioned smoothly but the pack lacked a little at the breakdown at times despite some nice ball carries. As the half drew to a close the visitors were caught out by the lively home scrum half who darted home, seemingly underneath a pile of bodies.
Despite this setback, the visitors started brightly after the break, knowing that now had the gale at their backs. They put points on the board early on. Jimmy Roberts, who had a powerful game at number eight made a break and he fed fellow back row man James Griffiths who set up the ruck. Louis Stevens saw that the guard was uncovered and darted through, showing great strength to hand off the home full back to score. This should have given the D's the lift they needed but East London posessed some dangerous runners and they used these to good effect as they got themselves further in front with a score in the corner. Dagenham came back hard and peppered the home line and it wasnt long before they got their second score. A well executed rolling maul saw the ball grounded by the impressive Griffiths for his first score of the afternoon. This visibly lifted the Central Park side and they soon had the lead. Sean Clarke scored, just reward after a number of bulldozing runs. The conversion was added by Stevens, and the D's were soon extending their lead. Tom aller made a burst for the line beating a couple of men, he was hauled down just short but the ball squirted out behind him and the alert Griffiths pounced to touch down. Stevens completed the extras and at 24-13 the D's appeared to be in the ascendancy. East London had other ideas. They scored from a quick tap penalty following a D's infringement at a lineout, and with ten minutes to go they broke D's hearts. Dagenham were on the attack in the home 22 when they attempted an ambitious pass which got caught in the wind, the ball went loose and was scooped up by the home side full back who raced away to score under the posts. The conversion was added and despite a couple of late long range penalty attempts, the D's were unable to snatch back the lead.
This was a highly disappointing end for Dagenahm. This has been a long hard season, and they have acquited themselves superbly, however, they must learn to be smarter, and how to close out games such as these when they are in the driving seat. Lessons will be learnt, and they will gain strength from this. They will be looking for a reaction in their final league game at home to Bancrofts in a fortnights time.
Dagenham: Clarke (Purton), Fowler, Worthington, Waller, Knowldem (Pearce), Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Stevens, Calverley, Lock, Nelson, Argent, Carpenter (Devlin), Clancy
17th March 2007
Dagenham 32 - 27 Ilford Wanderers
Away Essex League One
A piece of individual brilliance snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for Dagenham on Saturday. with time almost up, full back Kieran Clancy set off on a weaving run which took him 3/4 the length of the pitch, beating several men to grab a victory that the D's were fortunate to achieve.
The game started brightly for the home side. A clearly fired up Wanderers came out hard at the D's but it was the Central Park side who gained the initative. Scrum half Louis Stevens hoisted a box kick high into the air, and faced with dazzling sun, the visiting full back was unable to gather. Stevens chased his own kick and was able to flick the ball neatly to winger Dexter Devlin who sped home. The conversion was missed but the D's soon added to their advantage when Ilford spilled a ball in midfield and centre Billy Nelson scooped up posession to race home under the posts. Stevens slotted the kick for a 12-0 lead, and at this stage all was looking well. Perhaps this led to a degree of complacency, as the home side slacked off and allowed Ilford back into the game. While the home forwards were performing adequately in the set piece, they looked lethargic around the park and allowed the visiting pack to crash over for two close quarter scores. Having had first crack with the elements, there was a fear that a 12-10 advantage at the break would not be enough.
After some harsh words at the break, the home side made a good start to the second period. Good pressure from Daryl Keen on the kick off saw Ilford forced into touch deep in their 22. From the lineout the ball was spun to the midfield and from the resulting ruck Ilford infringed and Stevens was able to slot a kick to extend the lead to 15-10. Despite this bright opening, the D's were unable to build on this, as the forwards found it difficult to get any kind of momentum, and were struggling to contain the hard running Ilford back row. Ilford soon added another score to get themselves in front for the first time, and matters got worse when they again attacked the Dagenham blind side from a scrum to go 22-15 in front. Dagenham regrouped and were keeping in the hunt via the boot of Louis Stevens, who kicked another penalty to bring them within four points. Again though, the D's lacked any kind of fluency and were panicking, the net result being no phase play being put together. Ilford sensed a win was on the cards and thier excellent number eight was again the recipient of some woeful defending to give the visitors a nine point cushion. With time running out, it was hard to see where a score, let alone a win was coming from, but the home side rolled their sleeves up for the first time in the match and got themselves back into the contest by playing a little of the rugby they know they are capable of. They started to attack the blindside where they found some gaps, with both Wes Calverley and Ben Fowler making some useful yards. As they stretched the Ilford defence, gaps appeared and the ball was moved along the line for Kieran Clancy to touch down out wide. Stevens magnificent kick brought the score to within two points but was there enough time to force a win? With the clock ticking down, both Neil Davis and Jimmy Roberts made nice breaks, but the Ilford defence looked like it was going to hold firm. With time almost up, the ball was moved wide from a lineout and John Hobden fed Clancy, who set off on an amazing run that saw him cut in from the right wing, beat several defenders and outstrip the cover defence to race home under the posts. Stevens added the conversion and when the restart went into touch and the referee signalled the end of the contest the relief was evident.
The scoreline was harsh on Ilford who produced a fantastic display of gutsy rugby and excellent defending. Despite the severely below par performance, the D's kept going right to the end and their never say die attitude ensured they secured a vital win. With two games to go, they will be looking to end strongly and hopefully hang onto a top four finish, which will be an excellent effort for their first year in the division.
Dagenham: Worthington, Fowler, Purton, Waller (Pearce), Knowlden, Keen, Calverley, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Devlin, Nelson, Argent, Davis, Clancy. Subs: Morris, Carpenter
3rd March 2007
Writtle Wanderers 0 - 0 Dagenham RUFC
Away Essex League One
A very unusual scoreline at Writtle on Saturday, but despite the almost unhead of zero scoreline, it didn't reflect what an utterley gripping contest this was, between two very good sides who have had excellent debut seasons in Essex One.
The rain eased off for the day, but conditions were heavy and Dagenham elected to play with the wind at their backs for the first period. Both sets of forwards squared up hard, and the contest up front was an even one. Both teams had powerful ball carriers, but their hard running was met by equally hard defence. Wes Calverley enjoyed another storming afternoon for the visitors and James Griffiths and his fellow forwards put in some telling hits in defence. Chances wwere few and far between in the first period. Dagenham had a couple of unsuccesful shots at goal while the home side made some dangerous half breaks, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Playing up the slope in the second half the D's started brightly and appeared to gain confidence as the half wore on. John Hobden was orchestrating play nicely from fly half and the forwards continued to support well and looked good with ball in hand. Both sides missed further chances at goal, and it looked like a kick may win it, as both defences refused to give an inch. As play entered the last five minutes, the visitors, despite being down to 14 men, looked like they had a chance to win it, a ball back inside to Neil Davis saw the winger charge through, he fed Dexter Devlin who was held up just short of the line, but a pile up of bodies saw the ref award a scrum and despite securing the ball, the D's could find no way through.
The final whistle brought to an end a gripping contest, where defences had certainly been on top, but the honest endeavour and hard work of these two well matched sides, meant the touchline had witnessed a very enjoyable game.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Worthington (Purton), Waller, Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths, Roberts, Stevens, Hobden, Devlin, Calverley, Argent, Davis, Clancy (Lock) Sub: Nelson
24th February 2007
Dagenham RUFC 57 - 12 Upper Clapton
Home Essex League One
Dagenham returned to winning ways as they ran in ten tries in a very strong performance against a battling and hard working Upper Clapton side at Central Park on Saturday.
Despite the recent wet weather, the Central Park pitch was as always in good health and despite a slight breeze, conditions were fairly good. Dagenham started brightly and a succession of good phases saw the ball moved wide before returning fly half John Hobden popped up on the left wing to finish smartly in the corner. Dagenham allowed the visitors almost immediately from the kick off when they were slow to react to a quickly taken tap penalty and the scrum half squeezed home in the corner. The D's were determined to not let this affect them though and they got straight back in the game. Wes Calverley, playing at inside centre, had a barnstorming game and one of his many powerful breaks breached the defence where he offloaded to Jimmy Roberts for the number eight to touch down between the sticks. The conversion was added for a 12-5 lead. The visitors again came back strongly but the home sides tackling was fierce, especially from James Griffiths who put in a number of powerful hits. This clearly lifted the Central Park men and they were soon to stretch their lead further. Steve Tucker picked and drove some ten yards before being hauled down but as the ball was kept alive, Griffiths was on hand to touch down. The Dagenham pack were beginning to completely dominate their opponents and this was laying a real platform for the backs to perform, and they added a fourth score before the break as full back Dexter Devlin cut a lovely line to score just to the right of the posts.
The second half was a pleasing one for the D's as they at no time allowed their intensity to drop. The front five absolutely dismantled the visiting scrum taking many balls against the head and the lineout was functioning very smoothly. The first score of the half came after another series of forward drives got them very close before prop Dave Purton was on hand to finish superbly from a yard out. This gave the D's just the boost they were looking for and they added to their tally soon after when a loose ball was hacked through and scrum half Kieran Clancy won the race to the touchdown. By now, the game was almost exclusively being played in the visitors 22, and it was no surprise when Dagenham increased their lead, Hobden showing good awareness to support a break to run in the try. The next two tries belonged to the forwards as first Griffiths finished off a neat catch and drive and then Sean Clarke bulldozed his way through several men to crash over. The scoring was rounded off when Billy Nelson finished powerfully in the centres. To their enormous credit, Upper Clapton came back hard and despite some tremendous defensive work on their own line, the D's conceded one penalty too many and the ref awarded a penalty try.
The final scoreline does not reflect how hard Dagenham had to work to beat an Upper Clapton side who are very gutsy and well organised and caused plenty of problems. The win is a crucial one, as despite remaining in fifth place, the D's are level on points with both Writtle and Maldon with points difference also extremely close between the three. Further more, the trio of teams are only 2 points off second placed South Woodham, meaning the final four games should prove to be very exciting. Dagenhams squad is starting to look very strong and they will need everyone to be on their game as they travel to Writtle next weekend, claerly one of the divisions in form teams
Dagenham: Worthington (Clarke),. Fowler, Purton, Knowlden (Waller), Tucker, Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Clancy, Hobden, Lock, Calverley, Argent (Nelson), Davis, Devlin
17th February 2007
Billericay 17 - 5 Dagenham RUFC
Away Essex League One
After the disappointment of last weeks cup defeat against Millwall, the D's had the daunting task of trying to end a Billericay home unbeaten record that stretches back some 18 months. The Central Park side made the trip to the rearranged venue of SEEVIC College in Benfleet in fairly good heart. They welcomed back the inspirational Steve Tucker into the engine room of the scrum and Neil Davis onto the left wing, but were without first choice half backs Louis Stevens and John Hobden, and lost Chris Carpenter in midweek to injury and flankers Daryl Keen and James Griffiths on the morning of the match. Some hasty tinkering was therefore in order.
What followed was certainly the gutsiest performance the D's have delivered in some time against the divisions outstanding team. Billericay had the best of the territory early on, using their excellent rolling maul to good effect. Dagenham scrambled in defence, but as is often the case in these situations gave away a succession of penalties, and in the end, the referee, who had an excellent game, lost patience and sin-binned Dagenham loosehead Bill Worthington. The fourteen men of Dagenham repelled the Billericay pressure though and managed to eventually clear their lines, and start to ask some questions of the home defence. Both sets of players tackled ferociously, denying space and opportunity to each other. The half ended scoreless, and Dagenham knew that going up the slope they were going to have to raise their standards even higher in the second period.
The start of the second half was again a tense affair. Billericay got themselves close on a couple of occasions, but could again find no way through. The Dagenham pack scrummaged superbly, and certainly caused the home side some headaches there, while the backline made some great hits in defence, with Simon Argent to the fore and Neil Davis showing that his four month lay off has only sharpened his appetite for putting defensive work in. Behind a solid forward effort, Kieran Clancy, who was forced to switch to scrum half this week, had an outstanding afternoon, while Wes Calverley looked very menacing at outside half. As the half wore on, it seemed that the first score would be decisive. It went to the home side, and it was of no great surprise that it came via a rolling maul. The touchdown to the left of the posts led to a fairly straight forward conversion. Was this to be the score that was the home teams springboard? No, the visitors had not read the script. Dagenham got themselves back into the home 22, and from a lineout the ball was moved to Billy Nelson who crashed up the centre pf the park. Replacement scrum half Peter Evans moved the ball back to the blindside to Calverley who attacked the line before feeding the impressive Dexter Devlin who touched down. Calverley couldn't manage to slot the conversion, but at 7-5 it was anyones game. Billericay again game back hard, they ahd dangerous runners at 9 and 12 and when they did breach the initail line, they found the defensive wall of Devlin to cut them down. Despite losing another man to the sin bin, and going 10-5 behind from the resulting penalty, Dagenham got themselves up the Billericay end again, a series of pick and drives from the forwards on the blind side rattled the home side and they were forced to concede a penalty. The D's used the resulting lineout to gain quick ball which was moved to Nelson who picked a great line and went through. He appeared set to score but was halted by a superb last ditch tackle from the Billericay full back. Nelson managed to offload, but the ever present Jimmy Roberts was just unable to hold the pass for a score his efforts deserved, and the chance was lost. With the clock almost up and Dagenham still searching for a winning score, the ball was spilled out wide, and Billericay scooted home under the posts for a converted score which was a little harsh on the visitors.
The final whistle went, and the D's can be mightily proud of their efforts. The Champions-elect are a fine side, with an awesome defence, but it is a measure of how far the Dagenham boys have come, that they are being this competitive in their first season in the division. Despite slipping to 5th place on points difference, only 2 points separate 2nd and 5th place, so with 5 games to go there is much to play for. Dagenhams eighteen man squad performed heroically at the weekend, and with several players due to come back in the next week, it is only going to strengthen things further. Next up are Upper Clapton who are the visitors to Central Park next weekend in a 2:30 kick off.
Dagenham: Worthington, Fowler, Purton (Clarke), Tucker, Knowlden, Waller, Crawley, Roberts; Clancy (Evans), Calverley, Lock, Nelson, Argent, Davis, Devlin. Sub Morris
10th February 2007
Dagenham 3 - 22 Millwall
Essex Presidents Shield Quarter Final
A bad day at the office is probably the fairest assesment of Dagenhams Saturday afternoon. the Central Park side have certainly played worse than this in the past, but if they are being brutally honest with themselves, never really did enough to threaten a very decent Millwall side.
The game started off with ferocious intensity, as you would expect for a game of this importance. Millwall made a couple of useful half breaks but didn't create anything particularly meaningful. Dagenham struggled to get any fluency in their game, a cause that wasn't helped by losing both scrum half Louis Stevens and fly half John Hobden to injury inside the first twenty minutes, with Stevens being taken to hospital after suffering a couple of heavy blows. thankfully the Dagenham number 9 was diagnosed with nothing too serious and was able to return to the club later on that evening. Forced to reshuffle their backline, and with two such key players missing, the task was never going to be easier. Millwall took a 3 point lead into halftime, although Dagenham felt they had scored right on half time when another great catch and drive saw Phil Crawley go over, although it was deemed he lost the ball before grounding.
Dagenham came out for the second half and held good field position for much of the early part of the period, but could find no end product for their endeavour. Both sides put a lot of effort in, but the defences were cancelling each other out. With about fifteen minutes to go, dagenham finally levelled when Lee Dyer landed a beuatiful long range penalty. This should have been the moment for the D's to raise their game, but almost straight from the kick off Millwall managed to squeeze their winger over on the blindside, and with the conversion succesful, this seemed to knock the life out of a tired looking Home side. To add insult to injury, Millwall ran in two more scores in the last five minutes, to give the final score a one sided look about it.
A bitterley disappointing end to the competition for the holders, who must now pick their game up considerably for the visit to table toppers Billericay next Saturday. Congratulations to Millwall, who certainly deserved their victory on the day.
Dagenham: Clarke (Worthington), Fowler, Purton, Waller, Knowlden, Keen, Crawley, Roberts; Stevens (Dyer), Hobden (Genovesa), Lock, Nelson, Argent, Carpenter, Clancy. subs: Warwick, Wigham
27th January 2007
Dagenham 38-5 Maldon
Home Essex League One
Dagenham returned to league action this weekend, hoping to avenge the hammering they took at the hands of 3rd placed Maldon earlier in the season.
The afternoon started with an immaculately observed minutes silence in memory of Wanstead player, Royal Marine Thomas Curry, who was killed in action in Afghanistan two weeks ago.
The game got underway in excellent conditions and a confident Dagenham side were quickly into their stride. A series of drives into the Maldon half set a good platform and when the ball was moved wide, the returning Billy Nelson outsripped the defence and raced home behind the posts. Louis Stevens slotted the conversion to give he D's the perfect start. Frustratingly, Dagenham were unable to capitalise on their good start, and a succession of mistakes and ill discipline let the visitors back into the game. This sustained pressure eventually resulted in a well worked try on the right wing. The conversion was missed but Maldon were right back in the contest, and the Central Park side had only themselves to blame. The rest of the half was a stop start affair, but if anything Maldon had the better of the exchanges, with the D's being rescued by some last gasp tackling, notably by Kieran Clancy at full back. Maldon ended the half strongly, a driving maul looked to be heading for a try, but wonderful defence from the entire D's pack repelled the effort and ensured the home side held a slender advantage at the break.
The second half started with both sides searching for the upper hand. Several phases of play elapsed before the D's took command. A good catch and drive in the right hand corner from a lineout saw Skipper Ben Fowler ground the ball to stretch the D's lead. Louis Stevens struck a magnificent conversion to push the score to 14-5 and this seemes to visibly lift the home side. It wasn't too long before they added a third score. Good hands in the backs saw them break to the left this time, and Chris Carpenter was on the end of the move to sprint home. Another wide kick was dispatched in style by Stevens for 21-5 and you sensed this was the killer score. The D's were now playing much more confident heads up rugby and there were some really nice passages of play. Phil Crawley and Sean Clarke both made excellent individual breaks, while Stevens was denied a try in the corner by a superb last ditch tackle by the visiting full back. They were not to be denied for long though, as man of the match Kieran Clancy got in on the scoring, played in nicely by Jordan Wigham to finish off a lovely backs move on the left hand side. Stevens just fell short with this kick, but it was not long before they stretched their lead further. the ball was swept out to the right where full back Clancy burst onto the ball and deftly chipped over the onrushing defence before gassing through to collect and dive over the line. Another Stevens conversion made the score 33-5. With the game becoming more open, the lively home side revelled in the extra space, and this created the final score. Simple handling again created the space for Billy Nelson, who had too much pace and power for the defence, allowing him to run in for the score.
This was a well deserved victory stemming from a superb effort from the entire 18 man squad. The D's have shown that they can compete with the best in this league, and will be looking to continue to build on this form for the rest of the season.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Purton, Waller (Harrison), Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Carpenter (Wigham), Crawley, Argent (Dyer), Nelson, Clancy
13th January 2007
Dagenham 22-10 Wanstead
Home Essex League One
Dagenham were back on track this weekend with a hard fought but very deserving victory over 5th placed Wanstead, which saw the D's record their first ever double over the Roding Lane side.
Wanstead won the toss and elected to play with the breeze ever so slightly against them, and the early exchanges were evenly contested. The visitors were, as always very strong up front, and were very physical, especially at the breakdown, and Dagenham were being made to fight for every bit of posession. Dagenham edged in front midway through the half, when after several good phases of play, the ball was swept wide and full back Kieran Clancy squeezed over the line. Louis Stevens nothced a superb kick to hgive the home side a 7 point advantage. Knowing that they needed to use the slight advantage in the first period, the D's pressed hard, but they were also kept on their toes by a lively Wanstead side, who's half back pairing were both elusive and dangerous. However, it was the D's who struck again, when after several good quality phases and a lovely break from Simon Argent the ball was moved wide to the right where the extra men in the line gave Dexter Devlin a score in the corner. With half time almost on them, the Central PArk side had an attacking lineout about ten metres out, and another excellent catch and drive saw them roll over the line and Skipper Ben Fowler grounded the ball for an excellent score to make it 17-0 at the break.
Wanstead came back hard after the interval, they continued to attack the fringes with force, but found most routes blocked off by good defence. The warning signs had been there in the first half though, and after some pressure in the home 22, the Wanstead fly half cut through the midfield to dot down under the posts. The conversion from in front was charged down by man of the match Perry Lock, who showed the kind of commitment that is always a feature of his game. This piece of individual effort spurred the D's on and they came back very hard. Their defence continued to be excellent, particularly from Lock and the impressive Tom Waller, while they looked good in hand as Argent and John Hobden made some nice midfield breaks. They then bagged what looked to be the killer score. A long kick was hoisted by Stevens, and a great chase from Dexter Devlin saw him turn the ball over. He fed Gary Knowlden who in turn found Stevens and Argent in support, the latter man spotted a big gap on the left and his nicely weighted cross-field kick saw the prolific Clancy gather the ball for his 13th try of the season. Wanstead refused to lie down though and they mounted a succession of attacks on the D's line and looked to have scored but a superb last ditch tackle from Knowlden forced the ball loose. With around five minutes left, the Herons grabbed a score resulting from nice handling on the right wing, but the D's held out without further alarm to claim a great win.
This was another fine performance from the Central Park side who battled superbly against a determined Wanstead. The result sees them consolidate fourth spot, an excellent effort, and something they will be looking to build on.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Worthington (Purton), Waller (Harrison), Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths (Carpenter), Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Crawley, Argent, Devlin, Clancy
6th January 2007
South Woodham Ferrers 19-0 Dagenham
Away Essex League One
With the weather putting paid to many sporting events around the country this weekend, it was good to see this game survived.
Dagenham entered the contest in bouyant mood, despite having their squad stretched to the maximum, with at least 5 first choice players unavailable. Even so, they were looking to pressure second placed Woodham.
The heavy moring rain and persistent drizzle, meant that conditions were very tough, but even so, both sides should be comended on an entertaining game, where both sets of players made every attempt to throw the ball about.
The home side had a slight wind advantage in the first period and attacked Dagenham with some gusto, but the visitors worked hard in defence, making some telling hits, notably from man of the match James Griffiths, who had an immense game on the open side flank. The pressure finally told however, when a half break on the left flank was made and dilligent support from the impressive Woodham number 7 saw him squeeze over in the corner. The conversion was missed, but despite the D's rallying, the home side added a further score when they crashed over from a five metre scrum, although there did appear to be a case for accidental offside as the home team scrum half appeared to collide with one of his colleagues. The conversion was slotted and the D's had to dig deep. They came back hard at Woodham and pinned the home side back for the remainder of the half, but despite some good use of the hands in teh backs and some nice half breaks from the midfiled of John Hobden and Simon Argent, they could find no way through the well marshalled home defence. Woodham often kicked long to relieve the pressure, but this was all dealt with expertly by D's full back Kieran Clancy.
The second half saw Dagenham get into the contest much more. The Central Park side were now finding parity up front with the much larger Woodham pack and the backs had plenty of ball to work with. Their lineout was functioning well despite the dreadful conditions, with Daryl Keen again to the fore in that department. When the D's kept things simple, they looked threatening, but they would often try something a little more elaborate that the conditions didn't merit. Then woodham added the killer blow with about ten minutes left. Somewhat against the run of play they broke clear, and it was the home side back row man who was again in support to grab his second of the afternoon. The conversion took the score out to 19-0 and while the D's deserve credit for battling to the end, the game was now beyond them.
Dagenham now face Wanstead and Maldon in the next two weeks, two sides who are directly above and below them in the league, both key games in the hunt for top four status. Despite the reverse, their are positives to take from the game. The side battled right to the last, and some tinkering in training, could see some of the minor faults ironed out this week.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Worthington, Waller, Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Carpenter, Stevens, Lock, Hobden, Argent, Devlin, Clancy, Subs: Harrison, Blade
16th December 2006
Dagenham RUFC 51 - 12 East London RFC
Home Essex League One
Dagenham rounded off 2006 in fine style with an eight try demolition of East London, to consolidate their fourth place position, although the final scoreline does not truly reflect how tough a contest this was for much of the game. A second half hat-trick from Kieran Clancy helped pull the D's clear who had led just 8-7 at the break.
In near perfect conditions, the D's kicked off the contest, looking to claim a victory over a side they have never beaten at first team level. Against a much heavier pack, the D's forwards carried on from where they left off last week. They had good set piece ball in plentiful supply, with the lineout functioning superbly, and Daryl Keen performing wonders in snaffling opposition ball. Despite this, the Central Park sides decision making was at times baffling, choosing to try and crash the ball up the centre channel into much bigger opponents, when a move wide seemed the more obvious route. When the home side put width on the board they looked threatening, and it was by doing this that they gained the lead. After a few controlled phases the ball was moved to the right and Clancy fed Chris Carpenter who sprinted home, his try a reward for another tenacious display. The D's falied to build on this, and East London hit back when their dangerous outside centre was afforded too much space and he scythed through the midfield to touch down. The conversion was added to give the visitors a 7-5 lead, with the D's lack of discipline much to blame. Dagenham came back though and built some pressure on the East London line and when they conceded the penalty, skipper Ben Fowler handed the ball to Louis Stevens who slotted the kick to give the D's a slender 8-7 lead at the break.
the second half was a much better showing from Dagenham. They really stuck to the game plan, and the fact that all the tries were scored in the backs showed that they moved the ball a lot better. They showed more patience in the build up and the tries flowed. Kieran Clancy was first on the sheet when he finished off a move on the left. Stevens added the extras and the score seemed to settle the home side. Clancy then doubled his tally for the afternoon when he sprinted home on the left again after a delightful dummy gave him the extra space he needed. Stevens then got the first of his two tries. the forwards set the platform and Ben Fowler first and Jimmy Roberts drove for the line before Stevens grabbed the ball at the back of the maul and dived over. A wayward clearance kick then allowed East London to counter attack and touch down, but the game then opened up and the pacy Dagenham backs took charge. John Hobden finished powerfully after a lovely break from Dexter Devlin, before Stevens grabbed his second soon after. With two tries, four conversions and a penalty, the Dagenham number 9 had a fine afternoon. Hobden then shimmied over for his second, but the final score was saved for Clancy who completed a fine hat-trick after he was played in by Simon Argent.
This was an excellent victory for the D's who can be very proud of their first half seasons work. The only downside was an injury to Billy Nelson who fractured his wrist. The 19 year old has been in fine form over the past few weeks and this is the latest setback that Dagenham have recieved in terms of injuries, they will be hoping for better luck on this front in 2007. The Central Park side now break for the festive season before resuming league activity on the 6th of January with a trip to South Woodham Ferrers.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Wortington, Harrison (Crawley), Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Nelson (Devlin), Argent, Carpenter, Clancy. Sub: Purton
9th December 2006
Campion II 10 - 17 Dagenham RUFC
Away Friendly at Cottons Park
After the withdrawal of May & Baker from the Presidents Shield, Dagenham were left without a fixture and elected to take an away game against Campion's second team, in what has always been a tough encounter.
Dagenham travelled to Cottons Park with a big squad, but lacking in front row cover. They lined up against a strong Campion outfit who included a handful of first teamers. What followed was an exceptionally entertaining game of running rugby. Both teams looked to throw the ball around and constantly asked questions of the opposing defence. The D's were attacking down the slope in the first period and certainly had the upper hand. The forwards really muscled up and gave the hosts plenty to think about. The front row of Bill Worthington, Ben Fowler and Dave Purton gave their opposite numbers a torrid afternoon, while the engine room of Matt Harrison and Gary Knowlden also performed very well, with Knowlden even appearing in the midfield a few times, a throw back to his days as a centre. With good set piece ball to work with, Louis Stevens and John Hobden controlled the game beautifully and this led to numerous breaks being made. Centres Billy Nelson and Simon Argent broke the gain line on numerous occasions with Argent in particular enjoying a storming afternoon. Too often though Dagenham were guilty of ignoring the extra men outside and threw away several good chances. They did manage to run in two unconverted scores when they put width on the ball, the recipient being Kieran Clancy on both occasions who finished off moves in the left hand corner. The young full back taking his tally to eight tries for the season. As the half drew on the D's found more space, with the back row of James Griffiths, Daryl Keen and Jimmy Roberts rampant in the loose, but they could not add to their tally and took a deserved 10-3 lead into the break.
The second half was much harder, Campion came back hard at the Central Park side, but the D's defensive line was excellent. Some big hits were made in midfield by Hobden and Nelson and the fringes were guarded well. The forwards continued to carry the ball well and after whethering some heavy Campion pressure, the D's broke out to score the try of the game. Nelson broke to the left and fed his centre partner Argent who beat a couple of men and cut back in side and returned the ball to Nelson who simply had too much gas for the covering defence and sprinted home behind the posts. Louis Stevens slotted the conversion and the D's lead was out to 17-3. Campion were far from finished though and they got their reward with fifteen minutes to go, when thier lively scrum half stepped a couple of tired looking tackles to squeeze home. The conversion brought the home side back to within a converted score. That was to be as close as they got though, as the D's regrouped and got themselves back into the home 22 and played out the final minutes there.
All in all this was an enjoyable game of rugby, played in great spirit. The D's will be well pleased with their workout and must now focus attention on their last game of 2006 when East London visit Central Park next Saturday, kick off 2:15pm
Dagenham: Worthington, Fowler, Purton, Harrison, Knowlden, Keen, Griffiths (Crawley), Roberts, Stevens (Dyer), Hobden, Lock, Nelson, Argent (Devlin), Carpenter, Clancy
2nd December 2006
Bancroft 15 - 27 Dagenham RUFC
Away Essex League One
They say the mark of a good side is winning when not playing well, and while that might be stretching the truth on Saturday's showing, Dagenham feel they are still heading in the right direction.
Welcoming back a couple of key men, Dagenham headed into this clash on the back of a couple of narrow defeats, but with good preparation both from training and the pre-match build up, entered the contest in fairly confident mood. Bancroft suffered a mauling at the hands of Billericay last week, but are a proud and committed side, with several excellent players and are always a tough proposition at home.
Dagenham kicked off into a slight breeze, in otherwise excellent conditions. They proceded to produce comfortably their worst forty minutes of the season. Their game plan was non-existant, their discipline was horrendous, and add in bad decisions and the basics being performed so poorly and their were few highlights from the first half. Bancroft came very hard at the D's and asked many questions and took a deserved lead midway through the first half from a nicely struck penalty. The Central Park men did manage to find some continuity and build some phases. The pressure told on Bancroft who conceded a penalty just to the left of the posts. The D's elected to run the ball and a rehearsed move saw Jimmy Roberts crash over the line. Louis Stevens struck the conversion and edged Dagenham to a 7-3 lead. More indiscipline however led to a succession of penalties and Bancroft managed to run in a converted score on the troke of half-time to give them a lead, with the visitors pretty lucky to be within 3 points.
The second half was slightly better, as the D's ran in four unconverted scores, however their were still moments of extreme sloppiness. Phil Crawley was looking very dangerous with ball in hand, and Sean Clarke and Roberts were also making some hard yards in the pack. The Ben Fowler/Daryl Keen combination in the lineout worked well all afternoon to provide plentiful ball and the backs started to look a little more threatening. Dagenham finally managed to make advantage of the numerous overlaps they had worked when Crawley fed replacement Perry Lock for a score in the corner. This appeared to settle the D's down, and they were soon on the board again, their centres combining well as Simon Argent fed a nice ball to Billy Nelson who picked a beautiful line and had too much pace for the defence. They then weathered some heavy Bancroft pressure before that man Nelson gave them a bigger cushion. The D's turned over Bancroft posession and Nelson hoofed forward. A great chase by Nelson, Kieran Clancy and Chris Carpenter saw them manage to hack the ball forward and it was Nelson who won the race to touch down. Bancroft never stopped though, and their tenacity was rewarded with a close range score for their tighthead prop. Having been so off colour, the D's had to endure four more minutes with the gap at just seven points, however they held their nerve and ran in a killer score with two minutes to go. Man of the moment Nelson straightened the line in the Bancroft 22 before dummying his opposite man and feeding partner in crime Simon Argent who sprinted home.
The final score is probably a fair reflection on how much territory and posession the D's enjoyed, however their performance will be of much concern. They simply were not at the races for much of the game, and have much work to do on the training park this week. However, that is now four wins from five away games in Essex One, a statistic they should certainly be proud of, and helped them consolidate fourth spot.
The D's entertain old foes May & Baker next Saturday in the 1st round of the Presidents Shield, 2pm Kick off at Central Park
Dagenham: Clarke (Purton), Fowler, Worthington, Harrison (Griffiths), Knowlden, Keen, Crawley, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Calverley (Lock), Nelson, Argent, Carpenter, Clancy
25th November 2006
Dagenham 8 - 12 South Woodham Ferrers
Home Essex League One
Dagenham took on unbeaten league leaders South Woodham Ferrers on Saturday, hoping to put a dent in their previously unblemished record. The afternoon started with an immaculately observed minutes silence as players and supporter marked the sad loss of a true Dagenham friend and supporter, Mrs Ann Johnson.
A spate of injuries and unavailabilities throughout the club, meant that the D's went into the contest with no less than eight regular players missing. Despite this, the home side started in confident mood, and despite some early Woodham pressure, the D's were matching them in every aspect of play. The league leaders got on the board first, somewhat against the run of play. Dagenham held good field position in the visitors 22, but spilled the ball in midfield, and when they failed to gather the ball cleanly, Woodhams powerful right winger Warren Duggan scooped up the ball and broke some weak tackling to run virtually the length of the pitch to touch down. The kick was successful and Dagenhma needed to regroup quickly. The did just that and had a succession of good surges into opposition territory. Centres Billy Nelson and Simon Argent made a couple of nice half breaks, but too often a mistake was made at a crucial moment. Close to the interval, the D's cut the gap with a Louis Stevens penalty. Despite being 7-3 in arrears, the D's knew they had the wind advantage in the second period.
The D's started the second period at a pace and pinned Woodham back, but again, despite several good opportunities, they seemed to make a silly error at the wrong moment which allowed the visitors to relieve themselves of the pressure. The situation worsened after about ten minutes. A Woodham scrum in fairly innocuous territory was won by the visitors and their Captain and number eight David Bull broke blind and managed to sprint away virtually unchallenged. He found support from Duggan who again crossed to give them a 12-3 lead. IF their is one quality this Dagenham side has in abundance though, it is heart, and they came back and threw everything at the visitors. In the pack, Billy Davis and Matt Harrison made some great drives forward and set up good position and after several phases, the ball was moved wide to the dangerous Kieran Clancy who dived over for the score. At 12-8 the game was finely balanced, and with virtually the last play of the game, Clancy broke through again, but he was bundled into touch just a metre short of the line.
The final whistle brought despair for the D's. Despite having to field a patched up side they went toe to toe with the top boys for 80 minutes, and gave them 2 very soft tries. Small mistakes are costing them at the moment, but hopefully with some key players to return, continued hard work and self belief will make them realise they are not far off being a very good side.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Purton (Worthington), Harrison, Knowlden, Davis, Keen, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock (Blade), Nelson, Argent, Carpenter, Clancy
18th November 2006
Dagenham 25 - 32 Holt
Home EDF Junior Vase Round 3
Dagenham bowed out of this seasons Junior Vase, in a pulsating match at Central Park, that could have gone either way, but in the end was claimed by a very well organised Holt side who managed to keep their noses in front throughout, and were just a little more adept at taking their chances.
Dagenham knew they would be in for a tough match against a side who have made very strong start to the season in Eastern Counties 1, and while the early exchanges were evenly balanced, it was the Norfolk side who got in front when weight of numebrs out wide allowed their full back to cross the line. The conversion was duly slotted and penalty a few minutes later gave the visitors a ten point lead. Dagenham were playing into the wind but they rallied hard and pushed hard for the score. they had several good chances and finally managed to breach the line when good phase play set the platform for the ball to be moved to the right wing for Neil Davis to finish expertly. Unfortunately, as was to be the case all afternoon, the D's handed the initiative back to the visitors, when they let Holt roll a maul a full twenty metres to dot down. The conversion was again added, and the lead stretched to 20-5 with another penalty moments later. It was Dagenham though, who finished the half the stronger of the teams, the forwards punched the ball up several times, with Gary Knowlden to the fore and eventually the ball went left where Jimmy Roberts made a nice break before feeding the supporting John Hobden who went over for the score. the conversion was missed to leave the half time score at 20-10.
The Central Park men came out firing in the second half, and started at a great pace. Inside centre Billy Nelson made a superb break beating several men before being hauled down just short. The D's were not to be denied for long though. Jimmy Roberts took the ball from a lineout and found some space, he popped back inside to back row colleague Daryl Keen who showed great strength to muscle his way over the line. 20-15 and game on it would seem, but again the visitors regrouped well and grabbed a score from a quickly taken tap after sever pressure on the home line. The conversion meant the gap was back out to twelve points. Sheer determination from the D's quickly cut the Holt advantage. Scrum half Louis Stevens spotted a gap and chipped the ball through, and a fumble at the back allowed the Dagenham number 9 to fly hack the ball through and win the race for the touchdown. With about fifteen minutes left on the clock, this was surely to be the D's chance to finally snatch the lead. Holt had other ideas and showed great nerve and composure to claim another score. Their kicker made his only mistake of the afternoon by missing the conversion, but once more the D's found themselves trailing by 12 points. The home side were also disrupted by injuries to Davis, Tom Waller and Kieran Clancy. However, their was still some drama left in this exciting match. With only 3 minutes left on the clock, Perry Lock made a searing break on the left wing and cut back inside, keeping the ball alive. It was quickly recycled and fed to Hobden who showed great power to step out of a couple of tired looking tackles to score in the left hand corner. The D's knew they had to do something virtually from the kick off if they were going to force extra time, and with virtually the last play they thought they had. From a lineout in the Holt 22, Ben Fowler picked out Daryl Keen who fed Louis Stevens, who in turn hit Hobden and the Dagenham pivot rashed the ball into the midfield. The ball came back to the blindside to Chris Carpenter who hit the line at pace and made a break for the corner, he offloaded and the ball seemed to be tapped back by a Holt hand where an alert Sean Clarke scooped up the ball and galloped home. Dismay though as the referee brought the play back, for a Dagenham knock on. This was the last hurrah for Dagenham as Holt cleared their lines to immense relief.
this was an exceelent game of rugby between two fiercely competitive and well drilled teams. Congratulations to Holt who deserved their win on the day, by making the better of their chances, best wishes to them for the next round. Dagenham will be left to look at what might have been. they played some exceptional rugby and outscored their opponents by 5 tries to 4, but must learn quickly to cut out the silly mistakes, and get their penalty count lower. Next week, Dagenham host unbeaten league leaders South Woodham Ferrers.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Purton (Worthington), Waller (Harrison), Knowlden, Keen, Calverley, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Nelson, Argent, Davis (Griffiths), Clancy (Carpenter)
11th November 2006
Wanstead 17 - 25 Dagenham
Away Essex League One
Following last weeks dismal showing at Maldon, the newly promoted D's faced another tough road trip this week, as they travelled to Roding Lane to take on another of the title favourites Wanstead, a team who were plying their trade 2 divisions above the Central Park side last season.
Dagenham's preparation had been much better this week, and they took to the field kicking into the elements, clearly pumped up and looking to take the game to a very strong and well organised home team. It is fair to say that due to the wind, the Herons enjoyed much of the territory in the first period but could find no way through a rock solid Dagenham defence. The Wanstead pack were looking to exert some control, but despite their power and good technique were just about kept in check by a hard working Dagenham eight. Wanstead attacked the fringes with regularity, but found them well guarded. the D's had their moments in the first period. They kept the tempo fairly high and some nice breaks from the back row kept the home side on their toes. It was Wanstead however who took the lead just before the break when a well executed catch and drive saw them crash over for a converted score. The half time whistle went with the D's 7-0 down, but not too despondant, as the level of performance had been good and they now had the elements in their favour.
Dagenham came racing out of the traps for the second period and were soon on the board. The outstanding Wes Calverley, playing at openside flanker, made another superb break, beating a couple of men before showing his midfield skills to draw the last man and put in number eight Jimmy Roberts for his fifth try of the season. The score clearly bouyed the visitors and they could sense a chance of the points. The D's were finally playing the type of rugby they had been looking for. Willing runners from the forwads setting good phases for the ball to be moved to a dangerous back line. This was certainly the case for the next try as the ball was moved through the hands before full back Kieran Clancy made the extra man and fed left wing Perry Lock who touched down. Frustratingly for Dagenham, the score didn't herald a watershed, it actually woke up the home side and they executed another superb rolling maul to reclaim the lead. However, Dagenham are built of strong stuff and they regrouped and set about getting back into the game. The front five were starting to get a little more joy at scrum time and it wasn't long before they claimed the lead. Again, good hands in the backs saw the ball moved to Simon Argent, who straightened the line and fed Clancy who claimed the score. At 15-12, the game was on a knife edge, and the next score would be crucial. Wanstead were still offering a lot, particularly through their impressive scrum half, who had been lively all day, but the D's kept Wanstead pinned back with some long range kicking and a great chase up by the visitors saw Wanstead penalised for not releasing the ball. Skipper Ben Fowler had no hesitation in electing to take a shot at goal and Louis Stevens obliged to give the visitors a 6 point cushion. At this point Dagenham had to endure a rough ten minutes. The referee, who had an excellent game, finally lost patience with persistent infringements at the ruck area, and sent Tom Waller to the bin for ten minutes. With an extra man int he pack, Wanstead came back very hard, and had a succession of penalties close to the Dagenham line, but fantastic defence held them out, and when Billy Nelson pinched a ball in the tackle and hoofed downfield, relief turned to joy. Another fantastic chase saw the ball turned over on the deck and it was popped out to Argent who went over the line. Stevens fantastic conversion pushed the score out to 25-12 and the D's were almost home. To their immense credit, Wanstead again came back and pinched a score with the last play, although there were one or two puzzled looks as both Calverley and Fowler felt they had got under the ball. However, it was not to matter, as the final whistle sounded straight after to ensure the D's held on for a memorable victory.
With four wins from six games now, the D's can be very pleaed with their start. More players are to return from injury inthe next couple of weeks, which will be crucial to them maintaining a strong showing in this league. Next week sees cup action as the D's welcome Eastern Counties One side Holt to Central Park for a 2pm kick off in the EDF Junior Vase Round 3.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Worthington (Purton), Waller, Knowlden, Keen, Calverley, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Nelson, Argent, Davis, Clancy (Carpenter); Sub: Harrison
4th November 2006
Maldon 40 - 13 Dagenham
Away Essex League One
Dagenham travelled to Maldon on Saturday still missing three key players, but in good heart to face another established Essex One side. In perfect conditions the hosts kicked off and met very little resistance from an uncharacteristically poor Dagenham side. The visitors could not get their hands on the ball for an entire twenty minute period, and that combined with, at times, some woeful tackling, saw the home side run riot. They ran in four tries in quick time against a shell shocked Central Park side and it could have been more. Fortunately the D's managed to regroup and some good phases of play in the home 22 looked promising. Sean Clarke, Ben Fowler and Jimmy Roberts providing willing runners off of Louis Stevens. The pressure eventually told and Stevens kicked the first points of the afternoon. Unfortunately, the visitors did not build on this, and they again allowed the impressive Maldon outside half too much space to work his magic, which saw his side cross the line again before half time.
To their credit, the D's came out in the second half and took the game to the home side. A succession of penalties were tapped to keep the tempo high, and eventually Sean Clarke manged to force his way over in the corner. The next twenty minutes was played almost exclusively in the Maldon 22, but the D's again found out that sides at this level are not as forgiving in defence, and they were often found making bad decisions, or simply not executing the basics with any accuracy. As time wore on the Maldon side sensed that the game was over and managed to help themselves to a couple of tries on the break. The D's did manage to get the final say when they executed a good catch and drive from a lineout which saw Skipper Ben Fowler and scrum half Dicky Smith drive the ball over the line for the score.
The final score probably reflects an extremely poor first half from the D's where they were just not competitive enough in any area. They must play with greater passsion, self belief and accuracy otherwise they are going to find their very solid start to the season counting for little. Next week they travel to another of the early season pace setters Wanstead, in another tough clash.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Worthington, Waller (Harrison), Knowlden, Keen, Everitt (Purton), Roberts; Smith, Stevens, Lock, Hobden (Nelson), Argent, Davis, Carpenter
28th October 2006
May & Baker 8 - 48 Dagenham
Away EDF Energy Junior Vase Round 2
Dagenham made the short trip to May & Baker to take on their old rivals in the National Vase on Saturday. Preparation was good and the team seemed in confident mood as they attempted to put the disappointment of defeat the previous week behind them. Conditions were pretty good, except for a stiffish breeze which Dagenham had against them in the first period.
The game kicked off and Bakers immediately showed their intentions. Some sloppy defence from the kick off allowed the home centres of Maudsley and Locke to combine and they made a threatening break down the left, the visitors saved by scrum half Louis Stevens fine covering tackle. The D's, however, appeared to be at sixes and sevens. The large home pack were dominating the early exchanges and they took a deserved lead when they drove from a five metre scrum and number eight Dave Scawthorne touched down. Despite being aware of the threat that Bakers posed, the D's did nothing to coutner it and found themselves a try down within the first few minutes. Thankfully this did spur the D's into life. Keeping the tempo high they built several nice phases of play in the Bakers 22 before Stevens superb cross field kick found Phil Crawley out on the left who touched down. This settled the visitors down and they were soon in front when a rehearsed move from a lineout allowed Jimmy Roberts to crash over on the blindside. Bakers reduced the gap to 2 points soon after when Lee Dyers' sweetly struck long range penalty made the score 10-8. Again Dagenham came back hard. The forwards were now finding a bit more control at the set piece, and their mobility around the park ensured that they were winning a lot of the breakdowns. This gave Stevens good quality quick ball to work with and when he moved it the backs always looked threatening. John Hobden was next on the scoresheet as he carved through to score under the posts. He converted his own score for 17-8 and soon afterwards Roberts showed fantastic support to take a pass off of Hobden for his second of the game. Hobdens kick made it 24-8 at the break. The mood was upbeat in the visitors camp as they felt they had really come into the game after the early struggles.
Bakers came out again at the start of the second period and played with great tenacity and passion and the D's again struggled to really pull away despite having the territory and posession. At times their rugby was sublime and at times they were guilty of trying to beat one man too many and unecessarily slowing the ball up. The turning point came when man of the match Perry Lock looked to be in at the corner but was tackled unfairly as deemed by the referee. He awarded a penalty try which clearly deflated the home side. Hobden slotted the extras and this seemed to settle the D's down. More good phases from the forwards saw them get to within a couple of yards before Gary Knowlden crashed over. Hobden again successful with the kick. the forwards again combined for the next score. Sean Clarke broke away up the left wing and had support from Lock and Ben Fowler. He threw his pass back inside and missed both men, but fortunately the ever present Roberts was on hand and he scopped the loose ball up and fed Dave Purtn who neatly sidestepped the fullback to touch down. The final score of the game was again made by that man Lock who made another searing break on the left before feeding replacement full back Chris Carpenter who showed great strength to spin out of the tackle and touch down for a very deserved try.
The final whistle went with no more scoring and the D's were thankful to come through a very tough game and take their place in the next round. Bakers never stopped fighting to the end and played with enormous spirit. Despite running in eight tries, there were elements of the D's game that will need a lot of work on in training before next weeks visit to Maldon
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler, Purton (Worthington), Harrison (Waller), Knowlden, Keen, Crawley, Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Calverley, Argent, Nelson, Clancy (Carpenter). Sub: Davis
21st October 2006
Dagenham 5 - 24 Billericay
Home Essex League 1
After a fine start to their campaign in Essex One, division new boys Dagenham came up against second placed Billericay in a contest between two unbeaten sides. The clash had been eagerly awaited by most within the club and despite Billericay being many peoples favourites to claim the title, the Central Park men were in confident mood.
Preparation on the day was solid enough, despite losing the influential Steve Tucker to a midweek training injury, and the game got under way with the D's electing to play into the elements in the first period. The opening twenty minutes were very even. Both sets of forwards tore into each other and it developed into a fascinating, evenly balanced contest all afternoon. The wind made the lineout tricky, but both sides did extremely well to gain pretty clean posession. Dagenham would have been fairly happy with how things were going, but suffered a couple of pieces of bad fortune. First they conceded the opening score, when Billericays lively scrum half darted through a gap and was able to offload in the tackle. After a couple of sets of play, the ball was moved to the left and a score in the corner. The kick was slotted and the D's were forced into a reshuffle soon after, when they lost in form full back Kieran Clancy to an ankle injury. Despite the setback and playing into a strong breeze the home side made several useful looking forages into enemy territory and were guilty of making bad decisions on a couple of occasions that definitely cost them scoring opportunities. The mood didnt improve when virtually on half time, they conceded a try to a Billericay catch and drive. Annoyingly, the home side were well aware of how effective and well organised the visitors were at this, yet didnt take the steps to prevent it. Howver, despite a half time reverse of 14-0, the D's were in fairly confident mood, and had played solidly in the first period.
Although they had the advantage of the conditions in the second period, the home side didn't really get out of second gear in the opening exchanges, and were not able to exert the sort of control on the game they would have liked. The Dagenham tight five continued to battle hard against their opposite numbers, and this was allowing some half breaks. Particularly from the impressive Phil Crawley, on his return from injury, and Billy Nelson, whos hard running was giving the Billericay defence plenty to think about. Try as they might, Dagenham could find no way through the excellent defence and were in further trouble, when some intelligent kicking got Billericay to within five metres of the D's line. The inevitable catch and drive occurred and once it was set, the D's were powerless to prevent the score. At 19-0, Dagenham then went on to play some of their most effective rugby. The forwards worked some excellent phases in the Billericay 22, and after sucking in the defence men over on the left allowed Crawley to nip in at the corner. The difficult touchline kick was just missed by John Hobden, but the rousing nature of the play gave some belief to the home side. Billericay had other ideas and calmed the play down before delivering the killer blow. A hopeful kick was put through and some indecision combined with some hard chasing allowed the score. The game played out with no further score and the D's looked fairly dejected at the final whistle, a mark of how far they have come this season.
Billericay are without a doubt a fine side in this division, the D's though must take the positives from the game and learn the lessons. Despite the quality of the opposition, the four tries conceded were avoidable, and they must lose the habit of affording opposition at this level too much respect. That being said it has been an excellent start to the campaign for the Central Park side and they must move on from this game bigger and stronger. League action takes a break next weekend, when the D's make the short trip to May & Baker for the second round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase. It is sure to be a blood & thunder cup tie.
Dagenham: Clarke, Dowler, Worthington, Waller (Harrison), Knowlden, Keen, Crawley (Griffiths), Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Calverley, Argent, Davis, Clancy (Nelson)
14th October 2006
Upper Clapton 15-27 Dagenham
Away Essex League 1
Gradually returning to full strength the D's travelled to Upper Clapton on Saturday in what turned out to be a fiercely contested, highly charged physical contest.
In what were ideal conditions for rugby, Dagenham kicked off with a slight breeze at their backs. The home side were very well drilled and probably one of the biggest sides the D's had encountered in some time. That said, the pack fronted up superbly and were awesome in both set piece and at the contact area. They edged in front about fifteen minutes into the game. Lineout ball was one and Jimmy Roberts managed to charge up the blindside for an unconverted score. The touchdown clearly lifted the men from Central Park, and their pack continued to toil manfully, gaining great quality posession. The vision of half backs Louis Stevens and John Hobden was excellent and the home side were having to defend hard to contain the powerful and direct running of midfielders Wes Calverley and Simon Argent and the pace and angles of the Dagenham back three of Perry Lock, Neil Davis and Kieran Clancy. Everytime the D's moved the ball wide they looked threatening, and it was no surprise when they got another score. Clancy entering the line at pace from full back to touch down in the left corner for his fourth score of the season. With their tails now up, Dagenham managed to notch up another unocnverted score before the break. A massive scrum from the D's eight shoved the Upper Clapton backwards and as the ball squirted out messily, blind side Daryl Keen was quickest to react and he showed great awareness to feed a beautiful long pass out to Lock who had too much pace for the covering defence. Half time 15-0 and so far so good.
The second period started well for the D's and they were soon further in front. The forwards punched several holes in the home defence before fly half Hobden floated a sublime pass out to Neil Davis on the right wing, who pinned his ears back and flew in at the corner. At 20-0 the visitors appeared to be cruising, but from here the game got very scrappy. The physical nature of the contest had threatened to boil over several times, and after Wes Calverley made a fine break and chipped ahead he was felled. This prompted a bit of pushing and shoving from both sets of players which resulted in a player from either side being awarded a ten minute rest. The D's appeared a little rattled, when they had no need to be. Upper Clapton came back hard, using their big men to tie in defenders and wear out the Dagenham defence. The Central Park men defended superbly making some huge hits, but over the course of the half they conceded three close quarter tries. The net result being that with 3 minutes left on the clock their lead had been reduced to just 5 points and the Home side could sense a remarkable comeback. Dagenham composed themselves from the kick off and to immense relief gained a penalty from the restart. Skipper Ben Fowler elected to take a shot at goal, and Louis Stevens struck the kick well but it fell just short. A hurried clearance from the home side was regathered, but superb work by the D's pack turned the ball over on the right hand side, and from the base of the ruck, scrum half Stevens spotted an opening on the blind side and sprinted clear of the cover defence to go in under the posts. His conversion was regulation and that was the final play of the afternoon.
This was one of the hardest games the D's have had in a long time, the game was a close run thing in the end, but this was a difficult place to visit, and the final result was reward for a superb all round team effort. 3 wins from 3 is a fantastic start, but the D's will have to raise their game even further, as they entertain one of the Divisions most fancied teams next week, when Billericay visit Central Park.
Dagenham: Clarke, Fowler (C), Worthington, Tucker, Knowlden (Harrison), Keen, Griffiths (Waller), Roberts; Stevens, Hobden, Lock, Calverley (Nelson), Argent, Davis, Clancy
30th September 2006
Dagenham RUFC 13-0 Writtle Wanderers
Home Essex League 1
The D's entered Saturdays battle with old friends Writtle still minus a lot of players. The pack caused the problem with no less than six locks and back row missing including their four main lineout men.
Writtle too had their injury problems, but they are a talented side who gave a highly charged display and drove hard at the D's right until the end. An injury in the D's engine room midway through the first period gave even more problems to an already depleted pack and meant that tighthead Bill Worthington had to switch to the unaccostomed position of second row. Everybody stepped upto the mark though, particularly Tom Waller who has been impressive this season in his new role of prop. Saturday saw him in his old role of flanker and he was outstanding. A commanding presence all over the pitch and proving himself to be a very useful lineout jumper. The D's probably had the better of the first period but could find no way though a stubborn Writtle defence. With the last play of the first half, the Writtle open side was binned for an offence at the ruck, and from the resulting penalty, John Hobden slotted the kick over to give the D's a slender 3-0 half time advantage.
The D's used their numerical advantage to great advantage in the first ten minutes of the second period. The forwads sucked their opposite numbers in on the blind side and when the ball was moved wide Perry Lock finished expertly on the left wing. Soon after they were on the board again. Louis Stevens spotted a gap and raced away. With men over he fed the ball to Hobden, who drew his man and fed Neil Davis who raced away to score in the corner. Chances were few and far between after that. Skipper Ben Fowler was first to eract to a dropped Writtle pass and hacked through, but the second kick was too heavy and the ball went dead. Writtle came back very hard. Some intelligent play forced the D's to think on their feet, but the defensive effort was superb, and didnt allow the visitors through.
The final whistle brought immense relief to the home side. Their second win of the season a great testimony to the strength and character of the squad. They next travel to Upper Clapton in a fortnights time, hopefully with some better news on the injury front.
23th September 2006
Ilford Wanderers 17 - 32 Dagenham
Away Essex League 1
Dagenham kicked off their Essex 1 campaign with a fine victory on Saturday that owed much to character and fitness as anything else.
Travelling to Ilford with a severely depleted squad due to injury, illness and holidays, the preparation was good but the start was disasterous. The D's kicked off into a slight breeze and appeared to set their intentions when the outstanding Kevin Everitt dumped the Ilford loosehead with an almighty hit from the kick off. However, rather than rally round the play, the Dagenham side admired their opensides work and allowed Ilford to spin the ball wide where some slick hands allowed the home sides pacy full back to race in at the corner. The same man slotted a fine conversion to put the hosts 7-0 up. Things went from bad to worse for the Central Park side as a penalty from Ilford struck the upright but the home side were 1st to react and bundled the rebound over the line. The regulation conversion saw the D's 14-0 in arrears with a mountain to climb. Fortunately they started to grind out some field position and the error rate started to come down. The early nerves at their first game at this level seemed to be fading and they were unlucky not to get on the board after a couple of near misses from fly half Louis Stevens. Ilford couldn't keep the visitors at bay for long however and after the forwards pinched an Ilford scrum against the head the ball was moved quickly to the left wing where Perry Lock finished expertly. Stevens and the Ilford full back exchanged penalties to leave the half time score 17-8. Disappointing for the D's but they felt they were in the game given their poor start.
What followed in the second period was superb. Gaining in confidence the D's played with far more fluency and really imposed themselves on Ilford. The forwards were gaining control. Taking many balls against the head in the scrum, and despite missing key lineout man Steve Tucker, gained secure lineout ball from Everitt and Daryl Keen for the backline to work with. The forwards grabbed the next score. A catch and drive took them 15 metres to the line and skipper Ben Fowler crashed over, although Sean Clarke looked to have got the final grounding on the ball. The conversion was slotted to leave the D's just two points behind and with their tails up. From here the D's really took the game to the home side. Scrum half Dicky Smith marshalled the pack superbly and his decision making was a key strength all afternoon. Within 5 minutes the D's were able to gain a lead they never looked like surrendering. The ball was spun across the midfiled and it reached right wing Jordan Wigham who's deft chip allowed full back Kieran Clancy to continue his purple patch and gather the ball to sprint round under the posts. The conversion was added and it seemed to visibly deflate the home side. The next try came from the persistance of Everitt who forced the ball free in contact and hacked forward the ball was gathered by simon Argent who set off for the line. great support play from Everitt and Jimmy Roberts allowed the ball to be retained, and it was popped up to West Calverley who muscled his way out of the tackle to dot down under the posts. There was still time for one last hurrah, superb vision from Smith saw him box kick into wide open space on the blind side and inside centre Calverley was able to gather and race away to the line. Stevens completed the job and the D's were home and dry.
A fantastic afternoon in front of a big crowd. The start was poor but when you consider the D's were without no less than 7 first team players, the victory shows that this squad is as strong as it has ever been.
Dagenham entertain last seasons rivals Writtle Wanderers in their first competitive outing at Central Park next Saturday. It should be a cracker
Dagenham: Clarke (Waller), Fowler, Worthington (Purton), Harrison, Knowlden, Griffiths (Keen), Everitt, Roberts; Smith, Stevens, Lock, Calverley, Argent, Wigham, Clancy
16th September 2006
Saffron Walden 46-14 Dagenham
Away Friendly
The D's suffered a reality check when they ran into an excellent Walden side. 3 divisions separated the teams last season so it was always going to be a tough battle.
The Central Park side started slowly and conceded 3 tries to the slick home outfit before they could get their hands on the ball. To their credit they regrouped and came back, scrummaging expertly and taking several balls against the head but all too often making too many basic handling errors. Walden were adept at punishing these and the D.s realised you cannot be sloppy at this level.
The second half showing was much improved, Dagenham continued to compete superbly at the set piece and they looked more threatening in attack. Full back Kieran Clancy capped another great display with a superb try and scrum half Louis Stevens scored an opportunist effortm both conversions were slotted by John Hobden
The final score certainly reflected the home sides superiority but the D,s battled hard and learnt some lessons. With 5 to return to the squad in the next week or so the future still looks bright
9th September 2006
Dagenham RUFC 20 - 5 Cheshunt
Friendly at Central Park
Dagenham kicked off their 06/07 campaign with a fairly impressive performance on Saturday. Fielding 6 debutants it was pleasing to see how well the side was gelling by the end of the contest.
You could tell it was a first game for the D's by the way they started. A catalogue of errors from the kick off allowing Cheshunt good field position to set up a driving maul from a lineout, which the Dagenham pack were powerless to stop. They got over in the corner to leave the home side 5 points down inside a minute, and perhaps contemplating a long afternoon. However Dagenham raised their game considerably and for the rest of the first twenty minute period were in the ascendancy. Some good phase play from an orchestrated move looked like it would produce a score but the ball got held up in the pass and skipper Ben Fowler was tackled just short of the line. The home side were not to be denied for long though. A penalty was awarded just to the left of the posts and a quick tap from Daryl Keen saw the back rower burst through several tackles to touch down. The conversion was missed but the score clearly lifted the home side. The forwards were scrummaging superbly and providing good clean ball for the new half back pairing of Louis Stevens and John Hobden to work with and they ombined beuatifully to release a menacing looking backline. Going into the second quarter, the Dagenham side made a few changes but looked no less threatening, and they edged in front when some slick interplay in the backs saw Simon Argent release Billy Nelson who burst through at pace to touch down. The last period started scruffily, but towards the end Dagenham really upped their game. Hobden was finding real space to work in and was releasing runners all over the park which the visitors were struggling to contain. The pace and power of Nelson was a real handful and he was very unlucky not to release Argent for a score after a fine midfield break. The forwards grabbed the next score as the back row broke in the right hand corner from another solid scrum and Keen fed number eight Jimmy Roberts who touched down for a deserved score after a fine afternoons work. Dagenham rounded off the scoring in fine style. It was another excellent platform from the pack that provided the backs with clean ball. It was moved swiftly through the hands and that man Nelson was again involved, carving through the midfield to release full back Kieran Clancy who finished expertly in the corner.
Rather disappointingly the final quarter was not played, as Cheshunt had picked up a few injuries, especially as the D's were really looking strong at this point, but all in all a very good first workout and lots of positives to come out of the afternoon. Dagenham travel to Saffron Walden next Saturday in a final warm up game before the league season kicks off.
Dagenham Squad: Sean Clarke, Ben Fowler (c), Bill Worthington, Dave Charles, Gary Knowlden, Daryl Keen, James Griffiths, Jimmy Roberts, Louis Stevens, John Hobden, Perry Lock, Wes Calverley, Bill Nelson, Neil Davis, Simon Argent, Dave Purton, Chris Carpenter, Matt Harrison, Kieran Clancy
Scorers: Keen (T), Nelson (T), Roberts (T), Clancy (T)