Peter O’Brien scores double off the bench to help Crow Lane club kick-start season with victory over their rivals

Romford Recorder: Romford & Gidea Park first-team coach Jordan Wigham issues instructions from the touchline against Woodford (pic: George Phillipou/TGS Photo).Romford & Gidea Park first-team coach Jordan Wigham issues instructions from the touchline against Woodford (pic: George Phillipou/TGS Photo). (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Jordan Wigham heaped praise on Romford & Gidea Park after opening their London Two North East campaign with a crushing 38-14 win over local rivals Woodford.

The Crow Lane club ran in six tries at home with Peter O’Brien grabbing a brace off the bench.

Mitchell Smith, Ross Inwood, Dwayne Lyn and Tom Falvey-Browne also crossed over to give Park revenge over Woodford after they had completed a double over them during the 2016/17 season.

“Saturday was a good performance by the lads,” said first-team coach Wigham. “The first half was mainly us playing in their half, but down to our execution and our game management, the score was a draw at half time.

Romford Recorder: Romford & Gidea Park celebrate a try against Woodford (pic George Phillipou/TGS Photo)Romford & Gidea Park celebrate a try against Woodford (pic George Phillipou/TGS Photo) (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

“Woodford’s try was from our mistake and shows us that if we make a mistake, we will be punished.

“After this, we spoke and upped the tempo and they struggled to live with the pace of the game, but fair play, as they tried to slow the game down as much as possible.

“The chat we had at half time was to increase the tempo, to be patient and play the game plan and the chances will come.

“By following this, we found the holes and took the opportunities on offer, so it was a great combination of good transitions between backs and forwards.”

Romford Recorder: A Woodford player attacks against Romford & Gidea Park (pic George Phillipou/TGS Photo)A Woodford player attacks against Romford & Gidea Park (pic George Phillipou/TGS Photo) (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

Wigham went on to hail the effort of his Park players and talk up the importance of what the replacements off the bench do.

He added: “During the first half we were a bit hesitant, but in the second half we came together, upped the tempo and really took it to Woodford.

“Our composure and game management was a lot better this week and our senior leaders really took the game on.

“One thing we have asked from the players is to put more effort and the work rate in than the opposition.

“We got that last weekend, so I was also impressed with the bench that come on and really increased the tempo of the game and Peter, our back row, nicked a couple of tries, so that was good.”