Francis Ambrose

High-flying Shelford inflict their latest defeat over Barking

Shelford 35 Barking 7

»Barking’s lack of discipline proved costly as high-flying Shelford inflicted their latest defeat.

Going into half-time Barking trailed 14-0 and had a sniff of registering their first National Two South points of the season, but two yellow cards proved the difference as the Cambridgeshire hosts took full advantage.

Debutants

There were three debutants on show for Barking with Akin Solanke-Caulker, Ryan Hunter and Jeff Hughes all in the squad which made the trip up the M11.

Prop Francis Ambrose was sent to the sin-bin in the opening few moments after raising his hands against a Shelford counterpart and the home side were awarded a penalty try with six minutes on the clock, which was converted by Ben Cockin.

That proved to be the only points conceded while Ambrose was off the pitch and the Barking defence remained resolute for the majority of the half.

Aki Lea crashed over from close range with 27 minutes on the clock and Cockin added the extras for a 14-0 lead at the interval.

Any hopes of the points were reduced in the opening stages as Alex Kelsall went over for a try in the opening minute after exploiting a gap from the kick-off.

And they were almost extinguished when they had Michael Anderson and Aaron James- Nicholls sent to the bin in a matter of minutes.

The hosts made the numerical advantage pay with tries from flanker Jason Billows and another penalty try after replacement Rupert Ransom was illegally denied a fifth score.

Both were converted by Cockin to keep up his impressive record with the boot which saw him finish with a 13-point haul.

That stretched the lead to 38-0 for the Davey Field hosts but Dean Cutting’s side continued to battle away.

Final score

And not for the first time this season, they picked up the final score of the match when Connor O’Toole managed to cross the try-line and club captain Craig Ratford added the extras with eight minutes remaining to get the visitors on the scoresheet before the final whistle was blown.

Barking: Foster, Solanke-Caulker, Lowe, Udo-Udoma, Ibberson, Ratford, Fouracre, S John, McFarlane, Ambrose, James- Nicholls, Kearsey, O’Toole, M Anderson, Peasnall. Replacements: R Anderson, N John, Hughes, Hunter, Honey.