The Blades were looking strong for their first game of the year after being pushed hard through pre-season training by new internationally recognised coach, Danny Ligairi Badham.
Captain for the 1st’s, Owen Spinner notes the tough task they faced and insist their feet are firmly on the ground:
“[There was] massive physicality in the ruck and at scrum put us on the front foot for some slick hands by the backs.
“There are still things to work on but the boys secured a solid win and a very encouraging start to the season”.
The former Leeds Met coach has made a huge impact in terms of morale and passion for the Blades which was demonstrated on the pitch in this BUCS tie.
Essex’s previous encounter with Goldsmiths resulted in a 42-10 win and so players and spectators were expecting a big win; they were not to be disappointed. Goldsmiths made early advances but with 15 minutes on the clock the first try was scored by Billy Edwards after a push from the forwards, setting a good pace for the rest of the game and spurring the team to drive for more.
At half-time, the Blades come in with a comfortable 25-0 lead. Pep talks from Spinner and Badham ensured the Blades kept consistency going into the second half.
Soon into the second half, the determination for a win turned up the heat, resulting in a scuffle and Tom Mitchell being sin binned for violent conduct; the only dent in an otherwise dominant Essex win.
Sandford’s kicking ability ensured Essex claimed every point within their reach.
Tries: Edwards; Malik; Payne; Bassett; Manzi
Penalties: Sandford
Conversions: Sandford (2)
Drop Goals: Sandford
Essex 1st 35 – 5 Goldsmiths 1st
Line-Up: Malik; Spinner (C); Edwards; Hill; West; Vidler; Payne; Maguta; Bassett; Sandford; Mitchell; Walshe (VC); Kane, Manzi; Weir
Subs: Meades; Rankin; McPate; Jones; Barber-Pratt; Robinson; Townsend
By Ami Lake
The Rabbit Newspaper 