Tempers fray in Wanderers win

5:54pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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Ilford Wanderers 50
Upper Clapton 0
(Essex One)

ILFORD Wanderers finished the season on a high with a convincing win over rivals Clapton in an ill tempered game.

The first half started positively for Clapton with them taking the ball deep into the Ilford 22, but the hosts made the most of some excellent field kicking from David North and went in at the break with a 19-0 lead.

Tries in the opening period came from Dermot Mullins and two from John Dillon, while North added two conversions.

After the break Clapton felt they were on the wrong end of some strongarm tactics that brought several reactions from their players and left five of them in the sinbin at various times.

This allowed Wanderers to take complete control and they ran in a further 31 points after the restart.

Pat Crowley, Jack Gammans, Tom James and Jason Taylor with a brace all helped themselves to tries, while skipper North added three more conversions.

Delighted coach Brian Scahill said: "It was a very good way to end the season and I was very encouraged that we were fielding five players, who were either aged 18, or 19.

"After only just missing out on relegation for the last few seasons, this campaign has been very pleasing given we've only just missed out on promotion.

"So given the amount of young players we've got coming through at the moment hopefully we can have a real title push next year."

Departing Clapton counterpart Danny Elmer said: "I could certainly have thought of a better parting swansong after five years in charge."