Upper Clapton Football Club and Epping Youth (UCFC)

Andy Carroll · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

Upper Clapton's Under 9 side capped a great season with a series of superb performances at the UCFC Festival to win the Under 9 Cup.

With a squad of 14 to choose from Clapton were able to rotate their players so all got a reasonable chance to play in the group stage.
First up were Saffron Walden who we blown away by a massive release of
pent up energy from the Clapton Boys. The Thornwood lads were incisive
in attack and scarily aggressive in defence. A 4-0 lead was opened up
by half time and following a series of changes for the second period the
game ended 5-1 in Clapton's favour. Ilford came next and despite an
impressive first game against Upminster the Ilford team never found a
significant response to Clapton's fierce approach. This match ended
3-1 in Clapton's favour and set up what looked to be a crunch match
against Upminster which would confirm a semi-final berth for Clapton
should they win. Clapton had lost to the same club at the semi final
stage of the Essex County festival a few weeks earlier and were keen to
avenge that defeat.

As it goes the coaches and parents needn't have worried as Clapton
simply overwhelmed their opposition with a stunning display of ferocious
tackling and white hot attacking skills. Several UCFC coaches from
older age groups watched on in awe as time and time again Clapton
nullified any attempt by Upminster to make ground, recycled the ball to
their speedy backs and then cut through the opposing defence to secure a
7-0 victory.

As expected, the semi-final threw up more tough opposition - this time
Barking. Spurred on by vociferous support from the side, Barking
looked to be the biggest threat to Clapton's campaign so far. But
Clapton had one foot through the doorway to the final and weren't
prepared to let step back now. Once again Barking found that any
attempt they made to threaten the Clapton line was thwarted by hard,
aggressive tackling that often resulted in turn over ball. Barking's
stronger players often found that when carrying the ball they were hit
by two Clapton boys before it could be off loaded. And when Clapton
had the ball in their own hands Barking simply had no response to the
direct running, handling skills and excellent support play on show for
the now large crowd to enjoy. 5-0 to Clapton and a repeat of last
year's Under 8 final beckoned as Wansted won their semi final against
Upminster.

The final. From the off it was clear that both sides were now very
tired but that the chance for glory was driving them on. Much of the
game was played in mid-field but with Clapton looking the slightly
better of the two teams. The home side made the break through after 4
minutes to give Clapton the slenderest of leads at half time. The
second period saw Clapton attacking up the slope and determined to keep
Wansted on the back foot. This they did marvellously and Wansted never
looked like scoring. With 2 minutes to go Alek darted around the back
of a scrum and dived over the line to give Clapton the cup and a huge
amount of satisfaction for a great day of rugby.

This was a great effort form all of the boys involved. Not all could
play in all of the games but none questioned why they were asked to take
a rest or to support from the side: this was a real squad success.
Thanks also go to all of the parents and other supporters who cheered
the boys on throughout the day.

The Eton Manor Festival takes place next week where Clapton will look to
defend their position as cup holders having won last season's Under 8
tournament.