Millwall rugby firsts

Campion 28 Millwall 0

Coach Dave Roberts believes Millwall can still target promotion, despite seeing his side well beaten against the league leaders at Cotton’s Park, writes Sophie Morris.

Campion’s dominance of the set-piece proved the difference between the two sides, with Millwall unable to register a single point.

Following only their second league defeat of the season though, Roberts insisted his team still have what it takes to achieve promotion from Essex League 1.

“I was disappointed with our performance, though Campion were worthy winners,” he said.

“But, it’s a long season ahead, so we will still aim for a top-two finish.”

In a first half played in torrid wind and rain, Campion dominated the set-piece and within 20 minutes were ahead by 17 points.

Their forward pack made good ground with a number of well-executed rolling mauls off their line-out.

The home side were also dominant in the scrum and were awarded a penalty try after a Millwall infringement.

Despite notably good performances from the Millwall back row of Andrew McMahon and Ryan Kuleszka, the pack struggled to put phases together and were at times isolated, which enabled Campion to turn the ball over within the visitors’ territory.

Impressed

The second half saw a much improved performance from Millwall. Full-back Andy Long and outside-half Karl Mitchell particularly impressed.

Mitchell created a number of opportunities for his outside backs, but Campion’s defence successfully guarded their try line.

Millwall props Jon Wynn and Jamie Rockman also began to dominate the scrum, giving Millwall a platform to create opportunities for their backline.

But the game was put beyond reach after an intercepted pass resulted in a final try for Campion.