Fixtures

Chingford 5 pts Eton Manor 10 pts

Although Chingford started their new campaign with a defeat, there were lots of positives to be taken from what turned out to be a great match. In a classic ‘game of two halves, Chingford dominated the first period and were unlucky to have only a Stephan Harding try to show for it. The rucking by the forwards was of the first order as they had obviously listened to their coaches’ pleas for a strong fast start. Tackling, pressing and pushing were all as good as anything seen in previous seasons. In the second half however the forwards seemed to run out of steam as they headed uphill and to their credit, Eton Manor came back strongly. Making the most of their possession they finished well twice and held on at the death for victory. During the match Adam Crossman showed some brave running and, even in the second half, the pack continued to win the scrum under the urgings of hooker Eden Coleman.

Chingford 25 pts Hackney Bulls 0 pts

Chingford soon shook off the blues of their previous defeat against a game but green Hackney side who performed most creditably for rookies, particularly in the scrum. Calum Blatchford opened the scoring with a typically tenacious try, wriggling over the line while under intense pressure. Given time and space Chris Constantinou then proved unstoppable scoring two ‘long distance runner’ tries. In the second half Finn Burnside burst through Hackney’s defences for an excellent score, a feat repeated by Stephan Harding. Good luck to the Bulls as they build for the future

Despite losing 3 and winning 2 games Chingford put in a very encouraging performance in a tough Festival. With, in my opinion, three of the four strongest u12 teams in Essex (Southend, Brentwood, and Westcliffe) as opponents Chingford gave all of them a game and recorded two convincing victories against Braintree and Upper Clapton.

Chingford 25 pts Braintree 0 pts Getting off to a flyer Chingford were inspired by great performances from Chris Metcalf at scrum half and by James McGregor and Eden Coleman in new positions at prop and centre respectively. Five tries by different scorers, Eden Coleman, Chris Constantinou, James McGregor, Callum Blatchford and Stephan Harding saw Chingford produce one of their most complete performances ever.

Chingford 5 pts Southend 10pts A well drilled Southend side with a couple of busy forwards deservedly went two tries up before Chingford rallied late. A try by James McGregor saw Chingford pushing for an equaliser as the game ended.

Chingford 20 pts Upper Clapton 0 pts With the forwards getting back on song after a closely fought first half Chingford took control with tries by Callum Blatchford, Tom Murray, Stephan Harding and the unstoppable Chris Constantinou who should have had a second but overshot the try scoring area!

Chingford 0 pts Brentwood 15 pts In the Semi Final the eventual winners were too strong and well organised as a team for Chingford, although the result could have been closer with Chingford matching their opponents in the first half.

Chingford 5 pts Westcliffe 15 pts The third place play off saw a tired looking Chingford side undone by the giants of Westcliffe.  Going two down a try by Chris Constantinou gave Chingford hope before a third by Westcliffe killed the game.

With a much stronger number than the previous week Chingford showed that while they might need more time to match the very best teams, their emerging squad and increasing competition for places is starting to pay off. The Essex Festival will be our next in March when League Places for 2012/13 will be up for grabs – five months to prepare!

Chingford 0 pts Southend 0 pts

It was a big test for Chingford against one of the strongest sides in Essex, however there was confidence among the coaches that a good result could be achieved. This was due to a positive attitude in training as well as a steady improvement in match performance since the start of the season. Although the scoreline might suggest a dull match it was anything but as both sides showed excellent defensive organisation and determination to keep a clean sheet. Some powerful running by Adam Crossman and surging forward play be Daniel Buckley was backed up by all the players, with new boy Dan Murphy showing good determination and discipline. There was real pride among the coaches and spectators that Chingford had more than held their own against Southend’s first choice team.

Chingford 5 pts Southend 10 pts

With the addition of a number of squad players on both sides this proved a really dramatic match that could have gone either way. Chingford’s scrum quickly gained the upper hand against Southend’s second string pack, but the visitors’ quick skilful and incisive passing game had to be admired. A powerful solo run from Chris Constantinou saw the home side take the lead only for Southend to immediately hit back as the Chingford back line went missing. Southend took heart from this and a second try followed after an intercepted pass.  However Chingford came back strongly as the second half wore on and camped out near the Southend try line. In the final play Stephan Harding crashed through the visitors’ defensive line only for the ball to squirm from his grasp inches from the ground. A defeat, but a really entertaining game, with a particularly strong performance from Kane Bennington who showed strength and determination throughout.

Chingford 10 pts Southend 5 pts

Southend put thier formidable first choice pack back into this game while Chingford continued to rotate their squad. Despite Southend having plenty of possession Chingford restricted them to one try through an improved defensive display with good aggression from the forwards. Scores from Callum Blatchford, who forced the ball over following a maul, and Stephan Harding with a surging run, gave Chingford a heartening win, and the respect of the Southend coaches. Chingford’s progress will be further tested next week by a visit to another ‘top’ Essex side in Upminster, where they will also meet Hertfordshire ‘giant’ Bishops’ Stortford!

Chingford 10 pts Wanstead 0 pts  A hard fought game ended in a narrow but deserved win for Chingford who went into an early lead through Kane Bennington, who scored right in the corner when all seemed lost! A dour game was settled in the final play by Stephan Harding who at last broke free and stormed over the line.

Chingford 20 pts Thurrock 0 pts Against a makeshift Thurrock team who needed to borrow players from Wanstead to make up a team, the home side were far too strong with powerful runs from both backs and forwards. Tries from usual suspects Chris Constantinou (twice) and Stephan Harding were complemented by one from forward Matty Periera as Chingford dominated both halves.

Chingford 20 pts Wanstead 0 pts Chingford achieved a clean sheet for the third and final game with goods defensive organisation, but it was their attacking play that really caught the eye! Encouraged by their coaches to play a more expansive game, the home side put on possibly their best ever display of attacking rugby full of skill and invention. A hat trick by Chris Constantinou and a score by Stephan Harding completed a comprehensive victory.

All in all a very pleasing day when most things seemed to work! Callum Blatchford put on an incredible display of running and tackling in all the games, while Charlie Phillips as full back and Callum Brett on the wing played significant roles despite their rookie status. The Chingford line out even pulled off a short corner  in one game as hooker Eden Coleman took the return pass, ran round the line and set the backs away. They usually go straight to the opposition!

The final performances of the year from Chingford proved to be a bit like the proverbial ‘curates egg’ – good in parts!

Chingford 5 pts Brentwood 15 pts  A good second half  performance against probably the best team in Essex (55 players on their books) salvaged some pride after a one sided first half where Chingford did well to keep the score down to just two tries. Brentwood’s scrum won them plenty of possession and their backs moves were well rehearsed and impressive. However Chingford were able to match them in the second half and despite going a third try down, had the last say with a well worked Stephan Harding try.

Chingford 5 pts Dagenham 0 pts

A laboured win over Dagenham, who boasted a huge pack, was sealed by a typical Chris Constantionou breakthrough try in a hard fought match. Despite not firing on all cylinders Chingford ground out a result with some stout defence. Even allowing for the full use of the squad, Chingford were not able to impose themselves on the game in any way and some sloppy play began to creep in.

Chingford 10 ptsRochford 15 pts

This was the part of the ‘curates egg’ that stank, especially in the second half. A sluggish start against a well organised and creative Rochford side led to the home team going behind. Solo tries by Stephan Harding and Chris Constantinou seemed to have put things right but were, unfortunately, just papering over the cracks. Slack play, poor concentration and a desire to run head down at the opposition regardless of all other options, saw the home side slip to a well deserved defeat.

Overall the first half of the season has seen a sharp improvement in Chingford’s performances and general play. However this Sunday showed that a lot of hard work still needs to be done and the players need to learn to  think more decision making and ‘game sense`. To end on a brighter note congratulations to KirwanSurani on his debut!

Chingford pitched up at Romford for their first fixture of 2012 - to play a Kent team! Nevertheless two fine performances against a well organised and spirited Gravesend side got us off to a fine start to the year.

Chingford  20pts Gravesend  0pts

A powerful performance by Chingford led to a first half lead of 3 tries to nil with scores by Adam Crossman (snaking run through the defence), James McGregor ( powerful surge through the middle) and Chris Constantinou (thirty plus yard sprint out of defence). Gravesend rallied in the second half with good rucking and mauling skills to restrict Chingford to just one more score by Adam Crossman. The game featured some excellent positional play and tackling by winger Kyle Bingle.

Chingford  25pts Gravesend  5pts

Some significant squad changes by Chingford led to a slow start allowing Gravesend to poach a try after some sloppy Chingford defending. However Chingford inched their way back into the game and a fantastic surge by the forwards saw Danny Duffy power over the line to equalise on the stroke of half time. Some more significant reverse substitutions saw Chingford cut the Gravesend defence apart with some stunning tries. Stephan Harding, Chris Constantinou, Adam Crossman and Callum Blatchford combined to execute some great backs play and were duly rewarded with a score each. Credit to a smaller Gravesend team who look to be developing well; but overall a solid start to 2012 for Chingford.