Match Reports
NEW SEASON 2004-2005
23-4-05
Dagenham II RUFC (36) vs Romford & Gidea Park RFC (0)
Away BL Merit Division 5
NEW SEASON 2004-2005
23-4-05
Dagenham II RUFC (36) vs Romford & Gidea Park RFC (0)
Away BL Merit Division 5
A full strength D’s took the field for the first time in 3 months and it showed from the start. In previous weeks first team call ups and injuries have meant players regularly being out of position but with the same team that started the campaign so well Romford were no match for a rampant Dagenham.
The scoring started early in the game, a good kick and chase from Dagenham resulted in a 5m scrum for Dagenham, an attempted backrow move failed when the ball was spilled over the line, but the resulting Romford scrum was turned over. The ball was fed to the back line for Centre Darren Gunner to crash over for the first score of the match. The conversion was made by Jordan Wigham, 7-0.
From the resulting kick off the Dagenham pack again secured good ball. Following some good exchanges in the middle of the field an excellent kick by flyhalf Jordan Wigham resulted in good field position for the D’s. The resulting Romford line out was spoiled by Dagenham, the ball was turned over and it was try time again as Darren Gunner again collected a magnificent pass from John Ketteringham to crash over for his second try of the afternoon. This time Wigham failed with the conversion. 12-0.
Dagenham kept up the pressure on Romford throughout the half, but a combination of poor handling and decision making and resolute Romford defending meant several good opportunities were wasted.
With 5 minutes of the half remaining Dagenham scored again. Romford had a line out on their own 5m line, an over throw from the Romford Hooker fell into the hands of Dagenham skipper Brian Wren who from five metres was unstoppable, again Wigham missed the conversion giving a half time score of 17-0.
The second half started much better for Romford with some changes to their team giving them good pressure on Dagenham, the first 20-minutes of the half was a topsy turvy affair with play moving up and down the field without any real incision by either team until an fine break by centre Lawrence Hartney.
Hartney Collected a neat pass on the Romford 22m line skipped and weaved pass 2 or 3 tackles and neatly touched down just left of the posts. This time Wigham made no mistake with the conversion. 24-0
The next score of the half was also another fine solo effort with an excellent break from half way by wing Mark Smith.
Having collected the loose ball Smith broke down the right wing beating two tacklers to score under the posts. The conversion was made by Wigham leaving the score at 31-0.
For the remainder of the half the play was broken with sporadic attacking from both Romford and Dagenham. The final score of the Match came from Captain Brian Wren. Romford were again penned back in their twenty two by a fine kick from Wigham, Romford tried to break out with a quick throw at the line only for it to be intercepted by Wren who went over unopposed for his second try of the Match, again Wigham was unable to convert, 36-0.
Although Dagenham threaten to score on several more occasions Romford defended the line admirably leaving a Final Score of Romford & Gidea Park (0) – Dagenham (36).
The win secured Dagenham’s position of second place in this years table and capped a very successful season for the Central Park second string.
Special mention should be made to all those players who have put in an enormous amount of effort this season, especially those who have supported the team and club throughout the year, to create a fine placing for a great bunch of Guys.
This leaves us looking forward to a successful Season in 2005-06.
Team : Lewis, Ketteringham (Morris), Brooks, Tape, B Smith, Powell, Acerbis (Davis), Wren (Capt.), Evans, Wigham, Gunner, Hartney, Blade (Genovesso), M Smith (Dartnell), Young (Barlow). Subs Not Used Meggs.
12-3-05
Dagenham II RUFC (27) vs Ilford IV RFC (8)
BL Merit Division 5
The Dagenham side were once again missing several key players especially in the pack but the return of Captain Brian Wren and outstanding player of recent weeks Number 8 Bill Davis gave the team the boost they needed.
The game started very well for Dagenham, who elected to play with the strong wind in the first 40minutes, with lots of good early pressure. Although physically the home side had a much larger pack the visitors put excellent team work and work ethic into each set piece situation and absolutely destroyed the Ilford Scrum and Line out winning ball against the head time after time.
The first score of the match came some 10minutes in, again the Dagenham drive at the scrum had the Ilford pack in full reverse mode and as they tried to clear their lines Number 8 Billy Davis charged down the kick and then touched down to score a fine try, goal kicking machine Jordan Wigham stepped up to slot the conversion to give a lead of 0-7.
Five minutes later Dagenham were at it again, this time a fine break by scrum half Peter Evans saw some good hands along the line for Ian Barlow to break through two tacklers, he was stopped just short of the line, great support work from Backrow partners Neil Powell and Reece Morris saw the ball cleared out for a pop to Jordan Wigham to score his 1st try of the day, again he converted giving a lead of 0-14.
Dagenhams next score came from a penalty near half way that Wigham again dispatched with aplomb, 0-17.
Ilford scored next, having put in some good running the ball was killed on the floor by Bill Davis for a penalty in front of the posts, this was duly converted leaving the score at 3-17. Ilford used this reward as a boost to exert some good pressure on Dagenham. However, the D’s defence stood firm and held up numerous driving mauls and included some good last ditch tackling from new centre pairing Patrick Feeley and David Genovesso.
Dagenham’s next score started in their own 22 after a massive tackle from Genovesso caused Ilford to spill the ball forward, Feeley hacked a huge clearance up field and the chase was on. As the ball sailed across field wing Ian Barlow kicked on again beating Ilford’s full back to the ball and raced on to score a simple try under the posts, remarkably Wigham missed the conversion leaving the score at 3-22.
As the half drew to a close Dagenham scored again this time through a well worked back move, Wigham having another outstanding game at 10. Passed long to Feeley in the centres, his quick break and pass back to Genovesso opened the space for Wigham to loop around and score near the corner giving a half time lead of 3-27 to Dagenham.
The second half was always going to be much harder with a very strong wind now in the home sides favour, that coupled with 3 substitutions at half time gave the home side the advantage.
However, although the only score came from Ilford scrum half (conversion missed) Dagenham still maintained complete domination in the Forwards and resolutely defended their line.
With a Final Score of 8-27 Dagenham moved a step closer to 2nd spot in the league, with two games left and only a point behind the current holders of 2nd place Dagenhams destiny is in their own hands.
With 2 games remaining maximum points will give Dagenham 2nd place and will cap a very good season for the vastly improved Dagenham II.
Team : Lewis, Ketteringham, West, Meggs, Wren (Capt.), Morris, Powell, Davis (Dartnell), Evans, Wigham, Genovesso, Feeley, Barlow, Venables, Young.
5-3-05
Bancroft RFC II (28) vs Dagenham RUFC (17)
Away Friendly
Again the conditions were appalling with an ice cold wind, rain, sleet and snow but this had little effect on the opening phases of the game.
Bancroft started much brighter than the "D’s" with some strong running form the backs and powerful scrummaging from the pack this early advantage paid dividends. Some smart work at the ruck allowed Bancroft to turnover the ball, they fed their line well and when Dagenham missed tackles in the centres numbers allowed the Bancroft wing to score in the corner. An excellent conversion attempt saw the home side take a 7-0 lead.
Dagenham’s fighting spirit kick in as the forwards stormed up field from the kick off, some good running and powerful play by the tight 5 prompted Bancroft to give a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted by Jordan Wigham 7-3.
The restart saw some scrappy play by Dagenham and could have resulted in a breakaway by Bancroft but they were pulled back for offside with a penalty awarded on halfway, however this time Wigham went just wide with the effort when the distance was easily achieved. The resulting drop out was returned by Dagenham and some good retention by the forwards allowed the ball to be played out to Wigham, who is having an exceptional season at flyhalf, to power over for his 16th try of the season converting his own try gave Dagenham a 10-7 lead.
Next up it was Bancroft turn to score, a well worked backrow move allowed the Bancroft No8 to score right of the posts, this time the conversion was missed leaving the score at 12-10.
The resulting kick off saw Dagenham fall to sleep, having fought back so well from a difficult start Dagenham allowed Bancrofts fullback to take the ball unchallenged on his own 22m line. He set off on a run that should have been stopped up field but some poor attempts to tackle coupled with some strong running saw him break 3-4 tackles to score under the posts. The conversion was slotted with ease to give a half time score of 19-10.
The second half started well for Dagenham who put good pressure on the Bancroft set piece and stifled their backs with good early tackling. One tackle just inside Dagenhams half set up a ruck which they defended well only for the Bancroft Flyhalf to hit a massive drop goal to give them a lead of 22-10.
But true to form this year Dagenham came straight back into the game. A good chase up field allowed Dagenham to put good pressure on a Bancroft maul when the ball popped out centre Dave Genovesso was quickest to react with a great pick up and step to score his first try for the club, this capped a magnificent performance for the Man of the Match who was making only his first start for the team having unluckily broken his ankle in pre-season.
This time left footer Andy Young slotted the conversion to leave the game finely balanced at 22-17.
The game was settled by two massive kicks at goal, one a penalty from half way the second and last score of the match was an enormous drop goal from inside their own half, both went in favour of the home side giving them a convincing looking 28-17 victory to avenge the defeat suffered earlier in the season in the ¼ finals of the John Adler Cup.
Although the scrum suffered some serious pressure early on in this game Dagenham played with a lot of determination and great resilience on the whole. This fixture could well be a league game next season and with two closely fought matches this year it is something to look forward to.
Next up is Ilford in the BL Merit Table at Fairlop Waters in what is a crucial match in Dagenhams season.
Team : Lewis (Richards), Ketteringham (Smith), Brooks, Tape, Meggs, Morris, Powell, Acerbis, Evans, Wigham, Gunner (Blade), Genovesso, White, Dartnell, Young.
26-2-05
Braintree RFC IV (0) vs Dagenham RUFC (33)
BL Merit Division 5
The ice cold conditions rain sleet and snow had a huge effect on the quality of the game with the pitch resembling a mud bath some 5 minutes into the match.
Dagenham are renowned as poor travellers in the league with all bar one of the clubs defeats coming on their travels and this match looked to be no different as the first half was a very poor display by Dagenham. The handling errors which punctuated the half were only to be expected in the conditions but the lethargy and lack of effort in some quarters could not be blamed on the weather.
It wasn't until the 30th minute that Dagenham staged any sort of real attack as the ball finally made its way along the attacking line to wing Craig White. With some 25metres to go White turned his opposite number inside out to score a very nice try under the posts, the conversion was slotted with due aplomb by Jordan Wigham.
This score gave the Dagenham boys some impetus and from here on in there was only going to be one winner. 5 minutes after the first score the forwards secured some good ruck ball for Captain Peter Evans to throw his trade mark dummy and break the gain line, his pass inside to Wigham was met at pace by the No.10 who powered over with several tacklers in tow to score his 15th try of the season, again the conversion was made giving Dagenham a half time lead of 14-0.
Half time saw some constructive discussion and left the boys in doubt of what was expected in the second half and they got off to an absolute flyer. The Braintree kick off didn't reach the required 10m and from the resulting scrum Dagenham were off.
Lawrence Hartney having moved to centre following an earlier hand injury took a neat pass from Wigham on half way and set off on a mazy run that ended with a trail of Braintree defenders in his wake and a score under the posts, again Wigham converted for 21-0.
As the conditions worsened it became harder for the game to retain any sort of fluency and continuity but much credit should be given to the Dagenham back line who repeatedly attempted to get some width to the game.
The next score was all about power though a centre Darren Gunner took up the crash ball from a ruck 10metres out to touch down nest to the posts. Again Wigham slotted the conversion.
The final score of the match was undoubtedly the score and move of the game. Picking up at the base of the scrum, scrum half Evans played the ball wide to Wigham at flyhalf, the ball was played to Hartney at centre who made a great beak through the heart of the Braintree defence, Evans had continued his run to take the pass from Hartney, drawing the Braintree wing he fed the ball to Dagenham wing White who inturn drew the fullback and passed back inside to Evans who completed the move he started some 50m up field to score an excellent try, this time Wigham was unable to convert but this was a fine way to seal a very good away win, 33-0.
Considering the conditions, injury's and number of first team call ups this was a very good performance by Dagenham who need to win their remaining 3 matches to secure a very good second place in the Division.
Team : Lewis, Ketteringham, Brooks, Smith, Meggs, Hartney, Morris, Evans, Wigham, Gunner, Feeley, Barlow, White, Dart
19-2-05
Dagenham RUFC II (14) vs Ilford Wanderers III (29)
Away Friendly
The ice cold conditions and snow didn't have much of an effect however as the Dagenham boys made the better start to the match. Time and again good pressure from the forwards resulted in clean ball for the back-line, but unforced handling errors and some resilient defence from Ilford meant the first 15minutes remained even at 0-0.
Then completely against the run of play Ilford capitalised on a lucky break. Having hoofed the ball the length of the pitch some indecision in the Dagenham defence allowed the Ilford pack to turnover the ball. This allowed a quick blind side break by Ilford's second row who powered over for the first score of the match, the try was duly converted to give Ilford a 7-0 lead.
This score really knocked the wind out of the Dagenham sails as three further tries followed from the Ilford Scrum Half, Wing and Fullback. All three tries came from poor defensive play by Dagenham including failing to defend the fringes of ruck and maul and also failing to tackle in midfield, however only one conversion left a glimmer of hope as the half time score read 24-0 in favour of Ilford.
The half time interval couldn't come soon enough for Dagenham and allowed some much needed reorganisation and discussion from both the coaching staff and stand in Skipper Peter Evans.
The second half started far more positively for the visiting team as a series of pick and drives and short sharp passes allowed the Dagenham boys to seriously pressure the Ilford line. With the Ilford defence in disarray scrum half Peter Evans threw an outrageous dummy, which the whole of the Ilford line bought, to side step over just left of the posts. The conversion was duly notched by Jordan Wigham.
This gave the Dagenham team some hope and they took that with renewed gusto as the forwards again battered down the Ilford door. Time and again the line looked like being breached only for some fine defending by Ilford to deny the score.
With only 10 minutes left Dagenham were awarded a scrum some 10m from the Ilford line. Evans made a great break from the base to draw the Ilford back row only to pass inside to Number 8 Neil Powell to score a well deserved try, again Wigham converted bringing the game back to 24-14.
Unfortunately some very poor refereeing decisions in the last 10minutes took the steam out of the Dagenham side as repeated infringements at both scrum and line out allowed Ilford to gain territorial advantage they didn't deserve.
The final score of the game went to the home side and was as a result of the only piece of poor discipline in the half by Dagenham. The Dagenham forwards were far more interested in scrapping with Ilford than defending the line allowing the Ilford 9 to score an unconverted try leaving the score at 29-14.
Dagenham go into next weeks BL Merit table game away to Braintree with some positive performances from this game and look to cement their place in the top three of the division.
Team : Lewis (Brooks), Ketteringham (Richards), Wonderling, Tape (Smith), Meggs, Powell, Hartney, Morris, Evans, Wigham, Gunner, Feeley, Barlow, Gennovesso, Young.
29-1-05
Dagenham II (7) vs Southend IV (14)
Away BL Merit Table
I hope Southend enjoy the rest of the season and that their referee was well fed and watered after his match winning performance.
Team: Wonderling, Fowler, Lewis, Tape, Waller, Powell (Meggs), Acerebis, Davis, Evans(Capt), Young (R Smith), Blade (Barlow), Nelson, M Smith, Gunner, Wigham
Subs Not Used: Gennovesso, Brown, Dartnell, Richards.
22-1-05
Dagenham RUFC II (7) vs Westcliffe RFC III (15)
Home BL Merit Table
The game started well for Dagenham with some good early pressure on the Westcliffe line. Collecting the ball from the ruck Captain Brian Wren (returning from a 10 week lay off) made a fine break taking serval Westcliffe tacklers with him, the ball was popped out to flyhalf Jordan Wigham who was held up some 2 metres from the line.
The play was pulled back due to an offside offence by Westcliffe, but Wigham was unlucky to hit the upright with the attempt. The ball was then carried over his own line by a Westcliffe forward but rather than the 5m Dagenham scrum which should have been awarded, the referee awarded a 22 drop out.
This caused some dissension in the Dagenham ranks and Westcliffe took full advantage. A long kick was recovered after some poor play by Dagenham, the recycled ball was fed inside to the Westcliffe second row who's forward pass (some 3 ft forward) was collected by the Westcliffe left wing who broke through several poor Dagenham tackles to score in the corner. With the conversion being missed this gave Westcliffe a 5-0 lead.
Dagenham came straight back at Westcliffe from the kick off, making some fine breaks and consistent recycling of the ball. However, repeated infringements at the break down and the referee's refusal to issue a Yellow card for these blatant professional fouls left Dagenham with nothing to show but a further missed penalty attempt by Wigham.
As the half wore on Westcliffe were starting to a take a grip on the match when a magnificent interception by full-back Andy Young resulted in a race to the line from 60m out. With great speed for a man reaching the prime of his career and out pacing much younger opposition Dagenham full-back Young touched down under the posts which Wigham duly converted giving Dagenham the slenderest of half time leads at 7-5.
The second half started much as the first with Dagenham putting good pressure on Westcliffe without making any real impression and failing to add to the score. After this initial onslaught, which Westcliffe defended very well the league leaders once again asserted their quality.
Attack after attack followed from Westcliffe but the Dagenham defence, were more than up to the challenge and it was only after the award of a dubious penalty for handling on the floor that Westcliffe regained the lead 8-7.
The next 20 minutes of the match was a see-saw affair with both Dagenham and Westcliffe coming close to adding to the score but it was Westcliffe who finally broke the deadlock with a very well worked try which was duly converted giving a Final Score of Dagenham 7 - Westcliffe 15.
This result gives Westcliffe a 7 point advantage at the top of the table, a position which they quite rightly deserve, with games running out fast it will take a serious loss of form for anyone to catch them.
However, Dagenham should take heart from this result as it shows that while we are not quite there yet the team is improving with every game and that we must continue with the effort to guarantee second place in the table.
Team : Lewis, Morris, Wonderling (Brooks), Tape, Meggs, Powell, Acerbis, Wren (Ketteringham), Evans, Wigham, Hartney, Feeley, Barlow (Smith), White, Young.
Subs Not Used: Gennovesso, Dartnell, Brown,
18-12-04
Chelmsford RFC IV (12) vs Dagenham RUFC II (51)
Away BL Merit Table
However, it was clear from the start that the Boy’s meant business and the importance of the game was taken on board by all.
Playing down the very steep slope at Coronation Park the D’s got off to a fine start when the 7 man pack shoved Chelmsford off their own ball. The loose ball was duly snapped up by second row Dan Tape to charge over for his first score of the season, the conversion being missed.
It wasn’t long before the lead was extended when a penalty was awarded right in front of the posts. Skipper for the day Jordan Wigham duly converted to make it 8-0.
The next incident of any note saw D’s other second row Tom Waller yellow carded for throwing a punch, a silly punch that would cost him dear as the match wore on.
However, being reduced to 13 men did little to improve the Chelmsford chances as Dagenham immediately increased the lead with some fine work by John Ketteringham, playing on the flank, to score his first of try of the season. A good pick and drive saw the lead extended to 13-0 and with Wighams conversion things were looking good for Dagenham, 15-0.
The next score was possibly the score of the half, scrum half Lawrence Hartney made a fine break from the base of the scrum, fullback Ian Barlow hit the line to take a lovely short pass, Hartney followed the play and received a nice inside pass from Barlow to score under the posts, again Wigham converted to leave the score at 22-0.
From the restart the ball was carried deep into Chelmsford territory, was recycled at the breakdown and released to the side stepping hooker Reece Morris who duly obliged with three or four side steps to waltz over, again touching down under the posts. Wigham converted again to leave the score at 29-0.
Due to the dominance of the Dagenham pack and the very steep slope, Chelmsford just couldn’t get in the game in the first 40 minutes as again from the kick off the ball was fed along the line to centre Peter Blade. Blade made a good break on the outside beating several players to cross for what he thought was a good score, only to be brought back for a foot in touch.
It wasn’t long before the score was increased though as wing Andy Venables was on the end of a fine move to score in the corner, another with his first try of the season, this time Wigham was unable to convert, 39-0.
As the half drew to a close the outstanding player of recent weeks got his just rewards. Billy Davis standing in at Number 8 had another fine day for the D’s and got on the score sheet with a fine pick up from the back of the scrum to race 15 m to score under the posts, again Wigham converted to leave the half time score at 41-0.
The second half was to be a much tighter affair with Chelmsford making several substitutions at half time and the D’s now having to contend with the slope.
Chelmsford started well and drove the ball to within 5m of the Dagenham line, as they were about to recycle the ball second row, Tom Waller, came in from the side and took out his opposite number. The referee, who in fairness had a very good game, immediately brought out the Red Card for this professional foul and the D’s were reduced to 13 men only 2 minutes into the half.
The pressure was really on the D’s now as this put some wind in the sails of Chelmsford which they immediately capitalised on by scoring from a blind side break, the conversion was added to make the score 41-7.
In previous weeks this could have resulted in a collapse by the D’s, but the cushion of 34 points and the dominance of the forwards meant they were not going to give Chelmsford the opportunity to come back into the game.
The forwards surged up field, some fine running by debutant centre Jason Oliffe coupled with a great off load in the tackle allowed Dan Tape to charge over his second score of the match, the conversion was missed leaving the score at 46-7.
Chelmsford came straight back at the D’s and only some great tackling by Oliffe in the centres prevented an immediate score. Chelmsford kept up the pressure and the added numbers resulted in a second blind side score for the home team, this time the conversion was missed, 46-12.
The last score of the game went fittingly to Dagenham, again some very fine work from the backs and particularly Man of the Match Jason Oliffe allowed Ian Barlow to break free and score in the dying minutes, the conversion being missed left the Final Score at 51-12 in favour of the away team.
The manner of this victory was far more important than the margin as after the last few horrid weeks, and considering the number of absentee’s and players out of position leaves Dagenham renewed hope for the New Year.
The next opposition in this competition are table toppers Westcliffe who travel to Central Park on 22nd January in what could be the league decider. By then the side should have back some influential players and looks to be an exciting encounter.
Team : Lewis, Morris, Powell, Tape, Waller, Ketteringham, Davis, Hartney, Wigham, Dartnell, Blade, Oliffe, Vennables, Barlow.
11-12-04
East London RFC IV (17) vs Dagenham RUFC II (0)
Away BL Merit Table
The first half was an incredibly dull affair with Dagenham looking as if they were struggling to get out of the changing rooms.
Time after time the back line kicked away good possession, knocked on or simply had no idea with the ball in hand. The East London side, made up of several second team players and a number of colts, took full advantage.
The only score of the half came after some good work by the East London back line resulting in the East London centre beating 3 half hearted attempts to tackle to score in the corner, the added conversion gave the Home team a 7-0 lead.
The Dagenham Pack, which has been so dominant this season, fell apart for the second week running and were repeatedly pushed off their own ball at the scrum. This meant the ball given to the backs was very scrappy and with the numerous handling errors Dagenham did not get close to pulling the score back.
Some stern talking from the coaching staff at half time had absolutely no effect as the team took the field for the second half and unbelievably played worse than in the first.
The Home teams next score came from a line out 5m from the Dagenham line. A catch and drive saw a well worked rolling maul go over for an unconverted try. The next 10 minutes saw the best area of play by Dagenham and although they didn’t really threaten the East London line they only had two missed penalty opportunities to show for the effort.
The half was punctuated by bickering, poor decision making and culminated in a brawl which resulted in Yellow cards for the East London second row and Dagenham Hooker Reece Morris. The final score of the match came with minutes to go as the East London wing went over again after numerous missed tackles.
The game finished 17-0 to East London who close the gap on Dagenham to one point.
The one point of light from this dull day was the performance of Man of the Match, Billy Davis. His work in the lineout was magnificent, effort in open play outstanding and his all round contribution in the loose first class and it leaves you wondering when he will get his chance at the first team.
It is becoming clear that the Dagenham boys don’t like travelling away from Central Park and the way in which the team capitulated means any aspirations of winning this years title are rapidly fading.
The last of three away games running comes next week at Chelmsford and unless the full 4 points are collected from this trip the much anticipated potential title decider with Westcliffe on January 22nd will be nothing more than a stroll in the Park.
Team : Lewis, Morris, Wonderling, Meggs, Tape, Davis, Powell, Warwick (Ketteringham) Evans, Young, Wigham (Dartnell), Feeley, Barlow, White, Vennables.
4-12-04
Thurrock RFC IV (27) vs Dagenham RUFC II (24)
Away BL Merit Table
A new look Dagenham took the field with 4 wingers and two full backs in the back line and three props and two hookers in the pack.
This was hardly a recipe for the away win, however, Dagenham took the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half, only 2 minutes in they were awarded a relatively straight forward penalty which Jordan Wigham failed to convert. But it wouldn’t be long before he made amends for this error.
Following a great attacking break by “Man of Match” Peter Evans, Wigham collected the pass to race over after only 5 minutes to open the scoring. He duly converted to give the “D’s” a 7-0 lead.
Next up it was Thurrocks turn, with a far superior pack the Home side put great pressure on the Dagenham scrum. The ball was turned over by Thurrock allowing their scrum half to dash over from 5 metres, the conversion being missed brought the game back to 5-7.
Dagenham then missed another penalty this time from half way, before the lead was stretched to 9 points when Neil Powell collected a neat pop pass from Captain Mark Smith, after some neat passing by the back line, to crash over the line, again Wigham converted.
The last Dagenham score of the half came courtesy of the Captain, when faced with his opposite number he drew his man excellently before brushing aside the tackle to score near the corner, this time Wigham was not able to convert.
As Half Time approached Thurrock mounted one last attack, some very good handling by both backs and forwards resulted in a fine try in the corner for their centre again the conversion was missed and as the whistle blew the score stood at 10-19.
Thurrock made several changes at half time and looked the stronger of the two sides in the early exchanges but it was Dagenham who made the break through when a excellent pick up and pop by centre for the day Peter Blade allowed Jordan Wigham to mount an attack. The fly-half handed off the first tackler then beat 4 Thurrock players on the outside to race 50 metres to score making it a 24-10 lead for Dagenham.
But from here on in things went horribly wrong for the Dagenham side. Thurrock made more changes bringing in some big runners particularly in the back row and this started to take its toll.
Their first score of the second half came from a rolling maul some 20 metres out. The Dagenham pack had no answer to the powerful play of the “T’s” pack and with 10m to go the Thurrock 8 pealed off breaking several tackles to score under the posts bring the game back to 17-24.
Some indiscipline for “verbals” by Dagenham resulted in a penalty for Thurrock, they obviously sensed Dagenham were on the ropes as rather than go for goal they elected to go for the corner. They secured the line out and then rolled the maul over for a well worked score.22-24 Game on.
With time running out and the fresh legs of the Thurrock substitutes taking its toll the pressure was on and the Dagenham defenders were determined not opt be beaten. The diminutive Peter Evans made tackle after tackle and saved the Dagenham line almost single handedly time after time. But even his heroics could not stop the inevitable as the repeated pressure finally paid off with Thurrock scoring the winning try when the weight of numbers allowed the left wing to score in the corner. Although the conversion was missed the game was over as a contest.
The final insult for Dagenham came when the Ian Barlow was yellow carded for a late tackle when the Referee had his back to the play and produced the card due to the screams of the Thurrock scrum half when the tackle was perfectly good and legal.
Although the result went against Dagenham, with the players available and the fact most were out of position this was a very good effort by Dagenham.
Special mention goes to the outstanding efforts of Billy Davis in the back row who’s tackling and disruptive play was superb, and the quite simply Magic Evans.
Team : Lewis, Ketteringham (Lee), Brookes, Wonderling, Waller, Morris, Davis, Powell (Everingham), Evans, Wigham, Blade, White, Barlow, Smith (Capt.), Young.
13-11-04
Dagenham RUFC II (13) vs Millwall RFC II (14)
Away John Adler Cup
This game had the makings of a very close and bad tempered encounter and in the end it is what it turned out to be.
Millwall started much better than the central park outfit and the setting of the Memorial Ground seemed apt as they sent an absolute barrage of attacks against the Dagenham line. After only five minutes some good movement by the Millwall back line resulted in a try for the centre just right of the posts and the conversion was duly collected.
In previous years this would have resulted in a collapse by the Dagenham team, but not this year. Millwall threw everything they had at the Dagenham line in the first 40 minutes but some resolute defending, good organisation and magnificent tackling meant the line wasn’t breached again.
This is quite a feet when you consider that other than some clearance to touch Dagenham didn’t get out of their own half through the whole first period. This effort was rounded off when Wing Peter Blade was sin binned for a professional foul some 20minutes into the match.
Having survived the onslaught of the first half and going into the break only 7-0 down gave the Dagenham boys great heart and some stern words and lots of encouragement at half-time meant they were ready to take charge of the second half.
And take charge is just what they did!
The pack worked overtime at scrum and line out absolutely destroying the Millwall scrum repeatedly shoving the Millwall 8 back. Once this dominance was established there should have been only one winner of this match and it should have been Dagenham.
10 minutes into the second half Dagenham produced the move of the match, Peter Evans, once again outstanding at scrum half, picked up from a very solid scrum and broke in field drawing the Millwall back row, as they made a vain attempt to shackle him, he made a super little pop pass back inside to Number 8 and skipper Brian Wren, Wren drew both centres and the wing into contact before off loading back to Evans for him to make a second pop pass to Wing forward Tom Waller for his easiest run in of the season so far, this brought great cheers from the travelling support and really put the Millwall side on the back foot.
Unfortunately Jordan Wigham missed the conversion from out wide left, but the momentum was all Dagenhams. From the kick off the Pack took on the Millwall forwards surging back up the pitch only for the Millwall forwards to handle the ball on the floor and give away a penalty.
Wren put his faith in Wigham from some 45metres out and the fullback repaid this faith with an enormous penalty goal to give the visitors an 8-7 lead.
The scoring wasn’t done there though, again some fine passages of play by both forwards and backs saw Dagenham awarded a scrum 6 metres from the Millwall line. This time the call was for an 8-man shove and that’s what we got. The dominant pack pushed the Millwall scrum to within 2 metres of the line were Captain Brian Wren collected the ball and charged over for what should have been the match winning score, again Wigham was unable to convert.
However there was a final twist in the tale, with 8 minutes left and looking beaten the Millwall forwards got involved in a fair amount of foul play which erupted at a ruck when 5 Millwall players basically attacked 2 Dagenham forwards and as the punches flew the game looked likely to end in mayhem.
Amazingly when calm was restored, although the referee admitted seeing Millwall instigate the fracas, he Yellow carded Dagenham Captain Wren and wing forward Waller for fighting while not issuing any form of penalty to the Home team.
This gave Millwall a second wind and down to 13 men with only 8 minutes to go Dagenham had their backs to the wall again.
Millwall still couldn’t secure clean ball as the 6-man pack of Dagenham still pushed their opposition off the ball. From scrappy ball the Millwall back line broke out and the only piece of poor defending all day by Dagenham resulted in a score for Millwall blind side wing forward which again was converted to give them a lead of 14-13.
Even 2 men down Dagenham’s spirit was not beaten as they repeatedly battered the Millwall line but to no avail. Dagenham did have the chance to seal the match when 2 injury time penalties were awarded in very difficult positions, but Wigham was unable to convert either and as the final whistle blew wild scenes of elation from the Millwall team belied the fact the better team had lost the match.
And so Dagenham’s attempt to emulate last season semi final appearance were consigned to the scrap heap by some inconsistent refereeing but more by some poor discipline from their Captain who’s yellow card ultimately cost the team the match.
Team : Wonderling, Morris, West (Lewis), Tape, Meggs, , Davis, Waller, Wren (Capt.), Evans, Everingham, Hartney , Feeley , Blade (White), Barlow, Wigham.
Subs Not Used: Ketteringham, Ffitch, Powell.
6-11-04
Dagenham RUFC II (40) vs East London RFC IV (7)
Home BL Merit Table
After the dip in form of the last few weeks it was imperative that the Dagenham II side got back to winning ways, if they were to stand any chance of catching East London at the top of the table, and they done just that in some style.
The game started magnificently for the central park side with Number 8 Andreas Jay kicking the spilled kick off to within 5m of the East London line were only the cruel bounce of the ball stopped a debut try in the first minute.
However, Dagenham didn’t have to wait long for the first score of the match. Wing forward Tom Waller, one of the outstanding performers of the season so far, took up the ball from the base of the ruck to sprint clear some 20m from the line. Although there were some valiant attempts there was no way of stopping him as he crashed over the line after 8 minutes. The normally reliable Jordan Wigham left his kicking boots at home this week as he missed the conversion one of eight he failed to convert.
This then set the tone for the half as the Dagenham pack secured clean ball at line out and scrummage to allow the back line time to create openings which they did time and again. Some fine passing through hands from the base of the scrum allowed Ian Barlow to score the first of his three tries as he beat 2 men on the outside to score.
The third try followed on quickly as the Pack took the kick off back up to the East London 22m line. From the resulting ruck scrum half Peter Evans put in what appeared to be a poor box kick, but Barlow was on it in a flash outjumping his opposing wing to claim the ball and touch down in the corner.
Dagenham’s final try of the half came through scrum half Peter Evans, after collecting the ball some 25m from the East London line he set of on a mazy run which confused not only the opposition but also his team mates. After throwing his trade mark dummy (7 or 8 in fact), Evans weaved his way along the right hand touch to score in the corner, again Wigham was unable to convert.
The Dagenham boys had to put in some sterling defensive work toward the end of the first half as a resurgent East London threatened with strong running from both backs and forwards but the line held firm.
This gave Dagenham a 20-0 half time lead and although this was a hard fought encounter, especially in the forwards, the score could have been more. Flyhalf Emille fell unchallenged just short of the line, outstanding forward of the day Daniel Tape passing when he should have gone on to score and Captain Brian Wren taking the ball through the centre of the East London defence and crossing the line only for the referee to call him back for a forward pass.
The half-time interval saw one change for the Dagenham side with Billy Davis replacing Neil Powell on the flank.
The first 15 minutes of the half was a much tighter affair with numerous exchanges and attacks by both sides but it was the Dagenham team who struck first and this was the killer blow.
East London had looked like getting back into the match with some fine handling by their back-line, however, a fine passage of play starting with a break from the 22 by wing Peter Blade, lead to the ball moving up the pitch. The Dagenham pack secured the ball at three consecutive breakdowns for wing Ian Barlow to be fed by Evans, he beat his man again with great ease and touched down for his Man of the Match winning hat-trick which capped a fine performance for the birthday boy. Just after this he was given a round of applause by both sides and all the supporters as he made way for Mark Smith.
The next 5 minutes saw a renewed effort by East London as they put pressure on both scrummage and the back line but this was undone by a marvellous piece of individual skill from centre Patrick Feeley.
Collecting the ball in midfield the East London defence were on him very quickly but rather the panic Feeley put in the deftest of grubber kicks and chased on, the bounce of the ball beat the East London fullback but not Feeley as he dived over for his first score of the season.
Still the scoring wasn’t finished as the team were repeatedly urged on for more points as not only did East London hold a 5 point advantage at the start of play but also a points difference of over 100.
Next up it was A Jay’s turn to get on the score sheet. The number 8 had had a great afternoon and capped it with a fine solo effort as he collected at the base of a ruck to crash over taking three defenders with him.
The last score for Dagenham came courtesy of substitute Billy Davis in a carbon copy of the score by A Jay. Unfortunately not a single conversion was made which resulted in Dagenham missing out on a further 16points.
The scoring for the day was rounded of by the East London full back who beat 5 Dagenham tacklers to score under the posts from 50m out and it was a deserved score by the League leaders giving a full time score of 40-7.
This was by far the best performance of the season so far with Head Coach Mark Collins, noted for his stern half time and Post Match talks, having nothing but congratulations for a jubilant Dagenham second string.
Dagenham travel to Millwall in the Quarter-Final of the John Adler Cup next week looking for another step up against very good opposition.
An Excellent Performance By All !
Team : Wonderling, Morris, Brooks, Tape (Meggs), Wren (Capt.), Powell (Davis), Waller, AJ, Evans, Emille, Hartney , Feeley , Blade, Barlow (Smith).
30-10-04
Dagenham RUFC II (3) vs East London RFC II (25)
Home Friendly
Once again a last minute cry off by our BL Merit Table opponents resulted in Dagenham’s second team taking a late fixture against strong opposition.
However the team were in confident mood and took the visit of East London II’s as a good marker for the progress made so far this season.
The first half was a very close fought affair with the Dagenham pack absolutely dominating the supposed stronger side at both line out and srummage.
Dagenham repeatedly stole East London ball at the line out with some excellent work by jumpers Billy Davis and Tom Waller. However, attack after attack broke down due to some incompetent refereeing decisions and last ditch defence by East London.
Jordan Wigham playing his first game at fly-half was outstanding all afternoon with some fine tactical kicking and some great work through hands to allow the back line the chances which unfortunately were not taken.
This was compounded by the poor handling of the ruck and maul by the referee who appeared to make up a number of decisions as he went along, it should be said that the poor decisions applied to both East London as well as Dagenham, the last of which amazed absolutely everyone when the referee issued a Yellow Card to the East London hooker for a comment which clearly came from spectators on the side line.
All Dagenham had to show for their effort at half time was a solitary Wigham penalty to lead 3-0.
Dagenham made 6 changes at half time to allow everyone to be involved and this was their undoing. The second half started badly for Dagenham when the East London backs returned the kick off to score and that set the scene for the remainder of the second half.
The effort of the Dagenham pack was maintained through the second half to more than match the opponents but the hard running of the East London back-row and the lack lustre tackling of the Dagenham back-line lead to further scores through midfield which could and should have been stopped earlier.
Some more bizarre refereeing decisions lead to frustration throughout the team with Capt. Brian Wren taking particular offence at repeated incorrect and basically wrong decisions by the referee, the worst of which was his Yellow card for asking the referee to explain a decision.
East London scored 5 unanswered and unconverted tries in the second half but Dagenham should take confidence that the Starting XV more than matched the opposition and now look forward to taking on table topping East London IV in the BL Merit table next week.
Team : West, Ketteringham, Brooks, Tape, Wren (Capt.) (Fitch) Davis, Powell (Aspinall) (Meggs), Waller, Evans, Wigham, Hartney (Gunner), Feeley (Everingham), White (Dartnell), Smith (Jones), Barlow. Sub not used Wonderling
23-10-04
Westcliffe III (22) vs Dagenham II (0)
Away BL Merit Table
In very wet and windy conditions the Dagenham boys looked lethargic and uninterested for much of the match and the entire first half.
Westcliffe took the lead some 5 minutes into the match when taking a line out some 35metres from the Dagenham line they proceeded to effect a rolling maul the full 35metres to score, the conversion was missed.
The first half saw lots of good defensive work from the dagenham backs but very poor work from the forwards as they were repeatedly pushed back at scrummage and lost virtually every one of their own lineouts, this resulted in very scrappy ball which the backs could do nothing with.
With the half time score at 5-0 the dagenham boys were still in the game but the half time request to step up a gear was ignored as the second half started in the same vein as the first. Westcliffe took control up front giving their backs the time and room to cut the dagenham back line to pieces putting on three unanswered scores (one conversion) in the first 15 minutes.
With some 15 minutes left the dagenham pack decided to join the game and while the line out was a shambles all match the scrummage started to function. This allowed the ball to be secured with a solid set and let the backs start to make an impression. Some good midfield running by Jordan Wigham and Billy Davis (playing out of position in the backs) and some adept tactical kicking from Wigham lead to an encampment by the dagenham pack on the Westcliffe 5m line for virtually the whole of the last 5 minutes of the match, but scrummage after scrummage was wasted due to poor handling, decision making and poor basic skills meant the score, which would have been justified, remained elusive.
All in all this was a game to forget for Dagenham and much more effort and commitment is required for this team to achieve what it promised during the opening weeks of the season.
Team: Fitch (Barry), Morris, West, Meggs (Parlour), Tape, Powell, Waller, Wren (capt.), Buckingham, Blade, Davis, Wigham, Hartney (Dartnell), Smith, Barlow.
2-10-04
Dagenham RUFC II (50) vs Loughton RFC II (5)
Away Friendly
Having been awarded the points for the last two BL Merit Table matches Dagenham’s second team were happy to take this last minute rearranged fixture away to Loughton on Saturday and couldn’t wait for the action to begin.
Having lost 4 players to the first team squad and a number of players playing out of position Dagenham still managed to get off to the best possible start. Direct from the first kick off the ball found its way to Flyhalf Peter Blade just inside his own 22. Rather than taking the easy option and clear, Blade set off on a counter attack which resulted in him beating 4-5 Loughton backs and running the length of the field to score under the posts which the reliable Jordan Wigham duly converted.
This should have been the opening of the floodgates however, the apparent ease with which the score was made had the reverse effect.
The first score lead to whole team seeking the glory of points rather than concentrating on the basic’s of the game which have served so well this season. The next 39minutes of the half were punctuated by poor handling, repeated turning over of the ball and a number of silly penalties given away by virtually every one in the team.
Further scores were quickly added in the first half with wing Mark Smith and centre Jordan Wigham scoring tries which were a result of much of the only good work in the first half. Wigham again was reliable with the boot.
The Dagenham pack, so dominant in recent weeks appeared lethargic for the first 20minutes of the match loosing ball at scrummage, ruck and maul far to regularly and this cannot be blamed on either of the forwards (John Wonderling & Paul Fitch) making their full debuts in the side.
After the 20minute mark the Dagenham pack started to regain some of its dominance of recent weeks and some good pressure on a Loughton Scrum and a great chase down of the ball by the entire back row resulted in a scrum for Dagenham some 10m from the Loughton line. The first solid scrum by the forwards allowed captain Brian Wren to collect at the base of the scrum and drive over to score taking several defenders with him, this time Wigham was unable to convert.
The scoring in the first half was completed by a second try for Peter Blade, this time taking the scoring opportunity very well when the Loughton defence inexplicably allowed him all the space he needed, unfortunately Wigham missed with an excellent effort from the touch line. This gave Dagenham a 38-0 first half lead which should have been far more.
The half time talk asked for more effort and more concentration from the team and these were the main things lacking during the second half.
The second half started with the heavens opening resulting in a deluge that reduced the game to a very scrappy affair, this and a much better showing from the Loughton side.
Time and again in the second half the Loughton forwards mauled the ball gaining great territorial advantage which they were unable to convert in to points due to some stout Dagenham defending and it was from this stout defending that Dagenham’s next score came.
Another fine performance from David Meggs at the front of the line out for Dagenham, lead to a steel of Loughton ball some 10m from Dagenham’s own goal line and after recycling the ball, something they had been unable to do all afternoon, the back line got going with Jordan Wigham scoring under the posts after virtually the whole line had been involved, Wigham converted his own try giving him another fine haul of 20 points for the match.
The Dagenham scoring was not over yet, Billy Davis rounded off the scoring with a great solo effort to score under posts and the usually reliable Wigham summed up the whole game for Dagenham when he missed the easiest of conversions.
Loughton should be commended for their effort which was repaid late in the second half with a consolation try for the Flyhalf after some lacklustre tackling by Dagenham.
Although the result was a good one in terms of points scored the total could and should have been much higher and unless improvements are made the visit of Southend in next weeks BL Merit Table fixture could be a bad one for Dagenham.
Team : Wonderling, Morris, Fitch, Tape, Meggs, Davis, Powell, Wren(Capt.), Evans, Blade, Wigham, Feeley, Barlow, Dartnell, Smith.
25-9-04
Dagenham vs Braintree IV
BL Merit Division V
Obviously having seen the previous weeks results they must have S@?! themselves.
Tommy Waller and Billy Nelson should be ashamed of themselves putting Fishing before Rugby.
Reece Morris should also be told that taking out cousins while not technically illegal in this country is frowned upon especially when missing Rugby and said cousin is a small boy!
We want a better effort from all next time.
18-9-04
Dagenham II (62) vs Ilford IV (6)
BL Merit Division V
Although the score far from flattered the home team this was no pushover as the Ilford squad maintained an enormous effort from the first to last whistles and the encounter could have been much closer. Dagenham got off to a magnificent start with a try in the first 5 minutes. Some well worked play between backs and forwards resulted in a try in the corner for Wing Ian Barlow which Dagenham were unable to convert.
Some in-discipline in defence within minutes lead to a penalty goal for Ilford to bring the score to 5-3. From the kick off Dagenham advanced deep into the Ilford half with the forwards securing turnover ball for flyhalf Peter Blade to beat three men and score an excellent try but again the conversion was missed. This coupled with two missed penalties from Dagenham gave Ilford some hope and they replied with another penalty again due to some poor discipline.
After some end to end stuff Dagenham were awarded a scrummage 5 metres from the Ilford line. The pack put in an excellent drive for Number 8 Brian Wren to pick and drive to touch down what looked to all a perfectly good try only for the referee to disallow for a knock on. However the resulting Ilford put in and fine strike by Reece Morris against the head meant Wren was not to be denied this time driving over under the posts duly converted by Jordan Wigham.
With minutes left in the first half again the Dagenham Pack showed its dominence with a steel of the Ilford ball for wing forward Neil Powell to power over in the corner with three Ilford players in tow to seal a half time lead of 22-6.
The second half proved to be a far more one sided affair. The Dagenham pack took complete control up front, which allowed the backs the freedom to express themselves, an offer they duly accepted. Time after time the pack took control of scrummage and some magnificeint line out disruption from man of the match David Meggs resulted in good ball for the back line.
The line used a number of the moves they have practised rigourosly in training to cut the Ilford back line to pieces with firstly Full back Jordan Wigham hitting the line with perfect timing to score under the posts converting his own try. Wigham responded to being left out last week in the best possible way turning in a marvellous performance at fullback with a first class kicking display and dangerous in attack.
Next it was Barlows turn again, this time having the ball passed through hands along the line with great ease for the wing to touch down five metres in from touch, Wigham produced a great effort to convert.
The forward dominance allowed Wing Forward Tom Waller, who ran riot all afternoon making tackle after tackle and securing turn over ball, to score the first of his two tries. True to his form this season Waller took on what appeared to be the whole of the Ilford pack to crash over the line near touch.
Five minutes later Dagenham were awarded a penalty some 15metres inside their own half on the right hand touch, however some quick thinking allowed Wigham to put a massive perfectly weighted kick to within 10m of the Ilford line just inside the left hand touch for scrum half Peter Evans to race onto the ball and touch down under the posts again Wigham converted.
More pressure from Dagenham straight from the kick off secured the ball some 20m out and up stepped Tom Waller for a carbon copy of his first try. Again smashing his way through the Ilford Pack and driving over much closer to the posts this time for Wigham to convert.
The game wasn’t ended just yet though an the will of the Dagenham lads to play right to the end paid off as centre Darren Gunner, who earlier had had a try disallowed, made amends with a fine piece of play resulting in a well deserved try under the posts again converted by Wigham who ended the game with a haul of 17 points.
This was the best possible way for Dagenham to start their Merit table campaign and they look forward to the visit of Braintree next week.
Team: West (Wonderling), Morris (Ketteringham), Lewis, Tape, Meggs, Powell (Savidge), Waller, Wren (capt), Evans, Blade, Gunner, Feeley, Barlow (Dartnell), M Smith (J Smith), Wigham.
4-9-04
Romford & GP 38 v Dagenham 2nds 5
Home Friendly
NEW SEASON 2003-2004
13-3-04
Bancroft 2nds 25 v Dagenham 2nds 10
Home Merit
Within the first few miniutes Bancroft had scored a try and it was not long before they added another. Dagenham then got the breakthrough and capitalised on it with a try coming from Jordan Wigam which he also converted. He then converted a penalty to make it 10 10.
After the break Dagenham then lost all hope and Bancroft were dominating the half. Patrick Feeley won a man of the match performance with some superb tackling in the Dagenham defence. unfortunatly it was not enough and Dagenham were defeated.
6-3-04
Old Beals 17 v Dagenham 2nd 15
Home Merit
Just before half time Dagenham conceeded a try and brought the score to 7 - 5 with some suberb tackling by Patrick Feeley. The second half Dagenham did not get off to the start they were after and with handling errors all the half it cost Dagenham the points and they conceeded. Dagenham then scored a last minute try from Jordan Wigam who did not convert to make it square. Handling errors cost the game for Dagenham in this Merit table game.
Thanks
Dave
28-2-04
Baslidon IV 0 v Dagenham 2nd 101
Home Friendly
Dagenham’s second team were fired up and gunning for action against a depleted Basildon fourth side, after loaning them three players to make up numbers Dagenham moved into the opposition’s half and within minutes Micky Honor crashed through their defence to score the first try, Billy Nelson soon added his first after an impressive solo run handing off two player’s en-route, Mark Randal controlled the line outs to provide safe balls to scrum half Nelson, the next try scored by Honor after a run and pass from Nelson, who scored the next supported by Billy Davis, all three players combined a few passes to allow Honor to touch down for a hat trick, just before half time Dean Parlour plucked the ball from the sky ran twenty metres to pass to Reece Morris who then ran a further twenty metres to touch down between the posts, Jordan Wigham converted an impressive four from six to take the score to 38-nil at half time.
Confidence was high and Honor charged through for his fourth try closely followed by Nelson for his hat trick, playing at number eight Billy Davis picked up and ran from a scrum to score, Patrick Feeley jnr whose tackling had stopped any efforts from Basildon to retain possession of the ball sidestepped two opposition to score between the posts, a fumble by Basildon allowed Nelson to kick and chase the ball twice down the wing for a superb pick up under pressure to score his fourth, Craig White was tackled by the “invisible man” after dodging through the opposition Neil Powell picked up and touched down only to be denied his try as the referee seen a knock forward, Ian Barlow had been driving through opposition making the gainline time and time again throughout the game when he passed to Mark Smith who ran forty metres to pass to Parlour who brushed off an attempted tackle to score, then at the other end of the park Parlour made a try saving tackle just before the corner flag, at the restart Parlour again! Caught the ball running forward and passed to Tom Waller who ran last few metres to score, Wigham surged through a number of players to score a try, on field captain “Butterfinger’s” Buster lost his chance of an impressive solo run after knocking forward a “gift” ball, Waller then dragged himself through some half hearted tacklers to score his second try and Wigham stepped up to kick his thirteenth conversion of the day. Final score Dagenham IIs 101 Basildon IVs nil.
A lot of good solo effort was made today however far too many penalties were given away and the ultimate sin of Mouthing off to the referee cost us metres that a full strength team would have capitalised on.
Team:- Buster, Morris, Lewis, Parlour, Waller, Randall,(Humphries) Powell, Davis, Nelson, Feeley, Honor,(Andre) Wigham, White, M Smith, Barlow.
John Ketteringham, Dave Harwin and Billy Barrett played for Basildon and deserve our appreciation and thanks.
14-2-04
Brentwood 2nd xv 10 Dagenham 2nd xv 0
Away Merit
Dagenham who traveled to brentwood aching for a win in this merit table enocounter after last weeks semi final defeat.
Dagenham who defended well for 30 minites could not stop Brentwood running through and touching down and converting to make it 10-0.
Dagenham who only had 14 men to play were unphased by the numerical disadvantage and were dertermind to win from the kick off Dagenham found them selves defending all of Brentwoods attacks and Dagenham gave away a penalty for Brentwood to kick under the posts.
The second half was all Brentwood again even though Dagenham did push forward the found them selves on their own try line for most of the half.
14-2-04
Dagenham 2nd 14 Westcliff 2nd 50
Dagenham 2nds for the first time in their history were in a semi final of a cup.
Dagenham did not get off to the start they had hoped and it was not long before Westcliff scored a try and made Dagenham realise that they had to wake up.
Things then went from bad to worse and Westcliff scored three trys in quick succsesion to shatter Dagenhams hopes.
With a half time score of 24 - 0 Dagenham had to come out fighting for hopes of a final and that they did. Dagenham who were driving hard and using the ball well found a space in the defence and Billy Nelson put it under the posts for Jamie Mcarthy to kick. But then it still was not easy as Westcliff then added another two tries and with injuries for Dagenham things were not looking great.
Dagenham then thought hard and got a last constalation try from Jay Harrison. Dagenhams hopes faded after another two tries were conceded.
Dagenham who never gave up and battled right to the end should be proud of what they have achieved this season and try harder next season.
Thank you
Dave
24-1-04
Dagenham 2nd 28 v Phyllosans 40
Dagenham were very unlucky not to win this friendly against a strong phyllosan side. dagenham who had a lot of youth on the pitch and players out of position gave it their all. phyllosans applied the preasure straight from the off and lack of concentration and handling errors cost dagenham to conceed a try after only a few minitues. and it was not long before the were trailing even further as phyllosans added another two tries. Just before the end and after some heated moments dagenham turned there aggresion onto the pitch and billy nelson put dagenham back in the game with a fantastic run and try. Dagenham at the start of the second half were finding it hard to make possesion as phyllosans added another try and increase their lead. Dagenham then came back fighting and with some great tackles from Pat Feeley and winger craig dagenham then showed they were not going down without a fight and added a try after a sprint from Billy Davis and another from forrest. dagenham then look to come back but despite there defending they couldnt hold on and dagenham conceeded again to secure a win to pyhllosans.
31-1-04
Dagenham II 10 Millwall II 8
Home Junior cup
Dagenham who were looking for a win in the run up to their cup game in two weeks were eventual winners of this tough encounter. Millwall who started strong straight from the start and scored a try early in the first half. Dagenham who defended well held out to half time with the score 5 - 0. Dagenham who was attacking well in the 2nd half earned a try from Jamie Mcartney to make it 5 - 5. Millwall then added 3 points through a penalty to make it 8 - 5 with some well worked moves and great team work Ian Barrlow got a try in the last dying minutes to secure a win against a very strong side
6-12-2003
Dagenham 2nd 22 V Ilford 2nd 8
Home Junior cup
Dagenham 2nd's were facing a difficult game against a strong Ilford side in the first round of the cup. dagenham piled on the preasure straight form the start and after the first fifteen minites Darren Gunner placed the ball over the line for the first try of the match. with some well worked moves, preperation and injury troubles in the first half dagenham added another two tries from Kirk French and Burtus Pool. Just before the final whistle Jay Harrison added another and with Lee Carter adding the conversion to seal the game and dagenhams first ever win in the cup. Respects for ilford and man of the match Bill Nelson.
SMITH MORRIS WALLER POOL DAVIS PARLOUR RANDALL HARRISON WHITE NELSON GUNNER WEST FEELEY MEGGS
20-9-2003
Dagenham V Wanstead
Home Friendly
Starting with a youthful but inexperianced side the Dagenham 2s were expecting a difficult game against a strong Wanstead side.
Dagenham spent much of the first half in defence, Wanstead making the most of small gaps to run in tries.
The second half saw a more settled Dagenham just failing to capitalize on some scoring opportunities before Wanstead rallied with two late tries.
Although a dissapointing 0-58 result the players should take heart from the way they never gave up on the game and there was good individual performances from people playing in new positions.
By 'Eyebrow'
22-3-2003
Dagenham 2nds - 34 v's Phillisans - 29
Dagenham dominated straight from the kick off and didn't have long to wait before the first try.
After some good work from the pack scum half Pat Feeley fed Forest for an easy finish under the posts.
This put Phillisans further on the back foot which enabled Dagenham's up and coming youngsters to show what they can do when full of confidence and enthusiasm in creating the second try for the youngest of the backs Captain kirk French .
Pat Feeley then scored the best try of the match running according to him 60 metres before exchanging passes with Mickey Honour and touching down in the corner.
This put Dagenham 19 points clear and would have finished most teams off but not Phillisans with their mixture of youth and experience they showed great team spirit scoring some very good trys.
It was only the early dominance and sheer dogged determination that allowed Dagenham to hold on to their lead and run out eventual winners by 34-29
If Dagenham are anything, they are resiliant and they soon showed the fighting spirit that comes with wearing the Dagenham shirt, as Mr perpetual motion curly Neil scored under the posts which was easily converted winger by Chris Sapsford.
Dagenham showed that they can perform without the top try scorer in the club who shall remain nameless (but rhymes with Cat Deeley).Dagenham's next try was scored by open side flanker T Randall which was set up by opposite flanker and dad M Randall. Dagenham went from strength to strength totally dominating the line out and scrum thus allowing Dagenham to play the open free flowing rugby we know they can. The eight individuals in Dagenham's scrum gelled together to become one irresistible force full of power and aggression this culminating in Dagenham's winning try, by driving Upminster back over their own line for number eight Perry 'Sonic' to score. All the best