12:40pm Tuesday 9th March 2010
By Chris Phillips
DAN Boughtwood took centre stage as Southend crushed Canterbury 37-5 at Warners Bridge on Saturday.
The 25-year-old bagged 22 points which included a try, four conversions and three penalties.
And he is now revelling in the added responsibility of becoming the team’s kicker following an injury to Andrew Frost.
“I have always kicked for the other sides I’ve played for so I’m glad to be doing it for Southend now too,” said Boughtwood.
“Frosty has been fantastic at doing it when he’s played and it’s a real shame he’s got injured. But his loss is my gain and I was really pleased with how Saturday went.”
The Seasiders started strongly and, in the fourth minute, Chris Vaughan galloped over the line for his first try of the game.
Boughtwood converted and it was not long before Southend’s constant pressure again paid dividends as Phil Ellis, playing at outside centre, was the man in the mood as he dived over.
Boughtwood converted to make it 14-0 before he also successfully kicked a penalty.
Canterbury were defending desperately, but to no avail as Southend’s attacks resulted in the best try of the match.
The ball was won by the forwards in midfield and quickly distributed along the line of advancing backs.
It flew from hand to hand until the final pass went to Vaughan.
Again he cut through the Canterbury defenders and went over under the posts.
Boughtwood did the honours with the conversion, taking the score to 24-0 at the end of the half.
Canterbury came out for the second half in a more determined mood winning possession and taking the game to the Seasiders.
Despite conceding yet another succesfull penalty kick from Boughtwood their efforts were finally rewarded when their full back William Atkin scored a try in the corner but then missed his own conversion attempt, 27-5.
Sensing an opportunity, Canterbury kept up the pressure.
Southend’s Andrew McClintock was yellow carded but resolute defence kept Canterbury at bay.
Boughtwood added another penalty to take the score to 30-5 and he then completed a memorable afternoon by scoring a smart try which he also converted.
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