Stanford 2nd XV 64 Dagenham 3rd XV 5

Having won the merit table league with a match to spare it would have been easy for Stanford 2nd XV to relax and take it easy in this game. However, the home team was determined to put on a display in front of a good home crowd. Dagenham turned up short of players but Stanford sportingly lent them Martin Johnson at prop forward and veteran Daren Myall at centre.

Dagenham were also up for the game and started strongly, almost penetrating the Stanford defence in their first attack. The home team defended well and counter attacked from deep to score a well worked try from Ash Smith. Outside half Grant Ferguson kicked the extra points. It wasn't long before Stanford scored again with full back Mark Lennon taking a short pass from No8 Paul Newbery and crossing the line. Another successful kick from Ferguson and it was 14-0.  

Dagenham mounted a promising attack and kicked over the Stanford back line but found flanker Aaron Smith who  sprinted the length of the pitch to score, breaking Dagenham hearts and putting to rest any hope of a comeback.

The Stanford tight five of Cumbers, Payne, Cook, Martin and Barter dominated scrummages and lineout and provided their back row and back line with plenty of quality ball. Centre Jack Davidson was in fine form and ran in a hat-trick of tries. The Stanford wingers also had a productive day with Greg scoring twice and Tony Smith getting a try. Grant Ferguson had a personal haul of 14 points with 7 conversions.

It was good to see the father and son combination of Les and Scott Martin once again in the Stanford Jersey. Also the Barters Steve and Dean continued to enjoy playing alongside eachother and making things difficult for the opposition.

There was a minor blip with Dagenham stealing a try just before half time but most of the game it had been one way traffic. The final try of the day was from ever present Ash Smith who battered his way through the defence to score near the posts.

Final score Stanford 2nd XV 64 Dagenham 3rd XV 5