Much improved performance ends in "unlucky" defeat

What a difference 5 days makes....after the low point of Sunday's performance at Wasps, the coaches demanded a response from the squad and they delivered fantastically tonight against the current leaders of the Essex league. With 5 changes to the line up, a new look Stortford delivered a fast paced, attacking and aggressive performance that matched a very strong and physical side from Essex. Despite some excellent early line speed we went behind when the ref called play back to award Eton a penalty after an astounding period of advantage. Strong pressure followed and led to a second score out wide from the home team. When the hosts added a third score to go 17:0 up, it became clear that despite a very competitive performance, if we didn't score next this game may have been lost already. Winning a scum on the edge of the Eton 22, Zico picked and went hard, targeting their exposed wing and crossed the line to open our account....momentum was swinging.

The second half saw Stortford take control of the game, with some close calls keeping Eton ahead. A superb kick into the corner from a penalty by the superb Luke F led to a catch and drive line out from which Zico was able to peal off and score in the corner. This left a near impossible kick for Fabian, but our cool fullback nailed it with ease to narrow the gap to just 5 points (check out the video on the overview tab). With our rapid line speed piling on pressure Eton were reduced to 14 when the ref finally lost patience with the high tackles and sent a player to the bin. Despite waves of attacks we were unable to capitalise on our advantage and Eton scored when they returned to full strength. There was initial confusion as the ball did not appear to cross the line, but the try was awarded and our hopes appeared lost.

In an amazing display of heart and courage the Stortford boys continued to chase the game and were rewarded when Fabian scored under the posts following phase after phase of forwards crashing rugby. With the clock run down, Luke F nailed a drop goal conversion to finish the match and close the scoring at 22:19.

This was not so much a match that we could of won, more a one we should have won. The performance of every one of the 16 players was outstanding. Returning captain Cameron, playing a full 70 minutes and smashing rucks to the final whistle, was superb in both his play and his leadership and deservedly collected the MoM honours. Special mention must also go to Nathan and Luke F who formed a dynamic and aggressive partnership in the centres before Nathan was forced to switch to scrum half due to injuries. Cuan happily filled in at centre and didn't put a foot wrong all night.

In the build up the coaches asked the boys to earn the shirts they were wearing, and they certainly did. This was a team performance from a bunch of boys who fought for each other and never gave up, for our team spirit alone we deserved a win, but alas that's not the way it works. Well done lads, have a rest this weekend, you deserve it.