The sun was high and despite recent rain a firm ground welcomed the clash between Wanstead 2’s and Ilford Wanderers. A chasm of two divisions separates the teams and despite the score telling all, the quality of rugby on show made it difficult to know which team was higher placed. After Thames pulled out mid-week Ilford set themselves the challenge of testing their new look side against higher division opponents.

The match began well for Wanstead taking advantage of a slow starting Ilford, they were quick to put three tries on the board within the first ten minutes. However, with a new on field leadership team in Morgan Brown (C.) and Dan Smart (V.C) the team were able to quickly stem the flow and proceeded to take the fight back to Wanstead.

In the scrums Ilford took charge as the crowd cried: ‘Horsey Horsey’. A reference that to this day we can only attribute to The Tommy Watson without any idea of the meaning behind it. Tackles intensified too as the Wanderers found their feet. Leading the charge was self-proclaimed biggest man in Dagenham Lee Martin who didn’t miss a single tackle all game. Fans speculated if the increase in aggression was anything to do with him seeing the bill after his recent wedding.

Filling in for the injured club captain Alex Berbank, at fly half, is no mean feat but the younger of the two Brown boys used his creative genius, usually reserved for his horticultural profession, to flick the ball inside to the freight train power of his older brother. Lawrence Brown crashed through the lines and gained valuable ground, eventually setting up the first try with an audacious offload out the back of his hand scored by George Spiers with a triumphant dive far in the right-hand corner. The conversion was placed wide by no more than the width of the post and suddenly, we had a game on.

The first then resembled more of a tug of war, the ball rarely straying into either team’s 22. Both number eights took turns at running into one another seemingly unwilling or unintelligent enough to run around their opposite number. Wanstead scored a well crafted try with an experienced and pacey back line, running fast and wide they out flanked the Ilford defence that at this point hadn’t conceded a single point, in close to thirty minutes. The first half was drawing to a close and despite the early flourish momentum favoured neither side. That was up until Billy Kelly received a trademark yellow card just before the break. He still insists now that the card was unjustified, however the referees reasoning of ‘multiple infringements’ didn’t seem to meet much objection from the Ilford sideline. Sorry Bill I think you’ve just got to hold your hands up to that one, swallow your pride, and get a jug in. Half time whistle blows, score:

Ilford 5, Wanstead 21

The second half was going to be a tough one for Ilford to grasp. A man down for the first 8 minutes of it, Wanstead instinctively capitalised on the advantage, scoring a try early on. Under the sticks the team was still assured of its game and resolute in the challenge they faced. If the first half was a sumo wrestle, then the second was a game of bulldog. Line breaks for both sides were common. Possibly due to the heat but more likely due to the players unique fitness levels; both teams became tired and holes in their lines appeared. This more open game favoured Ilford’s quick ball attitude and decision-making abilities of its ball carriers and it wasn’t long

before open side flanker, Billy Kelly made up for that heinous yellow card with five points on the board. The try was well conceived and proved a difficult conversion for most but not for Morgan who slotted the extra 2 points.

Wanstead replied with 2 of their own in the more open second half. Prompting changes that saw Sean Dunley make his debut as well as Sean Smith playing his first game at Ilford in over 5 years. Ilford stalwart Terry LeBeau made what must be by now close to his 1,000th appearance for the club. He marked the occasion with a try. It came in true Terry fashion; he ran no more than 3 meters to cross the line and extends the impressive stat that he has now scored in every season he has played rugby for the club. This of course is a stat that no-one but himself can verify but frankly being as none of us want to stand up to all 5”3’ of him, we agree and congratulate him. Well done, Terry. He sauntered back to the halfway line whilst the captain slotted the extra 2 points.

The last ten minutes produced an exciting exchange, Wanstead received a yellow card, and Ilford had a penalty inside their half. But it was a case of what could have been, the penalty kick to touch was a fraction the wrong side of the corner flag and the almost ‘worldie’ of a kick turned into a rare blot on the kicking record of M. Brown. Wanstead took the resulting line out and several phases later scored and after a conversion miss the game was done.

What did we learn from it all then? Well, quite a lot. Ilford has a new look this year. A dynamic and attacking minded side that looks to spread the ball quickly and stretch teams’ defences, all reinforced by a mobile back row and solid tight five. I think had Ilford scored in the last minutes of the match instead of Wanstead then the scoreboard would be a more accurate representation of the game. Wanstead were the better side but a 1 or 2 score game is a fair reflection and nothing to be sniffed at when you consider the 2 leagues that separate the teams.

Ilford Wanderer’s revival is finding a new gear it seems this year, and all eyes look to the opening league fixture against East London next week. These teams have not met since last years league semi-final where the title push for Ilford last year ultimately ended with defeat. A strong side await our opponents next week as both sides aim to throw down early season markers for their title challenge.