East London are looking to take the top position in the league for the first time this season as they welcome Essex for the return fixture of October’s heavy Essex win.
The previous meeting between the two sides saw a clinical Essex take advantage of East London’s extensive injury list to take home a 65-12 win. It is the perfect time for East London to attempt to exact revenge.
After going a perfect three wins from three in November, having not conceded a try in either of their last two matches, East London will look to continue their defensive prowess to shut down Essex’s attacking threats.
Table Toppers
A win could see East London reach the summit of the table at Christmas which would be a big boost after their poor start. In the last few weeks, East London have really found their feet with their new coach and clear style is emerging. The aggressive defence and expansive rugby has seen a lot success in the recent weeks, and it was exactly what was lacking in the first Essex fixture.
Essex are currently four points and one league position behind East London with two games in hand. Essex haven’t lost a game since their very first game of the season, and a win here could send them top of the division still with two games in hand.
There is a lot to be played for at an important time of the season. And both teams are in good form heading into this key fixture.
The long-awaited fixture between the sides will kick off at 3pm this Wednesday at Eton Manor Rugby club.
A Word From the Captain, Harry Walker: This week we have Essex 2 XV at home. It is our first reverse fixture of the season and the last match before the Christmas break. We got beaten quite comfortably by them last time but had a seriously depleted squad. We owe them a good performance and off the back of three wins in a row I’m confident we can give them a better one. If we win this game, we will end the year top of the table. Which is really promising for the second half of the season.
Player Focus: James Hancock
What did you learn from the last time you played Essex?
“We need to mentally turn up to the game and play how we’ve been playing in the last month. We switched off in defence and let them run through us at times, our defence has been stronger recently and we’ll be looking for that to continue.”
What’s the feel like around the team heading into a game where you lost heavily early in the season?
“We’re excited to show them what UEL rugby is really about. We have more fit players, more weeks playing together and they won’t be ready for this game.”
A win could send you top of the league, does this effect you or how the team play?
“We will always play the same rugby regardless of our position in the league. But it’d obviously be nice to end the first term on top of the table.”
It’s clear East London have adopted a fast-expansive game this season, how does this benefit you?
“It benefits the backs as we can easily shift the ball and run around the teams defence, and I have scored a lot of tries due to this new fast brand of rugby we play.”
