‘Essential win’ keeps Shelford riding high in London League 1N

Will Cotterill has described Shelford’s victory over Eton Manor as an “essential win” in London League 1N.

It looked to be a good victory at the Davey Field against one of their fellow promotion contenders, but the director of rugby had a different opinion.

Tries from Jack Biard and Matt Gregerson, both converted by Lewis Cracknell, had put Shelford 14-3 ahead, but Eton Manor got a converted intercept try before the break. Two minutes into the second half Miles Huppatz’s score made it 19-10, but Eton Manor then got an unconverted try. However, Shelford held on for victory.

“A lot of people have come up to me and said good win and I’ve had to take the good out of it because it was a win but we made it very hard work for ourselves,” said Cotterill.

“We were really dominant in the first 45 to 50 minutes of the contest and I think that led to a little bit of complacency.

“Once your mind switches into that second gear, instead of being up there pumped at 100 per cent, it’s very hard to switch it back when you are under pressure.

“We gave them good possession in our half and they got their tails in the air and started to play some really nice rugby.

“You can see why they are top end of the table because when we let them start playing good rugby they were actually a very good team.

“It was an essential win. You’ve got to win those games at the top end of the table if you’re going to be in the hunt for promotion at the end of the year.”

Shelford travel to Southend this Saturday (November 13).

“They are having a bit of resurgence at the moment. They’ve got a few wins under their belt recently so are working their way up the table,” added Cotterill.

“They will be after our scalp for sure.”