Sat 23 Sep 2023, 15:00
The Saxons were back on the road following their bonus point win away to Thurrock the week before, this time heading to North Essex to take on Saffron Walden. The hosts had developed an early reputation this season as one of the most competitive, dangerous attacking sides, scoring five second half tries away at Harlow the week before.
The Saxons played the first half down towards the club house end and it didn’t take long for them to get into their stride. The visitors played with pace and purpose from the start and after a powerful driving maul, hooker John Kenward dotted down leaving Ben Lloyd with a routine conversion. All seemed well, the set piece was operating well, and the Saxons attacking play looked dangerous, however the hosts were causing the Saxons some defensive concerns. A number of missed tackles saw Saffron Waldens number 8 gallop in from forty metres to register their first points of the afternoon. The visitors managed to get themselves back into the 22 and apply some good pressure, another for Kenward and one from Ramsey extended the Saxons lead.
The Saxons were camped on the hosts line when they looked to clear their lines, the fly half threw the dummy kick which lead to a line break. Saffron Walden made quick headway towards the Saxons half, but another two tackles were missed and the hosts went the full length to dot down for their second of the afternoon. A disappointing way to concede but credit to Saffron Walden for their innovation and ability to finish. The game was heading towards the break when the Saxons were given an advantage inside their own half. Ben Lloyd spotted space out wide and managed to set up Jack MacVeigh to cross the line to secure the try bonus point before the break. The lineout continued to be a weapon and the Saxons didn’t seem to be done just yet, after good set piece ball the backs got within 20 metres from the line again, before the last pass went to feet and rolled into touch. The half time whistle blew. 12-26.
The Saxons returned looking to repeat last weeks heroics and register more points. They started brightly, some strong carries from Stuart Whatling and Matt Wagstaff gave them front foot ball and space in the wide channels for both Jack MacVeigh and Blue Newton to add to the score line before Chris Vaughan was set free to race home under the sticks! The visitors then went down to fourteen as tight head prop Tate Holliday was yellow carded. This lead to Saffron Walden dominating field position and applying significant pressure on the visitors line. Pressure told as the hosts managed to cross over from close range and more suspect defence at the kick off allowed them to return straight back into the Saxons 22. The try bonus point was secured for Saffron Walden just before the Saxons returned to fifteen.
The closing stages were well managed by the Saxons, it was great to see Blue Newton back, some impressive attacking shape at times was clear for all to see and some good team tries registered. A bonus point away from home in this league is no easy task, a ‘job done’ feeling on the touch line was evident.
Next week the Saxons return home to take on Norwich. We hope to see as many of you there for a 15:00 kick off.
