East London's 1st XV went into the home game against Epping Upper Clapton hoping they would not be affected by a lack of preparation and much changed team, but lost the London 3 Essex fixture by 9-24.

The defeat was not due to a lack of effort and the team gave everything they had but on the day but game management was poor and physicality was way below the intensity needed. to play a big Epping pack.

Epping Upper Clapton team were fighting for their league status and on the day played to their strengths and deserved the win, being the better team in most departments.

Over the past two weeks many East London players have made there debuts at 1st team level or have come back from long term injuries. This can only bode well for the future of the club and many individuals will now understand the fitness and physical demands needed to play at 1st team level in London 3 Essex.

Preparation and hard work on the training pitch is key and having 2nd XV players challenging for first team places is a must at any club. We still have to instil a competitive atmosphere within the squad and in training sessions to push each other to greater heights.

the 1st XV has six games left and currently lay 4th in the league. Head coach Eddie Gooby and the players need to focus over the coming weeks, starting at Canvey Island on Saturday, if they do not want to waste what has been a solid season. The points against Epping Upper Clapton came from three penalties scored by fly-half Ryan Billinghurst.

East London's 3rd XV put up a brave performance at home against Stanford Le Hope 2s going down 10-26.

Hopefully players will be returning next week with the 1st XV away at Canvey Island and the 2nd XV the Wyverns away at Romford & Gidea Park. Both games kick-off at 2.30pm.