THE game between Effingham and Trojans swung this way and that on Saturday before eventually ending honours even.

On a wet field against a heavier pack that launched big forwards through midfield, Eagles had to defend manfully, managing it on most occasions.

The hosts tried to play a more open game putting players into space. Support was good creating continuity and momentum but too often they tried to force the final offload.

Good early pressure led to a sweeping move down the right that was stopped just short of the line, but from the lineout skipper Dom Young scored and Tom Close converted.

Trojans were looking dangerous from the scrummage and the No 8 was making line breaks at regular intervals and from one such scrum five meters out, the Eagles defence was unable to stop him crashing over for a converted try that levelled the scores.

Quick ball from their lineout followed by good lines and handling from their backs allowed the visitors another score that this time went unconverted.

The response from Effingham was immediate, as straight from the kick off they surged upfield. After winning a scrum, Dave Reynolds dummied to pick up a rolling ball, leaving space for Close to run in under the posts and convert for a 14-12 lead.

In a tight second half Trojans put their forwards around the fringes to maintain possession. A slight loss of discipline by the Eagles forwards handed the initiative to Trojans and they mauled over from inside 22.

Again though the hosts produced another immediate response as strong fringe defence forced Trojans backwards and the forwards completed a turnover, which Anthony Penny duly converted in the right hand corner. The conversion was missed and for the remainder of the game Effingham pressed for victory, but were held up just short on the left hand side, and also saw a drop goal attempt from Jason Evans fly just off target.

Effingham: Ellinson, Callender, M Allen, McGibbon, Edwards, Cumming, Joyce, Young, Putty, Reynolds, Foster, Close, Mellor, Hitchmough, Penny, Evans, Rayner, R Allen.