Eastern Counties Rugby Union

of assessed matches with a highly creditable draw against Kent in Barking.
Ground conditions were perfect with a firm pitch although there was a strong breeze blowing down the pitch.
EC played against the wind in the first half and were quickly into their stride with their line speed forcing Kent into handling and positional errors. EC had more possession and, with their scrum functioning efficiently, could make use of clean possession.
Kent were giving away penalties at the breakdown as they tried to slow the tempo of the EC game but, eventually the pressure told and following a great drive with second row Joe Colcomb heavily involved, the powerful EC number 8, Troy Palmer, scored a try converted by fly-half Kieran Hatter.
Kent were spurred into action and showed that they had great pace out wide and despite being held up just short of the line, snaffled the second phase ball and scored a try of their own which went unconverted.
Kent now had their tails up and their impressive Number 8 and right winger were again involved with an excellent move which saw the winger score wide right.to go ahead 10-7.
EC fought back hard with the forwards driving through the heart of the Kent defence and again winning a series of penalties at the breakdown. From one of these, Palmer went on a bullocking run from which the forwards went through a couple of phases before the backs showed delightful handling shipping the ball at lightning speed to winger Thomas Elliott who completed the score from 5 metres out.
With 36 minutes elapsed time, Kent showed their mettle, sucking in the EC defence in midfield and then releasing quick ball to their right winger who offloaded to his full back in the tackle enabling him to cross the EC line and re-take the lead by 15-12.
With the half-time whistle poised, EC again fought back when Kent gave away another penalty in a dangerous position. A determined charge for the line by EC fly-half, Kieran Hatter, despite a delightful show and go, looked to have ended short but, with great determination, he managed to free his arm and stretch out over the line to leave the ½ time score, with his conversion, at 19-15 to EC.
Kent had obviously changed their approach at half-time and came flying out of the traps, committing heavily to the breakdowns and moving the ball quickly through hands in the backs.
EC were a little slow to respond and, following a scrum on their right, quickly switched the ball to the left where they had created a two man overlap and completed an excellent score with the conversion giving them a 22-19 lead.
EC were rather shell-shocked at this point and, within 5 minutes had allowed Kent to race away with another 7point score meaning they had to play catch up rugby with the score standing at 29-19 to Kent.
With fresh legs brought on from the bench, EC refused to lie down and, having won a free kick at the line-out, elected to take the ball on through the forwards; EC retained possession through several phases until eventually, powerful prop, George Borakis, drove over the line to narrow the gap.
The momentum had now swung to EC and they were going all out for the win with backs and forwards combining well to put pressure on the Kent defence.
Having gained possession deep in Kent territory and following several attempts to cross the opposition line, a quick pass to the left a few metres out opened a gap to enable Elliott Rayment for EC to bring the scores level which was a fair reflection of an open match that had the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
Lead Coach, James Herbert, was delighted with the skill and commitment of his squad and, although he identified a few areas to be worked on in training, he was looking forward to taking on Essex at Allianz Park next Sunday. Spectators will be very welcome at this prestigious setting with the kick-off set for 14:00.