Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2008-2009
28th March 2009
Crusaders RFC 10 - 23 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
Match Reports by Ben Fowler
NEW SEASON 2008-2009
28th March 2009
Crusaders RFC 10 - 23 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
A superb Perry Lock hat trick helped Dagenham overcome a difficult hurdle in their quest to ensure another season in London Four NE.
After a difficult journey, when some wayward driving saw the team arrive late after a tour of Norfolk, the start was predictably slow. Some disappointing defence allowed the Crusaders lively scrum half to scamper home to give the hosts a 5-0 lead within minutes. Dagenham had first use of the gusting wind, in what were difficult conditions, but were struggling to gain any real rhythm. Lock sprang into the action, expertly grounding the ball after hacking through to put the D's on level terms, but, straight from the kick off, confusion in the defence saw another soft try conceded. At this point, it looked like it would be a long afternoon. The Central Park side fought back hard and built some good field position, but, were often found wanting when it came to the final pass. The pressure created two kick able opportunities for Simon Foster, which he duly dispatched to give the D's a half time lead of 11-10.
The home side came out guns blazing, looking to use the advantage of the wind, but, after sorting a few things out at half time, the D's were well prepared, and, produced a very good forty minutes of rugby. They defended very well, and played smartly to keep the ball in hand. The discipline in the 22 was superb and they didn't give the home side any real opportunity to score. As the D's worked their way down field, using a tight driving game to keep ball in hand, they grew in confidence. A good drive from skipper Ben Fowler saw him held up over the line, but, from the resulting scrum the ball was moved to Lock who completed his brace. With plenty of time on the clock, the 5 point cushion looked to be a slender one, but the D's continued to play sensibly. The pack put in some real yards, expertly marshalled by Louis Stevens at scrum half, while the backs ran decisively with ball in hand. A couple of trademark shuddering hits from Neil Davis halted some would be attacks, and the midfield duo of Simon Argent and John Hobden flew up in their opponents faces, preventing them from gaining any ground.. As play moved into the last ten minutes, a quick tap penalty from Hobden on half way put the home side on the back foot. Hobden moved the ball wide to the inform James Roberts and he the Dagenham number eight made good yardage before feeding Neil Covell. Covell straightened beautifully before timing his pass to perfection, allowing Lock to sprint home and under the posts, for what was the try of the game. Foster slotted the kick, to give the D's breathing space. The visitors managed to wind down the clock, with the forwards continuing to make surges into the tiring home teams half. Jordan Wigham making good yardage, while flankers Kevin Everitt and James Griffiths put in some huge work around the ruck. The last five minutes saw a series of scrums with the Dagenham eight shoving the Crusaders off the ball two or three times.
The final whistle went, with great delight for the visiting D's. After a slow start, and despite the game being scrappy at times, they produced a very controlled, smart second half performance to claim a vital victory. The returning Dave Purton added some real solidity to the scrum, Ian Semain stepping in at second row had a great afternoon, while Stewart Ali continues to have a superb season. Two more games to go for the D's in what has been a tough season, but a season that will have taught them a lot, and will hopefully stand them in good stead for things to come.
High flying Ipswich are the visitors to Central Park next Saturday, in what is the D's last home game of the season.
7th March 2009
South Woodham Ferrers RFC 21 - 5 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
Despite the scoreline, Dagenham produced a very battling display at Saltcoats on Saturday, and arguably, played some of their best rugby since the turn of the year.
Conditions were pretty good for rugby, although the pitch was slightly heavy underfoot. The D's started brightly, working hard at the ruck to prevent the lively Woodham back row from turning over ball. Dagenham were asking questions of the home defence, but, the hosts proved why they are genuine promotion candidates this year, as a forced Dagenham offload led to SWF sweeping into counter attack mode and running 80 metres to touch down courtesy of their impressive number 7. The home fly half dispatched the conversion and Woodham doubled their advantage soon after, touching down after a period of pressure in the D's 22. Dagenham came back hard and showed lots of effort but could find no way through a well marshalled home defence.
The D's upped their work rate in the second period and continued to pressure the home side. Centres Paul Roberts and John Hobden made a number of telling breaks, but, whenever the D's made a half break they could not keep the momentum going and often killed the move at a key moment. Finally, Roberts was rewarded for his hard working performance, holding off several defenders to score out wide. Simon Foster was unable to convert, but, with 15 minutes left, the D's felt they were still in with a shot. The home side though closed out the game in professional manner, and weight of numbers allowed them to grab a last minute score.
This was an enjoyable game of rugby played in good spirit. South Woodham are without doubt one of the top sides in the league and the D's, without several players, battled superbly. The performance of the centres was impressive, while the back row of Roberts (J), Semain and Everitt had big games.
A vital home game against Wymondham is next on the agenda for the D's, next Saturday, 3pm ko.
21st February 2009
Dagenham RUFC 27 - 26 Basildon RFC
Home - London Four North East
For the second game in a row, Dagenham put their supporters and coaches through touchline torture, before snatching the points with the last play of the game in this vital London Four NE clash. It was a remarkable fightback from the Central Park side who looked to be down and out at 26-11 down with ten minutes left.
A spare weekend and the weather meant that Dagenham had been without a game since their last game against Beccles, and for much of the game they produced a rusty disjointed performance. The visitors took the lead, their skippers reliable boot punishing Dagenham for an indiscretion at a ruck. The home side came back with some decent passages of play before scrum half John Hobden and inside centre Paul Roberts linked nicely, and it was the latter man who sprinted home behind the posts to allow Simon Foster a regulation conversion. Dagenham had engineered the score by upping the pace of the game. However, further indiscipline allowed Basildon to kick themselves into a 9-7 lead at the break.
The D's grabbed the lead fairly soon after the break, some good driving play into the corner allowing Ben Fowler to pick up and drive for the line. The skipper stayed on his feet well in the tackle, and the pack did superbly to drive him over the line. The conversion fell short, and Dagenham's advantage lasted all of 30 seconds, conceding a very soft score from the kick off. The score seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the D's and Basildon added two more scores out wide to seemingly take the game away from the home side. One thing that this Dagenham team does well though is keep playing to the finish. Bill Nelson finished well to pull the score back to 26-16 and with only five minutes left Foster burst through under the posts, converting his own score to leave the hosts two points adrift. The climax was as tense as could be, the D's driving hard at a tiring Basildon defence, before being awarded a penalty just inside the Basildon half but Central. Foster stepped up, struck it sweetly and the ball hit both the post and the crossbar twice before dropping over to give the D's a dramatic win.
The performance wasn't pretty, there is much to work on, but a win is a win, and it is something further for the D's to build on. Some of the pattern play was good, the running in the backs good, while the set piece was very good, the pack taking numerous strikes against the head.
Dagenham have yet another week off next week before visiting South Woodham Ferrers.
31st January 2009
Dagenham RUFC 15 - 14 Beccles RUFC
Home - London Four North East
Four penalties and a drop goal from the boot of fly half Simon Foster were enough to seal a dramatic but vital win for Dagenham against inform 3rd placed Beccles at the weekend.
The Suffolk side had strung together several good wins and crept quietly into 3rd spot in the league, while a further spate of injuries and unavailabilities had meant that Dagenham had dipped somewhat of late. Again on Saturday, the D's had to reshuffle their team. Returning back row man Bill Davis stepped upto lock with Jordan Wigham switching from lock to number eight and John Hobden continuing to deputise at scrum half.
Dagenham prepared well for the game and started brightly. There was a strong wind blowing across Central Park and Beccles had the slight avantage in the first period. They used this to good effect, punishing Dagenham indiscipline on 3 occasions with well struck penalties. Dagenham were not prepared to lie back though and they worked hard. The pack put in a solid afternoons work, the front row of Sean Clarke, Ben Fowler and Bill Worthngton toiling manfully against their opponents. Davis and Ian Semain were imperious on the floor, and Jordan Wigham, Gary Knowlden and James Griffiths provided willingness to carry the ball all day. Hobden at scrum half grew in stature from the first whistle and as the half progressed the D's looked more dangerous. With just a minute to go before the break, Paul Roberts made a typically incisive, physical burst through the midfield but was held up just short. The ball was quickly recycled and moved left where West Calverley was just bundled into touch by good scrambling Beccles defense. Dagenham held the penalty advantage though and Foster slotted the ball between the uprights to leave the score at 9-3 at the break.
Despite talking up the need to build on a good first half showing, Dagenham made a worryingly typical start to the second half, allowing the visitors to come hard at them. Beccles moved the ball effectively through the hands and were able to score out wide. The conversion was missed, but the score had left the D's with the proverbial mountain to climb. Despite the arrears, there appeared something about the D's attitude this week, and after a rallying call from Fowler, they set about reducing the arrears.. The backs were looking sharp and the visiting defense was finding it harder to contain Roberts and Calverley, and when the ball was moved wide the back three of Lock, Nelson and Covell went close on a couple of occasions. Still the impressive Beccles defense stood firm, but a beuatifully struck Foster drop goal reduced the gap slightly. The continued Dagenham pressure led to more and more penalties and two more efforts from Foster got Dagenham to within two points with five minutes on the clock. The momentum was with the home side, and after a series of close drives, the visitors were again penalised for offside and Foster, who had his best game in a Dagenham shirt, stepped up to slot the kick. With less than a minute on the clock, the D's were able to hold on and claim a hard fought win.
This result will have done a lot for morale. The league is extremely tight, margins are small, and with seven games to go, there really isn't much separating fourth place and bottom three. Dagenham will have a well earned break next weekend, before another huge test when they travel to Willowbrook on Valentines Day to face Billericay.
24th January 2009
West Norfolk RUFC 25 - 8 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
Dagenham's longest trek of the season ended in defeat on Saturday, and left the Central Park side hovering precariously above the relegation zone..
A strong squad, albeit one stripped to the bare bones, made the journey to King's Lynn on Saturday, and perfect conditions on the day saw both sides produce an entertaining encounter.
Dagenham started well again, and were soon into the lead via a Simon Foster penalty. Dagenham continued to press and some powerful surges notable from centres Paul Roberts and West Calverley stretched the home defense. However, just when it appears the D's were gaining the upper hand, a series of unforced errors gave the hosts good field position. Some excellent D's defense ensued, with skipper Ben Fowler, holding one effort up over the line, but from an attacking scrum, the home outside half stepped and jinked his way through for a converted score, to make it 7-3 at the break.
Dagenham didn't do themselves much justice in the second half. Plenty of endeavour, but little end product. Back rowers James Griffiths and James Roberts made some incisive surges and Calverley continued to make good ground, but the D's never really looked like producing the score they needed. Wests stretched their lead with two more tries, one converted, and their fly half added a penalty and drop goal to take the game away from the D's. Frustratingly, Dagenham played some of their best rugby in the final ten minutes and scored a superb try, ball moved quickly through the hands to left wing Perry Lock who finished superbly from long range.
The final score of 25-8 was fair reflection on an afternoon where the D's played well in patches but lacked the consistency to win the game. Plus points must be that the D's displayed a never say die attitude once more, and the performance of the back three of Lock, Neil Covell and Bill Nelson was excellent.
Next week Dagenham entertain Beccles in another vital London Four NE fixture.
10th January 2009
Dagenham RUFC 16 - 34 Colchester RUFC
Home - London Four North East
That this fixture survived the cold snap was a success in itself, and after the referee deemed Dagenham's third XV pitch playable, two wholly committed teams commenced battle to produce a great contest that will have warmed the hardy souls on the touchline who had braved the freezing temperatures.
Make no mistake about it, Colchester are a fine side who play high tempo rugby, they are the benchmark of the division, but, while Dagenham showed massive guts and determination, they have to realise that an error count that high against the divisions leading team will be punished.
The home side were into their game quickly, kicking off and immediately turning ball over courtesy of Stewart Ali. The ball was dabbed into the corner and Colchester could only run the ball into touch. Dagenham produced a typically solid lineout and after a couple of phases were worked the referee penalised Colchester at the ruck and Simon Foster coolly slotted the kick to give the D's first blood. The visitors came back hard and two well struck penalties gave them the lead before Foster levelled up again for the D's. A ten minute spell of ill discipline was to cost Dagenham dear though, as two converted tries gave Colchester a 14 point lead in no time, the scores aided by a mounting penalty count and some fairly generous defending by the Central Park side. Foster pulled 3 points back before the break, but Dagenham still had a mountain to climb.
Dagenham took the game to the visitors after the break, but within five minutes they were further behind, miscommunication saw the ball go loose and the rapid Colchester backs needed no second invitation to run the ball home. The visitors highly impressive fly half boomed over yet another successful conversion to push the score out to 27-9. One bright spot for the D's was their complete refusal to lie down. Many teams have folded against the league leaders, but not the Central Park side. The forwards continued to provide excellent ball from the set piece and disrupted a fair amount of Colchester ball, taking a couple of scrums against the head and pilfering some good lineout ball. The backs were running hard at their counterparts, and Louis Stevens, who had a fine game, made a couple of telling breaks. Colchester still threatened, their hard running locks and number eight made good ground and linked well with their lively back three. Neil Davis for Dagenham, working overtime to make several massive hits to halt a number of attacks. The home side finally got the score that their efforts deserved. Foster chipping over the defensive line and after the ball bounced back off the post, Paul Roberts was quick enough to be able to pick up and dive over. Foster completed the conversion to bring the score back to 27-16. As play entered the last minute, Dagenham, trying to force the game allowed Colchester to sneak in out wide for a final converted score.
Dagenham, whilst obviously disappointed with the result, will be heartened by the commitment shown. They now have a week off and several training sessions to prepare themselves for the long trip to West Norfolk on Saturday the 24th, in what is a huge fixture for both teams.
20th December 2008
Upminster RFC 29 - 20 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
An injury ravaged and patched up Dagenham ended 2008 in defeat at local rivals Upminster, in a thrilling pre-Christmas tussle at Hall Lane.
The hosts elected to play up the considerable slope and into the wind, and may have been questioning this decision as the visitors swiftly moved into a 13 point lead. Neil Covell finished well on the left wing after a good burst from Paul Roberts and a typical bullocking run from Sean Clarke. This was closely followed by a score from Jack Pearce after both Stewart Ali and Ben Fowler made good ground up the blind side. A Simon Foster penalty took the score to 13-0. The home side worked their way back into the contest, in what was a poor period for the D's, two scores courtesy of their big runners bringing the score to 13-12 at the break.
D's had a great start to the second period when a set penalty move saw James Roberts crash over under the sticks leaving Foster a simple conversion. Upminster then got two pushover scores with the D's under pressure from the much heavier home pack. With 6 points in it the D's came back hard and had some great chances to score, with a try also harshly disallowed. However they could not find the killer move to claim the win, and the home side stretched their lead with a penalty.
Although disappointed, the Central Park side battled manfully. West Calverley stood out with some telling hits.
There is much to build on in 2009
6th December 2008
Ipswich RFC 7 - 8 Dagenham RUFC
Away - London Four North East
A Paul Roberts try from the last play of the game ensured that one of Dagenhams best performances for some time ended with a superb away victory at promotion favourites Ipswich.
Consecutive league defeats and a mounting injury list could have meant that Dagenham approached this difficult game with some trepidation, but this squad has an enormous amount of heart, and they delivered a performance full of passion and commitment in front of their sponsor Derek Johnson.
The visitors started brightly, taking the game to the home side. The pack got through an enormous amount of work and displayed great technique and huge effort against their much larger opponents. The backs ran and tackled hard all day, and the pressure applied early on soon led to a kick able opportunity which fly half Simon Foster confidently dispatched. The home side came back well and they stretched the D's defense before some nice offloading play saw their outside centre go over out wide. The conversion was added to leave the score at 7-3. Both sides went hard at each other for the remainder of the half, but their were no more real clear cut scoring opportunities and the D's went in at the interval four points in arrears but confident that they could turn the game around.
Dagenham came out fired up at the start of the second period but could not turn territory and possession into points and Ipswich worked their way back into the contest. They had a ten minute period camped on the Dagenham line, but could find no way through some well marshaled defense and the D's were able to clear their lines and go on the attack again. The forwards continued to be very competitive at scrum time with the front row having a storming afternoon, particularly Stewart Ali who had the game of his season against a far bigger opponent. The pack were bossed excellently by the returning Louis Stevens, and when the ball was moved wide Paul Roberts, West Calverley and Neil Davis all asked questions of the defense, which stood up very well to the challenge. Just when it was looking like all of the D's endeavour would end with nothing they tapped a penalty with the last play and after a couple of rucks the ball was moved to Roberts who held off three defenders to squeeze in at the corner, to spark mass celebrations from the visiting D's and leave the home side shell shocked. The kick fell short but the game was over and Dagenham had secured a memorable victory.
This was a great game of rugby, and Ipswich deserve lots of credit for their full part in an absorbing match. The D's win sees them move up into fifth place in a very tight league. Hopefully this will be the catalyst to them consolidating their position going into 2009. The whole squad should feel enormous pride as 1 to 18 contributed fully to a great day.
Next up for the D's is a home Essex Intermediate Cup Quarter Final against London Three North East side Braintree, next Saturday at 2pm.
29th November 2008
Dagenham RUFC 10 - 26 Canvey Island RUFC
Home - London Four North East
Dagenham suffered a second consecutive league defeat at the hands of a fired up Canvey side in what was a very disappointing afternoon at Central Park.
The afternoon started with an impeccably observed minutes silence as players and officials from all Dagenham sides and the travelling Canvey and Upminster players paid tribute to Barry Robinson, who sadly passed away last Sunday.
Dagenham had to make a host of changes again to their side as they attempt to contend with an ever increasing injury list, however they just didn't get out of second gear, and you could say it was one of those days where things just didn't click. Full credit must go to Canvey, who produced a very committed display and were just a bit sharper than the home side on the day.
The visitors opened the scoring after what had been a fairly bright start by Dagenham, their centre gliding over out wide after some fairly soft D's defense. The score brought life to the visitors and the soon added another. Despite a fairly decent scrum five yards out, Dagenham somehow coughed up possession at the back of the scrum and Canveys number eight was able to pounce on the loose ball to score. A well struck conversion gave the Islanders a handy 12 point lead. Dagenham gave themselves some hope before the break when they powered over out on the left to leave it 12-5 in Canveys favour at the interval.
Further re-shuffling was necessary at the break. Dagenham already without first choice half back Louis Stevens, saw Kieran Clancy depart and once again left wing stepped impressively into the breech. The visitors were in no mood to relent though, and in what seemed a very short space of time, had added another try from their impressive number eight. This was quickly followed by two penalties and a drop goal which effectively sealed the game. A small crumb of comfort for the home side was that they continued to take the game to the opposition, and James Griffiths grabbed a consolation score from the last play.
This was a thoroughly disappointing afternoon for the home side. They know they have the potential to compete well at this level, but they must learn some lessons pretty quickly and arrest this slip in form. Next week sees another tough encounter as the D's travel to Suffolk to take on second placed Ipswich.
22nd November 2008
Basildon RFC 5 - 30 Dagenham RUFC
Away - Essex Intermediate Cup R1
Despite missing numerous players, Dagenham prepared well for their debut in the Intermediate Cup and after a lively warm up appeared in good heart to meet the challenge of Basildon head on.
The D's produced one of their most disappointing displays of the season in the league here back in October, and if the first twenty minutes were anything to go by, clearly had not learnt their lessons. They allowed the home side far too much time and space on the ball which let them release their dangerous outside backs for a score in the right hand corner. Dagenham attempted to work their way back into the game and Simon Foster, who kicked well all afternoon in difficult conditions, slotted a penalty to reduce the gap. With the visitors starting to get into their stride, they managed to finally breach a well organised and hard working defence. Smart hands from West Calverley fed Perry Lock who played in Jordan Wigham, for the Dagenham number eight to show typical strength to barge his way over the line. Foster added the extras and soon after a well worked line out move saw Wigham thunder up the blind side before feeding Kevin Everitt for the score. Foster was again successful with the conversion and this gave Dagenham a half time lead of 17-5.
The first twenty minutes of the second period were a very scrappy affair, but the visitors exerted some control on proceedings. Their defensive line came up much quicker and they were more forceful at the breakdown, but skill levels were a bit off colour, leading to a stop-start contest. As the game entered its last quarter though, Dagenham enjoyed a period of good field position. A kick able penalty allowed Foster to nudge the visitors further in front, taking the tie away from the home side. With the game seemingly safe, the Central Park side opened up a little, and put some clear daylight between the sides. Another good set move from the line out allowed Wigham to crash over to complete a fine brace, and with the last play of the game, good continuity saw the ball kept alive and moved out to Perry Lock who finished well in what was another good all round display from the Dagenham left wing.
This wasn't the prettiest of games, but Dagenham had to make several changes again, and their were some strong performances. Stewart Ali excellent at prop, Dexter Devlin classy at full back, and the continued emergence of young back row talent Ian Semain a real bonus. It was a very good win at a tough place, and should act as a boost for next weeks tough encounter at home to Canvey Island in London Four North East.
15th November 2008
Dagenham RUFC 14 - 21 Upminster RFC
Home League - London Four North East
After the high of last weeks thrilling draw at Colchester, Dagenham were brought back down to earth at the weekend as Upminster edged the local derby at Central Park.
A sign of how far Dagenham have come can be measured by their disappointment at having lost this game to third place Upminster. To the neutral, it was an excellent game of rugby between two very well matched sides. However, Dagenham are learning, that mistakes at this level are costly, and the chances that come your way have to be taken.
Upminster struck first blood, their hard running number eight tapping a free kick and breaking along the touchline before feeding his supporting back row colleague who touched down. The U's fly half slotted the kick for a 7-0 lead. Dagenham were then dealt a further blow when influential scrum half Louis Stevens was forced from the field. Left wing Perry Lock stepped into the breach and had a fine afternoon. It was Lock who got the D's on terms, sniping through a half gap to touch down under the posts. Simon Foster added the conversion. Upminster continued to ask questions, their big runners hitting up hard, but Dagenham wethered the storm and had a couple of half chances themselves, skipper Ben Fowler and number eight James Roberts both going close, while Bill Nelson made a tremendous midfield break that struck fear into the visiting defence. The Upminster pack are a very strong unit, but, as the half wore on, the home side gained more than parity with them. Half time saw the scores locked at 7-7.
The Central Park side had the worst possible start to the second period. An Upminster scrum saw the D's put an almighty shove on, disrupting the ball, but the visitors were able to still move the ball wide where they created the extra man, and their pacey centre scampered home. A superb conversion re-established a 7 point lead. Undaunted, the D's came back again, and were soon on level terms. Quick ball off the top of the lineout saw inside centre John Hobden make good ground before the ball was moved back to the blindside and man of the match Nelson raced home. Foster was again successful, evening up the scores at 14-14. Dagenham's attempts to gain ascendancy though were hampered by a mounting penalty count and the referee grew impatient with the constant infringements, sending two of the home pack to the bin, one after each other. The twenty minutes at 14 men took its toll and Upminster created a winning try in midfield. The home side refused to lie down but they were unable to find a way through and Upminster hung on for the win.
A very good game, but the D's will feel a tinge of disappointment that they were unable to create a little more from the ball and territory they had. Upminster performed very well on the day and the two sides will do battle again in the return match at Hall Lane on the 20th December. For now, the D's can turn their attention to the Essex Intermediate Cup, and a visit to Basildon next weekend.
8th November 2008
Colchester RFC 19 - 19 Dagenham RUFC
Away League - London Four North East
Dagenham produced a fantastic second half display at the weekend, and by doing so, ended league leaders Colchesters 100% record. The Central Park men travelled to north Essex missing several regulars and with a couple of players out of position, but the squad looked strong and well balanced.
Colchester have a great set-up, and the weather, whilst not perfect held up sufficiently to provide adequate conditions for a free-flowing game of rugby, and both sets of players did not disappoint. The home side started at a furious pace, and showed why they have become the benchmark for the division so far. A willingness to attack from anywhere and with great speed saw them race into a 19-0 lead courtesy of 3 tries from their exciting back line, two of which were confidently converted by the fly half. At this point Dagenham were hanging on, and you wouldn't have risked too much money on a comeback, but, the hard working D's had other ideas. They adjusted their game plan, and managed to maintain a period of pressure in the home 22. Jordan Wigham, Sean Clarke and Tom Waller lead a series of powerful forward charges at the Colchester defence, and just before half time it was Clarke who bulldozed his way through to the right of the posts. Simon Foster added the conversion to give Dagenham a glimmer of hope at the break.
The second half got underway and Dagenham appeared to be growing in confidence. They were much quicker up in defence, not giving the pacey Colchester three quarters as much room to manouvre, and this forced errors in the home ranks both handling and penalties. The Dagenham pack performed superbly, taking the game to the home side, driving relentlessly in a bid to cut the lead. For the most part, Colchester held firm though, and just when it looked as though time was running out, James Griffiths tapped a quick penalty and charged through the defensive line for a deserved score. Foster completed the job and with ten minutes left, the Central Park side could sense an upset. Colchester admirably continued to move the ball wide, looking for any chance to release their wide runners, but they were met with determined defence from the D's, wings Perry Lock and Neil Davis both working overtime, while lock Gary Knowlden made a tremendous hit on the scrum half that visibly lifted the team. As the penalty count mounted, both sides lost a man to the sin bin, but with time running out there was still time for a final twist as momentum stayed with the visitors. A further series of penalties allowed them to kick for position and after a lineout was set, man of the match Clarke crashed through for the levelling score. A now silent crowd waited in anticipation as West Calverley stepped up for the conversion. The Dagenham vice skipper struck it sweetly but it fell just wide of the mark. There was still a minute left on the clock, but Dagenham snuffed out any chance of a Colchester fight back, and the referee brought a very exciting game to a close, with honours even and the points shares.
While the result saw Dagenham slip a place to 6th in the league, few would have expected this, and the reality is that one of the more daunting away trips has been negotiated with success. Hopefully this will give the Central Park men the confidence to push on in the division, they went toe to toe with the best side in the division and were great value for their point. There is very little separating many of the teams, so it is certainly all to play for.
The D's will certainly look forward to the return visit of the leaders in January. Colchester play an attacking brand of rugby that should be applauded, but worth noting also, is the attitude of their players and officials. They were quick to compliment Dagenham on their performance, the players being exceptionally gracious, and their officials were also very generous in their praise after the game. It was certainly appreciated by the visitors and showed them in a very good light.
Dagenham have another tough encounter next week, when third placed Upminster visit Central Park.
1st November 2008
Dagenham RUFC 5 - 3 West Norfolk RFC
Home League - London Four North East
Dagenham maintained an unbeaten home league record on Saturday that now stretches for a whole year, thanks to this hard fought victory in a great battle with West Norfolk. Both teams should be applauded for providing a pulsating contest in difficult conditions that deteriorated to atrocious by the time the game ended.
The visitors had the advantage of the wind in the first half, but despite some dangerous looking breaks, most notably from their very good outside centre, Dagenham had the majority of the territory. The home side attacked hard and the returning John Hobden made some very incisive breaks from inside centre, while the forwards were unlucky with a couple of well worked close quarter drives. The visitors led 3-0 at the break thanks to a well struck penalty.
The second half saw the rain and wind increase by some margin, and made conditions far more difficult to play in. The home side continued to press hard, while West Norfolk always looked capable of causing problems on the break, and the D's were grateful for some sterling defensive work, Dexter Devlin producing some great work, while wing Perry Lock ran and tackled to a standstill. The forwards continued to make good ground, Gary Knowlden having a great afternoon with ball in hand, scattering defenders on several powerful charges. Just as it looked as though their efforts would be in vain they found some space and moved the ball to the left wing, where Neil Covell finished well in the corner. A few minutes remained on the clock, but Dagenham were able to play out the remainder to claim a fine victory.
This performance again underlines just how hard Dagenham are prepared to work to establish themselves in this division. It is a tough league with little separating 2nd top from 2nd bottom. This was a great contest between two very well matched sides, and hopefully it will put Dagenham in good spirits for their toughest test yet, as they visit the divisions pacesetters next week, unbeaten league leaders Colchester.
25th October 2008
Beccles RFC 20 - 10 Dagenham RUFC
Away League - London Four North East
Dagenham's search for their first away win continues after defeat in Suffolk on Saturday.
In good conditions the visitors started brightly enough but from a decent attacking position they found themselves conceding possession for the ball to be moved swiftly through the hands for a converted score. Undaunted by this setback Dagenham continued to press hard and despite a couple of near penalty misses they were able to grab a score back, Kevin Everitt rewarded for his persistence. The good work was undone on the stroke of half time though as the home side grabbed a try after some sloppy play from the D's, leaving the score 12-5 at the break.
The second half began poorly for the D's, an unconverted try and a penalty, both scores again resulting from error from Dagenham when they had possession of the ball. From then though, they played their best period of the match. They scored out wide through Tom Clancy midway through the half, and for the final period dominated territory and possession, but could not turn pressure into points which was disappointing.
There was no shortage of heart all afternoon for the D's, and take nothing away from Beccles who were a well organised side with a strong pack, a lively back row and some pace in the backs, but at least 12 points came from Dagenham mistakes, and with the lions share of territory and possession, Dagenham will feel that they perhaps should have done a little better.
West Norfolk are the visitors to Central Park next Saturday.
Dagenham continue their league campaign next weekend at Basildon.
11th October 2008
Dagenham RUFC 26 - 5 Billericay RUFC
Home League - London Four North East
After a dismal display at Basildon last week, the D's put in a very impressive afternoons work to defeat Billericay at Central Park on Saturday.
In glorious conditions the D's took to the field in confident mood and determined to put a few things right. They started a little tentatively and found going quite tough against a very strong and well drilled Billericay pack. West Calverley settled the nerves with a penalty and midway through the half, Dagenham grabbed the first try of the afternoon. The ball was moved into midfield, where lock Gary Knowlden charged through before offloading to Paul Roberts, and Dagenhams powerful inside centre had enough pace and strength to hold off the defence to touch down. Two more well struck Calverley penalties gave Dagenham a handy 14-0 half-time lead.
The opening exchanges of the second half were keenly contested. Billericay are a very good side and they offered plenty of aggression in attack, but, they were met with a stonewall D's defence. Gradually Dagenham started to gain more momentum, and it led to the try of the game. Defending a scrum around 15 metres out, the Dagenham eight got a good shove on the visitors putting a lot of pressure on, leading to scrappy ball which was gratefully turned over by the home side, as the ball was moved swiftly through the hands, Simon Argent cut a beautiful line switching with wing Perry Lock who headed back into midfield where he fed opposite wing Neil Covell who finished beautifully. Billericay refused to lie down though and their excellent pack kept charging hard at the D's. The defence held up superbly, but eventually weight of numbers saw the visitors replacement prop squeeze over. Dagenham were determined to end a good afternoons work with the last say, and after a period of pressure on the Billericay line, Tom Clancy pounced on a loose ball to dart over the line. Fly half Simon Foster added the extras to put the seal on a fine victory.
The determination of the squad to succeed this week was a driving factor in this fine victory. One to eighteen performed on the day but the man of the match went to James Griffiths who put in a superb display at open-side. The win sees them move up to fifth in the league, and they now have a weeks rest before building for a tough away trip to Beccles when league action resumes on the 25th of October.
Dagenham continue their league campaign next weekend at Basildon.
4th October 2008
Basildon RFC 27 - 12 Dagenham RUFC
Away League - London Four North East
A lacklustre display from the D's saw them suffer defeat at Basildon on Saturday, with a very sloppy last twenty minutes handing a deserved victory to the home side, who played the conditions far better than the visitors. Dagenham will be bitterly disappointed with the result as they got themselves into a position to win the game.
Basildon had the slight advantage of the wind in the first half, which was gusting diagonally and they were first on the board, a long range run in through some fairly average defence, giving them a 7-0 lead (conversion added). Dagenham came back straight away, a neat link up between Louis Stevens and James Roberts saw the D's number eight power towards the line before offloading to the supporting Simon Argent to touch down. Basildon got back in front when indecision in the Dagenham 22 saw them concede a kick-able penalty. The Central Park side finished the half pretty strongly though, another good piece of work from Stevens saw him break and feed Argent who seemed to be heading for the corner, only to be denied by a last gasp tackle. There had been plenty of error, but Dagenham felt they were well in the contest at the break.
The second half began well for the visitors, as good early pressure saw Paul Roberts neatly feed full back John Hobden for a well worked try in the right corner to nudge them in front. However, rather than the score being the boost they needed to kick on and win the game, it proved to be the point that it started to unravel for the visitors. Poor decision making and error allowed Basildon to edge themselves up the pitch and three scores in a ten minute burst effectively sealed the contest. Dagenham can take some heart they kept going and were unfortunate not to score on three occasions. The middle part of the second half though had seen too much damage though, for them to get the contest back, Basildon were good value for their win, they handled the conditions better.
It was a disappointing day for Dagenham, but it is still early days and they are finding their feet at this level. With players gradually returning to the squad they should continue to gain strength over the coming weeks, but they will need to regroup this week ahead of a crucial home fixture against Billericay next Saturday.
Dagenham continue their league campaign next weekend at Basildon.
27th September 2008
Dagenham RUFC 34 - 15 South Woodham Ferrers RFC
Home League - London Four North East
Dagenham bounced back from last weeks disappointing visit to Norfolk in fine style against SWF on Saturday. Despite suffering more injuries last week, Dagenham welcomed back a couple of players and preparation was good for this encounter against a fine visiting outfit.
Dagenham started the game in confident mode and had the better of the early exchanges. They took the lead via a finely struck West Calverley penalty. The game ebbed and flowed before the home side stretched their lead. The forwards punched several good phases, before fly half John Hobden spotted space on the open side, and quick ball allowed Paul Roberts to finish well. Calverley added the extras to give the D's a handy ten point cushion. Galvanised by the score Dagenham applied more pressure and were able to stretch their lead once more. Again the platform was set well, and lock Jordan Wigham was able to pop up on the wing and sprint home for his 3rd league try in as many games. The visitors came back hard though, and from a scrum wide right they moved the ball swiftly through their pacey backs to finish out wide. The visitors managed to have the last word, slotting a penalty in front to leave the score 15-8 at half time.
The second half was a very even contest for the most part. Dagenham drew first blood when a well worked line-out allowed prop Dave Purton to finish from close range. Another great Calverley conversion put the score out to 22-8. Once again though the visitors showed their danger on the break, when they pounced on a loose ball and their outside centre showed a clean pair of hills to sprint home. A simple conversion meant game on again at 22-15. Dagenham weathered this storm however and managed to close the game out in a professional manner. Man of the match Kevin Everitt produced some great work around the park and managed to snaffle ball on the floor and in the lineout. As the visitors defence was stretched the ball found its way to Bill Nelson on the right wing and he managed to hold off the last defender to claim the crucial score. This time though, the conversion went short, but the D's finished the game with a fifth score. Outside centre Simon Argent was rewarded for his hard running all game when he sprinted home with an assist to Hobden for his decoy run on the right wing. Calverley completed the job for a 34-15 final score.
This was a very satisfying performance and two points for the D's. Woodham went close to promotion last season and are a tremendous side, so the Central Park can be very pleased with their afternoons work.
Dagenham continue their league campaign next weekend at Basildon.
20th September 2008
Wymondham 34 - 7 Dagenham RUFC
Away League - London Four North East
Dagenham tasted defeat in Norfolk on Saturday, although the final scoreline does little justice to the performance, which was full of effort and at times a lot of skill.
A patched up side took to the field and Dagenham were under pressure from the start. The home side notched up a couple of tries within the first quarter, the D's situation made worse by injuries to full back Alex Irvine and scrum half Chris Carpenter. Carpenter battled on gamely until the half time interval. The Central Park side got more into the game towards the break, but unfortunately wasted a couple of very good scoring opportunities. To make matters worse, the slick Wymondham back line turned defence into attack, grabbing another score before the break to give themselves a healthy 17-0 lead at the break.
For much of the second half Dagenham had a lot of the game. They competed fiercely, and enjoyed large periods of territorial advantage, before finally breaching the home try line. The Roberts brothers combined to make a powerful break before skipper Ben Fowler drove on to set up a ruck ten yards out. The ball was moved swiftly to Jordan Wigham and the lock powered his way over. The conversion was added by West Calverley and the score gave renewed belief to the visitors. They threatened a couple more times, Paul Roberts continued to ask questions with his powerful running, while his centre partner Simon Argent made a couple of tremendous breaks. For all the effort though, they could not find a second score that may have changed the game. With another injury forcing the D's to end the game with 14 men, the well organised home side grabbed two more scores to give the final scoreline a slightly flattering look.
Dagenham will need to regroup this week, with already ten of the squad missing for this game, they will hope for some good news on the injury front this week. There was no doubt the better side won on the day, but the late scores were a little harsh on the battling D's. There will be much to work on this week but the spirit in the camp is very good, which will be important ahead of next weeks home fixture against South Woodham Ferrers.
13th September 2008
Dagenham RUFC 19 - 15 Crusaders RFC
Home League - London Four North East
In glorious conditions and in front of a packed crowd which included Essex RFU President Gerald Mansfield, Dagenham RUFC took to the field in their first ever game in the London Leagues. A long injury and unavailability list meant Dagenham were without around ten of the squad for this encounter, but the depth they have built up meant they were able to still send out a strong side. Good preparation saw the Central Park men take the field in good heart.
The D's tore into their Norfolk counterparts and looked very assured early on. They went through their phases well and built some good pressure, however, the visitors managed to grab an unconverted score, somewhat against the run of play. The home side regrouped and knew they needed to get back into the game quickly, and they did just that, regaining the momentum straight away. Solid build up play saw the ball moved wide and Dagenham fly half West Calverley spotted a gap and chipped skillfully over the defence to ground his own kick for a great score. He then stepped up to slot a difficult conversion to give the D's the lead. Dagenham stepped up a gear and soon found themselves in front, last seasons top try scorer, Jordan Wigham showing he still knows his way to the try line popping up on the right wing to crash over powerfully. Calverley was unlucky with the conversion but the D's felt they were in command. Unfortunately, the home side gifted Crusaders a soft score right on the interval to leave it at 12-10 at the break.
Unfortunately, for all the excellence of the first half, Dagenham simply could not going for much of the second half. They weren't as crisp as in the first period and the visitors, who showed a real willingness to move the ball about could sense a way back. Midway through the period they finally breached the Dagenham defence out wide and forced a score to give them the lead for the first time in the game. For all Dagenhams solid first half play, they now knew they were going to have to find something extra to win the game. It wasn't long in coming. Good field position saw another well executed lineout which allowed James Roberts to break powerfully before feeding his back row colleague James Griffiths who sprinted home. Calverley struck a beautiful conversion to make it 19-15. The D's had the best of the last few minutes as the visitors conceded several penalties, and the home side were able to play out the remainder of the contest untroubled.
This was a historic day for the club, and with all the changes made it was a tremendous win. There is much work to do but plenty of reasons to be cheerful. The pack produced a really powerful display, while Chris Carpenter was outstanding at scrum half. Special mention also to Kevin Everitt, who delivered a great display in the unaccustomed position of left wing.
The D's travel to Norfolk next week for a London Four North East clash with Wymondham.
6th September 2008
Dagenham RUFC 6 - 14 Charlton Park RFC
Home - EDF Senior Vase Rd 1
Dagenham bowed out of the EDF senior Vase at the first stage in their first full 80 minutes of the season, against a very well organised and well established Charlton Park side. The heavy rain and gusting wind made conditions far from ideal, but both sides attacked the contest with passion to provide an absorbing contest.
Dagenham started pretty brightly and had good field position which led to an early penalty in a kick able position, which was dispatched confidently by D's fly half West Calverley. Unfortunately, the home side could not build on this and a succession of penalties put the Central Park side on the rear foot. Two well struck efforts from the Charlton Park full back edged the visitors in front, before a chip over the Dagenham defence saw the visitors right winger ground the ball for an unconverted score to leave the score at 3-11 at the break.
The home side tightened up their play considerably in the second half and had some real pressure on the visitors line. The Charlton Park defence was excellent throughout though, and despite massive commitment, the D's could find no way through, and had to settle for a 3-3 second half score.
Despite the obvious disappointment of defeat, there was much to be pleased about for the D's. This was their first full outing of the season, and there are still a number of players to return to the side. The contest gave the D's an idea of what they will expect in London 4 this season, and a few minor adjustments on the training field should see them approach the league campaign in good heart. Notable performances for the home side included evergreen wing Neil Davis who put in a man of the match performance, and debutant blind side flanker Joe Fenn, who gave a strong display in both attack and defence and took some great ball in the lineout.