Millwall pick up first win of the season
Millwall Rugby Club recorded their first league win of the season by drubbing Upper Clacton 61-5
Millwall Rugby Club recorded their first league win of the season by drubbing Upper Clacton 61-5.
The Isle of Dogs side has previously struggled in Essex Division One despite high expectations at the start of the season, and the latest victory was a welcome one.
Captain and scrum half Brent McMillan said after the match: "I thought the forwards produced a fine display at the set pieces, giving our backs a solid platform to launch their attacks.
"Getting a win in the league breeds confidence and gives us the winning mentality needed to secure wins in tight matches. I feel confident we can produce another good display in the EDF cup this week and bring home another win."
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Millwall's front row, consisting of props Martin Ward and Ed Williams, and hooker Jamie Rockman, proved the decisive factor on Saturday.
From the first scrum the enormous trio bulldozed the smaller Upper Clapton pack, driving them off the ball at their own put in.
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This platform gave the home side limitless possession and the strong Millwall back line was able to fire off attack after attack.
Among the scorers were James Reilly, playing out of position at number eight, and returning winger Naz Mohammed, who both grabbed a brace of tries.
Strong first time tackling prevented the visitors from gaining any territory on the rare occasions when they did secure the ball, and Upper Clapton reverted to kicking as a first choice option.
At lineouts Millwall's pack functioned like clockwork with thrower Carlin Kricker finding his man time and again with the precision of a professional darts player.
The visitors found Millwall's defence lacking just once in the game when poor organisation led to an overlap in the home side's 22 at the end of the second half.
