Match Report

ESSEX PRESIDENTS SHIELD – 8^th September 07

Pegasus Palmerians 3 .v. 10 May & Baker

Bakers went into this game against an opposition from the league above full of confidence after last weeks win in the National Cup. Recent seasons have always produced close games between the two sides and this one was no exception. From the off the home side put pressure on a Bakers side fielding 3 changes from last weeks starting 15. However, M & B quickly got into their stride with the forwards taking an edge in set plays and the backs moving the ball quickly. With a high tempo set, Palmer’s defence held, but numerous penalties were given away for fringing and Baker’s steadily moved up field. It was from one of these penalties on the Palmer’s 22 that lead to the 1^st score of the game. A quick tap from skipper Dave Maudsley caught Palmer’s asleep and after breaking a tackle off loaded to Dave O’Sullivan who powered over from close range. Darren Robinson earned a call up at scrum half, converted. Palmer’s came straight back at Baker’s stretching their defence, only being stopped illegally in front of the posts, Palmer’s electing to kick the pen from 30 yards out. The half continued to ebb and flow with neither side gaining an advantage but both going close, Palmer’s kicking much of their procession away but Bakers not being able to capitalize with ball in hand.

Half Time Pegasus Palmerians 3 – May & Baker 7

Baker’s then suffered a huge blow at kick-off. A short grubber into space found Bakers skipper Dave Maudsley and a Palmerians player clash legs when both going for the ball, the result leaving the Bakers captain being carried from the field of play despite trying to shake off the injury, later finding out that his tibia was actually broken in the impact and as a result required surgery the following day.

Baker’s had to re-jig their back line and Palmer’s seeing this went for the jugular. Bakers’ backs can be proud of the way they defended for the second half, time and again forcing Palmer’s players to make mistakes with their consist pressure. When Baker’s did get the ball, the forwards trundled up field benefiting from rolling mauls which sapped both Palmer’s energy and time on the clock. Several of these attacks were brought down by Palmer’s illegally and Baker’s whenever possible kicking for goal. Darren Robinson converting one such attempt. With time nearly up, Palmer’s continued their all out attack but M & B’s defending to the last held out, the final whistle not coming too soon for them.

Full Time Pegasus Palmerians 03 – May & Bakers 10

Credit must go to Players to Steve Nathan who stepped into the crucial fly half role after Maudsley’s unfortunate departure (we wish you all the best Dave, and can’t wait to have you back on the pitch!) & the back row of Mike Donoghue, Rob Willingham and Doug Murray who tackled everything that ran their way.

Next week the lads have earned a rest after having a 2 from 2 winning run in cup competitions. Their next game will be at home to Ongar on Saturday 22nd September in the next round of the E.D.F. Energy National Cup. Thank you for your support this week and we look forward to seeing you on then.

SQUAD: Alan Johnson, Burak Erceri, James Henderson, Sym Mighty, Dave O’ Sullivan, Michael Donoghue, Rob Willingham, Doug Murray, Darren Robinson, Dave Maudsley, Huw Protheroe, Mike Whittington, Rob Turner, Steve Nathan, Richard Paul, Paul Sullivan, Darren Noakes, and Steve Pollard.