Champions elect Dagenham celebrate after winning the Essex One title
Dagenham 32
Millwall 21
(Essex One)
DAGENHAM'S 13th consecutive league win of the season proved lucky against Millwall on Saturday as they sealed the Essex League One title and promotion in the process.
It was an emotional day for all at Central Park, the atmosphere electric before kick off, with the D's knowing that the win would probably be enough to crown them champions, courtesy of their superior points difference.
The hosts were roared onto the pitch, conditions were pretty good, however a heavy burst of rain and hail, made life very tricky early on.
Dagenham adapted fairly quickly though, and took the lead courtesy of number eight Phil Crawley.
The try settled them down, and shortly after some good phase play saw the ball moved wide, where blindside flanker Jordan Wigham was lurking, and he showed typical strength and power to barge his way over the line to give the hosts a ten point lead.
Dagenham continued to dominate territory and the forwards were really looking to starve their opposite numbers of ball.
advertisement
The scrum was functioning well, and despite the slippery conditions, the lineout was pinpoint.
Millwall defended well, but they were finally breeched again when good work from Louis Stevens saw him link up with Wigham for another score.
Just before the break, Dave Purton picked and drove over from a ruck, finally giving West Calverley a kickable opportunity, and the Dagenham fly half made no mistake, giving the home side a 22-0 lead at the break.
The D's started the second period brightly, and for the first ten minutes played some controlled rugby.
The forwards again drove hard at the line and Crawley popped up again to grab his second score of the afternoon.
To their credit, Millwall continued to press hard, and they were rewarded with a score midway through the half, their captain driving over following some sloppy play in the D's.
Yet again, Dagenham forced their way forward and it man of the moment Crawley who completed a fine hat-trick with about 15 minutes to go.
At 32-7 the game looked to be won, and Dagenham perhaps let their intensity slip a little.
A string of penalties allowed Millwall to bring into play their dangerous runners, who they used to good effect to claim two further scores. Fortunately the clock was on the D's side, and the referees final whistle sparked mass celebrations from the home ranks.
Delighted skipper Ben Fowler said: " When the dust has settled, the officials, coaches, players and supporters will be able to reflect on an historic season.
"The squad have put together a huge run and deserve enormous credit for holding their nerve under intense pressure from their rivals.
"They have come a long way this season and have shown great character after losing two games in quick succession back in October.
"Since then, 19 league and cup games have yielded 18 wins, and a solitary, last minute defeat to Wisbech in the EDF Energy Junior Vase.
"It has been a tremendous run that has ultimately seen Dagenham secure a league and cup double, and means they can look forward to the prospect of London League rugby next season."
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
Comment
