Woodham secure first away win of the season

The victory moved Woodham up to seventh in the standings and delighted the club’s David Baker.

“The 10 point margin could easily have been more if the lads could have finished off their two clearest chances or taken the chance to kick penalties when they had the wind behind them,” said Baker.

“But it is the result that counts and they will go into the Christmas break confident that they are back on track.”

However, Woodham were made to work hard for the win.

“The lads turned up to find a pitch heavily laden with standing water and it was only after a monumental effort from the home side’s staff to clear it that the game was able to be played,” said Baker.

“We were not just challenged by a heavy pitch though as the game was also played in a stiff and bitingly cold wind that made kicking very difficult unless it was behind you.

“But, despite the weather and the pitch, which undoubtedly favoured the heavier home side, we were able to triumph.”

Playing with wind behind them in the first half Woodham struggled to get their running game going and it was the home side that threatened in the early stages of the game.

Two penalties that would normally have been well within kicking range fell short, allowing the visitors to clear their lines.

In reply, Woodham had several attacking chances resulting from the home side’s ill-discipline but on each occasion, they were unable to finish them off.

Epping eventually made the breakthrough when they broke away from a Woodham attack and ran in a try to the obvious delight of their supporters.

But the 7-0 lead was not to last long as Woodham hit back with a try of their own scored by Tate Holliday which was converted by Alex Baker.

As the half drew to a close Woodham got their noses ahead with a penalty scored by Baker.

After the break, Woodham’s Jac Norkett emerged with the ball from a ruck deep in the Upper Clapton half and scrambled over the line to score and Baker made it three from three with the conversion to seal victory.

In London One South, there was also a win for Thurrock who trounced HAC 57-15 to move up to eighth in the table.

But, in London Three Essex, it was another tough afternoon for bottom of the table Basildon who lost 31-17 at home to Mavericks.

Basildon, who were relegated last season, have now lost all 11 of their matches so far this term.

In Essex One, Billericay beat Old Brentwoods 7-3 and are sixth in the standings.

Canvey Island, who were without a game, remain in second place.