After the trip down the A127 Campion didn't feel to far from Cottons Park with both teams being locked out of the changing rooms for 20minutes in the cold conditions.

Lynch, Jones (1), Fitzmaurice (1), J Balwdin (1), Tiernan, Rogers, Ashmore, Hill, Frost, T Ronayne, Joe Arnone (1), Brazier, O'Reily (1), Hosborough (1), D McEvoy, O'Keefe, O'Herlihy, Slattery, Hallahan, John Arnone

With the festive season in flow, Campion fielded a strong team, although Neil Lynch did comment that he felt some of the younger squad members may have been slightly intoxicated the night before - reminiscing of tours he has been on.

Without a doubt, South Woodham had the best of the opening exchanges in the mud bath. Their pack were causing trouble at the breakdown and Campion kept conceding penalties preventing any momentum they were hoping to impose. However after 20minutes Campion broke the deadlock through winger Joe Arnone who was put into space down the blind side from Alfie Hill.

Joe showed no signs of the festive season and accelerated down the touch line, leaving his opposite man in his wake, stepping the covering tacklers to go in under the posts. This was not to be Joes final input, coming in from his wing Arnone collected the ball in midfield and bumped off a tackle to provide a Sonny-Bill like offload to O'Reily out of the back of the hand, leading to another score.

Joe then went of injured, after he realised his mates from the SWF office he works in didn't show up. Replaced by the returning Mark Slattery from a shoulder injury. Shortly afterwards, Campion lost fly half Tom Ronayne to a hyperextended elbow at the bottom of the ruck after big hits on each of SWF back three. Replaced by Pat Hallahan.

Campion were now beginning to exert themselves in the difficult conditions based on the back of a solid defensive effort. This forced SWF to kick long to full back Danny Mac who collected the ball in his 22 and burst through midfield to carry the ball up to the opposition 22 and put a grubber kick in for Joe Baldwin to collect. An excellent try enjoyed by all in attendance.

After a tough week at work, having to rip out two days worth on instruction from younger statesmen and club social secretary - Charles Baler, Neil Lynch was in no mood for messing around, throwing himself into many a ruck as we have come to expect. However a poor boot selection in the soggy conditions was not conducive to Neil's infamous running game and he was replaced by Matt O'Herlihy at HT. It's OK though, his work Christmas ties will arrive this week.

Further scores in the second half came from front rowers Rich Jones and Fitzy, who almost knocked the posts over after a barraging run, being a qualified referee Fitzy admitted afterwards he thought he could touch the ball at the top of the post protector to score.

Fitzy was then replaced by James O'Keefe, returning for his first game in 6 years. Although slightly nervous James' eyes lit up when he received the kick off and ran full pace into the oncoming SWF pack - that's one way to introduce yourself to the game.

The best try was yet to come. Debutant 6th former George Hosborough (Reminder: recruited by Joe Baldwin), provided a dazzling run down the touch showing exception footwork and speed to beat 4 or 5 defenders after a miss pass from Kyle Brazier from inside his own half to go in under the posts.

Older statesman John Arnone then tried to substitute himself on for George, who obviously wanted to get in on the action and show the young lad what he can do. Danny Mac kindly volunteered to get out of the mud and let George and John do battle.

There wasn't many happier than Kyle Brazier to get the win after getting rid of his seasons losing curse. Now we must wait for him to score his first try in 3 years. Although he did come very close after a 40m hack down the field, only to stumble when collecting the ball on the opposition try line after showing his blistering pace from seasons past. (Editors Note: I didn't slip, I tried to dive from 5yards out and scoop the ball up at the same time.....it didn't work..!)

MOM went to George Rogers who typified the strong team performance this week and also knocked over 5 conversions. Next week Campion host Harlow in what will be their last match of 2014, we hope to see our loyal supporters Mr Jones & Mr Ashmore once more. Notable mentions must also go to Kyle Brazier and Kev O'Reily in the centres setting the basis for the defensive effort. Property guru Russell Frost marshalled the forwards well after a couple of weeks off after a sherry too many on Liverpool Street station stairs

Next week, two home games - 2.15KO

1XV v Coopers
2XV v Harlow