Brains over Brawn

It’s always nice to go up and play the affable Braintree lads. After a week with many players unavailable due to injury, work or having fun (what could be more fun than playing for the 2’s, I know) and the customary late cry offs and nick (as in stolen) from the 1’s we headed up the M11 with a bare 15 including a reluctant coach.

On arrival we explained we were a prop short of a pack and that uncontested we must go but fortunately their 2’s didn’t have a game so they were able to give us a rather large fellow who struggled with our 3XL shirt to fill in, and fill in he did rather well. He was more determined to win than the Epping boys.

With the coach firmly installed back as water boy, T man, first aider, kit carrier, driver, shouter of encouragement and sub the game began. At least that’s what we thought until our new prop said he was still warming up and could I play just until the first scrum – great front row thinking! (Danny Elmer would be proud)

We started brightly making inroads into their backs with strong running from Paddy and Jordan Ambrose, the ref however felt we were slightly naughtier than our revivals and persisted on blowing his whistle to give the ball back to Braintree. The ever so innocent Matt Sweeney was making himself well known to the Braintree forwards, ably supported by Lewis Howard and Alfie Reynolds in the back row.

Epping turned the ball over in midfield and the egg found its way to the Jordan who powered his way past a couple of would be defenders into the 22, with 3 men outside him he cut back inside the full back and just managed to get the ball over the line for the first score. After missing a relativity simple penalty Nathan Ambrose majestically stroked the ball between the posts to convert.

Braintree forwards continue to cause problems. From another penalty Brains kicked for the corner and with a well-executed catch and drive opened their account.

Neither side really threatened until Braintree kicked deep. Lyndsey Dobbin playing at 15 for the first time took off beating multiple players before setting a ruck. The ball was recycled quickly and a 3 on 2 identified down the blind side, with some swift hands Toby Sweeney ran in unopposed.

Braintree responded with another catch and drive try to make the score 14-10. Paddy playing well at fly half found some space and scored try number 3. As the penalties kept coming Brains again found themselves with a line out inside our 22, the drive was stopped but they recycled the ball to score under the posts. 17-19 to Epping at half time.

A few words of encouragement from driving force skipper Tom Procell and the lads were ready for the 2nd half. Again with the help of refs whistle Braintree played in the Epping half but the defence was strong holding on time and again. But the inevitable came as the Brains strong centre scored under the posts to take the lead.

George O’Grady was heroically playing on with a rib injury sustained in the first half but could not continue. On came the sub and slotted in at 10 with Paddy moving to 2nd row and two quick tries were scored. First Lewis Howard picked up from 8 at the half way line and must have been tackled at least 3 times only to wriggle free and eventually showing a clean pair of heels. The final try and a great move from the backs found Ambrows in space who looked to have beaten the last defender only for a tap tackle to force him to the floor, as ever Alfie was on hand to finish it off. Unfortunately neither converted and this was to prove costly.

Braintree had not given up and battled away with Epping conceding more penalties which this time they elected to kick and placed neatly between the posts and the final score 30-29. (although the ref said it was 31-30)

An enjoyable game although frustrating to lose, some good rugby at times as this young team continue to improve.
Barks