With the strongest player numbers we have had in 2015, Campion returned to early season form to run in 9 tries, with no. 8 George Rogers converting 8 and hitting the post with the other. Schoolboy second row, Jonnie Animashaun made his debut and was joined by Army's mate, Liam, who recently arrived in the country, off the bench. Making a welcome return off the bench also was scrum half Mitch Bogard for his first IIs game of the season and Glen Storer after a long absence through injury.

A big thank you to Phil Friel for answering an SOS to referee as we were left without a referee due to the internationals.

Lynch, Lucas, Jones, Lidlow, Animashaun, McMurray, Rogers, Dunne, Frost, Ronayne, Hobbrough, Brazier, Arnone, Ryan, Whitcombe. Subs used - Storer, Bogard, Tucker, O' Herlihy, Slattery, Liam

Playing up the hill and into a strong wind, Campion dominated the early exchanges and took a deserved lead with a try from schoolboy debutant Jonnie after close driving by the forwards. Converted by Rogers. A second try came a short time later after a trademark strong run from Sam Lidlow with his Dad looking on, saw him break a number of would be tacklers to score from a 25 meter break to give Campion a 12-0 lead. Woodford responded with a try in the far corner which was superbly converted by their fly half from way out on the left touch line to bring the score back to 12-7. Woodford were pressing in the Campion 22 when a spilled ball was picked up by Sam Lidlow who broke a few tackles to ship the ball out to flying schoolboy winger George Hobbrough. Still in his own half, George skinned a few would be tacklers with pace and dazzling footwork to run the length of the field to score under the posts. Converted by Rogers, Campion led at half time by 19-7.

At HT Campion made some changes and bought on the youthful pair of Storer and Tucker to the pleasure of the VPs. Slatts and O'Herlihy came on later in the half, both pleased they did not have to play the whole game with only 14 players as previous weeks.

With the front row of Lynch, Lucas and Jones giving us a strong stable platform and the line out working well through Lucas and Rogers, Campion used the hill and wind advantage in the second half to run in a further 6 tries from Hobbrough (2), for his hat trick, Whitcombe (2), Rich Jones (1) and Rogers (2). All 7 converted by Rogers. Woodford replied with a try of their own but only after a huge defensive effort from Campion, with Jonnie putting in some huge hits, made them work hard for their reward.

For such a great performance, Campion did leave a few chances out on the field, with newcomer Liam putting Joe Arnone and second Slatts clean through, although both struggled to reach the line. However Campions main goal was achieved, to ensure that all enjoyed their rugby and we continue to bring through the schoolboys into adult rugby.

Two home tries in particular stood out, a Campion strike against the head on the half way right touch line was played through the hands for George Hobbrough to cut a great line off his right wing position, his pace and dazzling footwork cutting through the Woodford defence to score the try of the game. The other came from a Campion line out in the same area of the pitch, the backs moving it through the hands for Joe Arnone to bash one of his numerous holes down the middle and lay off to a great support running line from schoolboy full back Callum Whitcombe who broke a number of further Woodford trackers for a fine score under the posts.

Arnone and Brazier teamed well in the midfield provided a mix of defensive solidity and expansive guile, with Brazier providing a sweet and rare pass off his left hand to send one his younger team mates flying down the wing. That used to be him in his heyday.

Picking a MOTM from a fine team performance was difficult. George Hobbrough ran in a hat trick of tries, his footwork and size reminiscent at times of retired welsh wing wizard Shane Williams, Joe Arnone made some huge gain line breaks, although he did butcher two tries (I don't think he mentioned this to Elvis). Callum Whitcombe ran in two tries and was very threatening with his running game from full back and Tom Ronayne, Frosty and Mitch in turn were sound decision makers at half back. However, for his sheer enthusiasm and commitment in the tackle, the award this week goes to schoolboy debutant Jonnie in the second row. Luckily we had a big enough tee shirt to fit him. Neil Lynch has been waiting for a protégée for quite some time, and this lad definitely has the credentials to fill those famous Patrick boots.

Next week we play Barking III's, hopefully we can see the same commitment as this week and put a difficult start to the year behind us. We are down to play Harlow in the cup on the 14th and our final league game is at home to Southend III's on the 21st so let's keep up the momentum and attendance from last weekend to finish the season strongly.

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