May & Baker A XV

 Match Report

MERIT TABLE – 15^th September 07

May and Baker 29 .v. 12 Upminster

For the first time in a few years May & Baker were ready for the start of the Merit Table campaign. A strong May & Baker side hosted freshly relegated Upminster. Baker’s knew that this would be no walk in the park as Upminster were hoping to jump straight back into league 4.

This showed as within five minutes lazy work from the M & B pack resulted in quick ball for Upminster to score a converted try beneath the posts. Baker’s did not take this lying down. Captain Garry O’ Sullivan led by example making a fine brake before putting a nice cross field kick in for in-form centre Mickey Engwell to run on to and score, however he failed to convert his own try.

May & Baker were now in top gear and looked nippy all around the pitch. Good work from pack leader Andy Yarrow & Rob Pattern was earning M & B good lineout ball and applying good pressure on the Upminster lineout. From one of these lineout's Andy Yarrow secured good ball which was driven up field before Garry O’ Sullivan made another brake before feeding Symeon Mighty for his first try for the black & reds. (AND AGAIN HE OFFERED TO BUY A JUG!!!) The mobile prop showed good stamina scoring under the posts with a 50 meter run. Engwell this time converting.

Upminster did not take this lying down as they hit back with an unconverted try in the corner. However, Baker’s heads did not drop as they tried to add another score in the last play of the half. After the front row did the hard work, Darren Robinson went close to the line, before quick hands from Colin Combden, Andy Yarrow, Garry O’ Sullivan, and Alan White resulted in a score for returning lock Rob Pattern. Pattern was one of a number of lads who could have finished a good M & B move. Again Engwell converted leaving the score 19 – 12 at the brake.

After a few players taking knocks in the first half, changes were forced. The replacements in no way weakened the team as in the second half they managed to keep an un-breached try line. Martin Riddell switched from centre to the flank and shone threw out the second half, the former Southend player was the first to make his mark in the second half as he broke down the blindside to run in a unconverted score. Alan Johnson was the next to attempt to break the Upminster defence but after two drives he was unfortunately held up just short of the line. But good ball retention resulted in Doug Murray breezing over the Upminster line.

Upminster tussled in the midfield but were unable to score. Good breaks again from O’ Sullivan & Gary Williams came close to further scores but time ran out for a frantic Baker’s side.

This win takes May & Baker joint top of the Merit Table, which is a position we have not been in for a long time. It is great to see all the summers’ new recruits playing well, fitting in, and most importantly scoring tries!!! As always I would like to say a big thanks to the people who came to make some noise for the boys. Recent support has been excellent and we are treating you to some interesting rugby. Next week May & Baker are in Merit Table action again as they take the trip up to potential table toppers Basildon. Due to the England game there will be a 1 p.m. kick off. We hope to see you there!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Martin Roddell

SQUAD: Harry Lisbon, Colon Combden, Symeon Mighty, Alan White, Rob Pattern, Dave O’ Sullivan, Andy Yarrow, Doug Murray, Darren Robinson, Garry O’ Sullivan, Mickey Engwell, Martin Roddell, Ross Williams, Rob Turner, Alan Johnson, Burak Erceri, Gary Williams,  Mark Bonfil, Richard Paul, and Darren Sammon.