On Saturday 16th May, the Roosters travelled to Dagenham RFC to play Hainault Bulldogs. Within four minutes of kick off and assisted by a strong crosswind, Joe Jones crosssed the line to score a try for Hainault, converted by Danny Collins to make the score 6-0. Three minutes later Michael Drake made a clean break to score under the posts, the conversion was missed. With the score now 6-4, Hainault began to build some pressure resulting in 3 penalties being awarded in quick succession and Roosters just holding out to re-start with a goal line drop out.
Hainault were on the attack again and following another penalty for indiscipline, Joshua Cook was awarded a try, again converted by Danny Collins to make it 12-4. With twenty minutes played, Josh Dear and Aaron Throne were rested as Dan McCormack and Chris Jackson entered the fray. Following a Roosters scrum on their own line, Paul Ashbridge ran the length of the field to score the first of his three tries, taking the score to 12-8. Soon after, Andrew Dean was awarded a try and honours were even at half-time, 12-12.
The second half commenced with the wind still blowing strongly and when Roosters were penalised for a high tackle, the ball was punted into touch taking Hainault to within 30 metres of the Roosters line. Matt Tilly finished a succession of passes to score a try, converted again by Danny Collins, 18-12. On fifty seven minutes, Ashbridge scored his second try under the posts to make the score 18-16. Roosters were still in the game at this point and working hard but the lack of substitutes was about to hurt their chances as Hainault were able to bring on a number of fresh players. Three minutes later, Graham Baily crossed for a Hainault try, only to be followed in quick succession by an overlap on the left wing for Stuart Beattie to score and Collins to convert, making it 28-16.
On seventy minutes, Ashbridge scored his third try, giving a glimmer of hope and taking Roosters to within 8 points of Hainault who then killed off the game six minutes later with a try from Stuart Beattie and a conversion from Collins. A good performance considering that Roosters only had 15 players available to travel and picked up injuries to 2 players during the game. It was also encouraging that the Roosters players continued to give their all until the final whistle.
The Roosters host Northampton Casuals at St Ives RFC, Somersham Road on Saturday 23rd May, kick off 2:30.