Local youngsters got the chance to play rugby at Millwalls monthly schools event last weekend

Millwall II 41 Loughton 17

Millwall head coach Dave Roberts praised the Llamas’ “fantastic team unity” after watching his side enjoy a good victory over Loughton at Millwall Park thanks to seven tries and three Jamie Fitzpatrick conversions.

Millwall, led by captain Matt Evans, went into the match in confident mood having already beaten Loughton in the reverse fixture earlier in season.

But they were rocked by a freak hip injury to back James Bradbury-Willis in the warm-up which could see him ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Llamas started with high intensity and it wasn’t long before centre Ash Grimes scored the first try with a mix of pace and finesse.

Loughton had come with a clear game-plan, however, and it wasn’t long before they crashed over to level the score at 7-7.

The hosts suffered a number of injuries and after only half an hour they were down to their third option at fly-half.

New fly-half Mike Foulds missed with a couple of attempts in front of the posts, but he did earn a reprieve for his kicking when he broke the line and scored under the posts.

Loughton’s heads did not go down, though and there was another try from either side that made the half-time score 17-12 to Millwall.

Mesmerising running from Grimes saw him score another try, while more flowing rugby resulted in tries for Patrick Scannell and Matt Hopkins.

Outside centre Jamie Smith then earned himself a try with some great handling and a turn of pace that left Loughton helpless.

The Llamas continued to dominate throughout the second half and eventually finished up victors by 41-17.

Coach Roberts said: “We showed fantastic team unity and spirit to put away Loughton. It was a great team effort and a good win for the squad.”

Millwall’s first team saw their Essex League Division One clash with basement boys Burnham postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

They return to action with a home match against Billericay on March 2.

n Millwall hosted the second monthly schools rugby event at Millwall Park last weekend.

At total of 50 children from three different schools were involved and Millwall youth chairman Scott Vinnicombe said: “It’s great seeing these young people enjoying rugby.”

The club’s youth section relaunch is taking places at Millwall Park on March 3 (11am-1pm) for children aged seven and above and is free.