Shelford 21 Southend 24 (written by Tony Roberts and Andrew Cryer)

Last minute despair...

A solo break in injury time by Southend scrum half Sam Anott gave the visitors a narrow win and condemned Shelford to their sixth consecutive defeat after the home side looked to have done enough to win.

Shelford set about the game with real purpose to end a five match losing streak and spent the first 10 minutes pressurising Southend deep in their half. The pressure brought its rewards in the 24th minute when Harry Owens flighted a beautiful cross-kick caught by James Grabowski who passed to Taniela Bakoso who touched down in the corner. Harry Owens converted.

In the 38th minute whilst defending in their own 22, against the run of play, an attempt to intercept a Southend pass resulted in a knock-on, collected by Southend’s Billy Driver who touched down under the posts . Simon Hoult converted for 7 -  7 at half-time.

Shelford lost some composure in the 2nd half and a number of penalties were conceded that resulted in a further 3 points from Simon Hoult.  Shelford nerves started to show and in the 57th minutes when Shelford were down to 14 men following a yellow card, Southend scored a pushover try by Charlie Keenan converted by Simon Hoult. 7 – 17.

Shelford then set about playing attacking rugby and a move down the line was collected by Taniela Bakoso who skirted the touchline, evaded the defenders and touched down behind the posts. Harry Owens converted.

In the 75th minute, Shelford counter- attacked the length of the field for Harry Owens to score and then convert to put Shelford in the lead 21 – 17.

Then came despair. Into injury time, from a seemingly unthreatening Southend attack, Sam Arnott broke through the Shelford defence to score under the posts- duly converted by Simon Hoult for the final move of the match.

Star Man:Sam Arnott (Southend)

Attendance: 188

HT 7-7

Shelford scorers: T:Bakoso (24,60), Owens (75)

C: Owens(24,60,75)

Southend Scorers: T:Driver (38), Keenan(57),Arnott (81)

P: Hoult (43)