Match Reports
Match report bought to you by
SAT 10 OCT 2026
Southend Priors
33 - 17
Chingford
A good crowd welcomed both teams to Warner’s Park on this pleasant afternoon. The Priors were lying 12th in the league and Chingford were 11th. Both teams included players from their third and fourth teams.
1st HALF
After ten minutes of sustained pressure, the Priors opened the scoring with a well-worked try by Josh O’Neil, converted by fly-half Alex Denny, to lead 7–0.
Chingford responded in kind, mounting continuous attacks of their own, forcing Southend into determined defence. So much so that they conceded six penalties in seven minutes and conceded a try that was not converted. 7 – 5.
Three minutes later they scored another unconverted try taking them into the lead at 7 – 10.
Southend needed to up their game and that they did taking the game into Chingford’s half and forcing a couple of penalties of their own until flanker Mace Burgess got over the line for their second converted try, regaining the lead 14 – 10 after twenty-eight minutes.
A short time later they looked to have scored another after scrum half Joe Denny struck a strong kick forward which he chased down and looked to have touched down. However, the referee decided it had gone dead and that was that. But Southend were not to be denied for long, as a penalty touch and go from ten meters out resulted in their third converted try from prop Josh Ridgway. 21 - 10
Just before half time they added their fourth and bonus point try after turning the ball over in a scrum. That was followed by an attack of quick accurate passing resulting in centre Lloyd Williams touching down. The conversion from Baker took the score to a healthy 28 – 10 lead at half time.
2nd HALF
Five minutes into the second half saw the ball kicked forward by a Chingford player that looked to be covered but the ball bounced wildly left on the hard ground straight into the hands of a support player who gratefully touched down under the post for their third try of the game. The successful conversion narrowed the score to 17 – 28.
Twenty-two minutes into the half saw Southend get their first yellow card of the game when Sean Thompson was adjudged to have tripped an opponent. Two minutes later replacement forty-seven-year-old Richard Harding got his first yellow card of his life when he was sent off as a team punishment for conceding too many penalties.
Down to thirteen men Southend had to defend carefully. Injuries to players from both sides led to replacements and uncontested scrums for the remainder of the game but after returning to a full fifteen Southend managed a fifth and final unconverted try from Josh Ridgway.
Following ten minutes of added time, because of the stoppages, the referee blew up leaving the final score at 33 – 17. Taking Southend into 8th place in the league on six points.
Man of the match was awarded to scrum half Joe Denny.
AG
Match report bought to you by
SAT 26 SEP 2026
Southend Priors
24 - 43
Epping Upper Clapton
1st Half
A warm sunny day greeted The Priors for this first game of the season in Essex league 1. They kicked off into the sun and a light breeze and quickly took the game to their opponents Epping, who defended well, eventually forcing a penalty.
After ten minutes Epping mounted their first serious attack into the Priors twenty and touched down wide out, no conversion 0 – 5.
The Priors responded well but a series of knock on’s and turn overs denied them a score. Epping then scored their second try following their second visit to The Priors end of the field, again the conversion from wide out missed 0 – 10.
Things got worse for the Priors when Epping were awarded a penalty try following their sustained attack going through several phases. 0 – 17. Just before half time they scored their 4th bonus point try which was converted 0 – 24. The Priors left the field having played some good rugby with no reward.
2nd Half
It began with another quick try from Epping wide out not converted but taking them into what looked to be an unassailable lead with about thirty-seven minutes to go. 0- 29
To the Priors credit from the re-start they continued to play attacking rugby and were immediately rewarded with a try of their own, not converted 5 – 29. They quickly followed that with another. Multiple running passes ended up with a touch down, the conversion narrowed the gap 12 – 29.
It narrowed even further after a smart interception led to another try. No conversion took the score to 17 – 29. The home supporters were beginning to believe that a shock could be on the cards. With ten minutes to go it looked a distinct possibility after a very quick throw in resulted in their 4th try, this time under the posts. The conversion took them one try away at 24 -29.
But it was not to be, Epping scoring two very late try’s of their, one converted. Final Score 24 – 36 but with one bonus point.
Match report bought to you by
SAT 04 OCT 2025
Southend Priors
20 - 17
Hemel Hempstead
A Real Nail-Biter
The Priors delivered a thrilling comeback performance to claim a 20–17 victory over Hemel Hempstead, turning what began as a tough contest into a triumphant display of resilience and team spirit.
The match didn’t start as planned, with Hemel Hempstead showing strong organisation and sharp kicking to keep The Priors on the back foot. Despite the early pressure, the squad stayed composed, working tirelessly to regain control and find their rhythm.
As the second half kicked off, The Priors’ determination shone through. The forwards dug deep to win crucial breakdowns, while the backs showed great pace and vision to open up attacking opportunities. Bit by bit, momentum shifted, and the belief across the team was palpable.
With just minutes left on the clock, The Priors’ persistence paid off—sealing the win with a well-earned try that reflected the unity and character of the entire squad.
It was a true test of grit, teamwork, and heart, proving once again that The Priors never stop fighting until the very end. A well-deserved victory that sets a powerful tone for the season ahead.