For league results, follow links: http://essexyouthleague.leaguerepublic.com/

Sunday 13th April 2008

Braintree U17s 22 Sudbury U17s 17

Braintree u13s 31 Rochford 19

The welcome sunshine brought a lively Rochford team to Beckers Green and the onlookers appreciated a good, competitive encounter. Braintree began very positively and Ollie Bond and Alfie Walsh soon got their names onto the try scorers sheet. However Rochford always tackled well, and any possession they gained was never wasted by two or three very strong runners. Braintree's tackling was suspect at times, allowing Rochford two first half tries, both converted, to take the visitors to a two point half time lead.

Braintree realised that they would need to improve, which they duly did, resulting in three seond half scores through Niall Wishart, Andrew Gallacher and Josh Hine, who also kicked three conversions. Rochford deservedly scored the last try of the game to conclude with a victory to Braintree by 31 points to 19. Much better defence will be needed next week for Braintree to hold onto their title as County Champions. 

Sunday 6th April 2008

Ipswich U19 Colts 8 Braintree U19 Colts 12
Ipswich had the better of play in the first half of this friendly, but all they had to show for their pressure was three points from a penalty. Visitors Braintree finished the half stronger and good 
pressure led to a penalty ten metres out. This was taken quickly and  Joe Burley had crossed the line to score while the defenders were still organising themselves. The conversion was narrowly missed. At the half time whistle a swirling snow storm moved in. Thankfully the wind dropped and the snow stopped for the start of play and saw Braintree gain the upper hand. Some good phases of play led to  captain Glen Whyatt outstripping the defence to score .Prop Burley stepped up and slotted over the conversion from the touch line. Right  at the end of the game  the visitors gave away three soft penalties and the home side ran in a converted try.
Tries: Burley, Whyatt Conv: Burley

South Coast Festival of Rugby, 2008

One of the strongest festivals saw teams from all over Britain compete in this hard-fought two-day competition near the south coast town of Lydd. And against some of the best teams in the country, and some of the worst weather, Braintree U15s stormed unbeaten, and only a single try against them,  into the final - but thanks to the blizzard that swept the pitch, the game was abandoned.

Braintree U15 5 Westcombe Park U15 0
A challenging opening game against one of the stronger teams in the  festival saw Braintree off to a sleepy start, but end in dynamic form. The first half finished scoreless as both teams scrapped for every ounce of possession, but neither were able to crack the other's defence. But the second half was a different game. Braintree were quicker out of the blocks and put in wave after wave of attacks. It  was inevitable that one would break through, and fly half Joe Young crossed the line for the only score of the game.
Try: Young

Braintree U15 40 Chobham B 0
Fresh from their early win, Braintree romped home against a very much weaker, although spirited, opposition. The first try came within three minutes of the kick off when Jacob Bryant crossed the line.  Tries from winger Tom Osborn - two, No 8 James Caulfield, Fly Half  Joe Young, hooker Jake Parkin, and two from inside centre Joss Adams 
were met with no reply. A convincing victory.
Tries: Bryant, Osborn (2), Caulfield, Young, Parkin, Adams (2)

Braintree U15 15 Rhiwimba U15 5
The last game of the qualifying was by far the hardest against a very strong, although under-strength, Welsh team. Playing with only 14 men they put up a very physical opposition, but as day drew on, and the weather worsened, so Braintree seemed to thrive, dominating play and pinning the opposition further and further back. Two tries by No 8 James Caulfield in the first half meant the Welsh were always playing catch-up rugby, and although an uncharacteristic mistake denied Braintree a clean sheet for the qualifying stages, the third try, by Fly Half Joe Young, put the game out of contention and Braintree leaders of their group.
Tries: Caulfield (2), Young

Day 2: Semi Final

Braintree U 15 20 Ystard Rhonda U15 0
Without a doubt the best performance ever by Braintree U15s. It was a consummate and devastating performance to which this Welsh team had no response. An early try by Fly Half Joe Young in dreadful conditions, showed who was in charge. Ystard were outclassed as every hint of break through was snaffled, any loose ball stolen, and every ruck and maul they were knocked clear. As the try count mounted, with points from second-row Chris Shrubsole, a second from Joe Young -  putting him the leading try scorer - and one from No 8 James 
Caulfield, and the weather worsened, so the opposition became increasingly desperate. A red card for their scrum half meant the game was effectively over. And minutes later it was. Braintree were in the final.
Tries: Young(2) , Shrubsole, Caulfield

Final
Braintree U15 Chobham U15 Match abandoned
The earlier flurries of snow had become a full blizzard. Visibility was a measured in meters,  the temperature in negative numbers. It  was increasingly obvious it was not safe to play. A toss of the coin gave Chobham the silverware to take home, but the fixture will be settled properly shortly. An unlucky end to the very best rugby this team has ever produced and a team that only the very elements themselves could stop.

Braintree U13 62 Harlow U13 0
Horizontal sleet greeted the players on Sunday, but did not deter Braintree from racking up an impressive score against Harlow. Despite the conditions, Braintree played in their customary style, scoring  four first half tries through Lee Fitzgerald, Callum Wrench, James McLeod and Josh Hine.  Several substitutions were made as the game continued, but as the squad as a whole improves, so does the standard of play. The net result of this was a further six tries scored by Ollie Bond (2), Reece Lane, Wrench (again) and 2 more from fly half Hine who recorded an excellent personal points total of 27 - 3 tries and 6 conversions - to complete a 62 point tally. Braintree's defence was much improved to deny the visitors any chance of crossing the line.
Tries: Fitzgerald, Wrench(2), McLeod, Hine (3), Bond, Lane
Conv: Hine (6)

Nottingham Festival 2008

Under 9s Report

Thursday 20^th March saw Braintree Under 9’s travel up to Nottingham for the National Minis Rugby Festival.  We took a squad of 15 players and a bunch of hardy parents – for what turned out to be a freezing cold but very enjoyable weekend. We were drawn in a pool with sides from Derby, Old Brodleians, Newark, Northampton Old Scouts, Spalding, Props and Sandal.  These were all new teams to us, but some of the parents (who have older children recognised some of the names with a sense of trepidation!!)

 DAY 1Pool Match 1 Braintree v’s Sandal

The first game could not of started better with Braintree on the attack from the start with most of the boys getting a early touch of the ball.  Braintree dominated the early exchanges were only held out by some great Sandal defence.  From a scrum near their own line Sandal lost the ball following a great tackle from Keelan Joslin, Josh Wadforth picked up the ball and dived over to open the scoring.  Straight from the restart Sandal showed their intentions and but for a try saving tackle from Fergus Wishart they would of equalised.  It was Braintree’s turn to soak up constant pressure with tackles from Cameron Kerr, Oliver Hougham, and Joseph Meade we kept Sandal out.  However just before the break Sandal did manage to equalise.  The second half was much the same with Braintree pressure close to Sandal’s line, Josh went close again, and James Evans driven into touch right on the corner flag.  The Final whistle went with the score 5 – 5.  Braintree came so close to producing what would have been the result of the year as we later found out this side had not lost a game all year, and went on to win all 6 of their remaining fixtures at this festival.

 Pool Match 2 Braintree v’s Props 

Braintree were caught napping from the start as Props broke hard and fast for the line, a fantastic tackle from Ben Jones stopped them just short of the line and forced the ball to be turned over, Braintree won the resulting scrum and broke well out of defence with Josh carrying the ball to the half way line.  A scrum stalemate followed with about 4 or 5 in quick succession, resulting in Props eventually breaking away and opening the scoring.  From the restart Alex Eveleigh broke well and some following some excellent rucking work George Hume picked up the ball and drove only to be pushed into touch just short of the Props line.  Half time. From the start Props produced the move of the game securing possession for 4 phases of play and earned a penalty just 5m short of the Braintree line.  Great defence by Jo, Josh and Olly held them up just short.  However the pressure did tell and Props eventually crossed for their 2^nd try.  Braintree were now really against it – only 3 minutes remaining and 10 – 0 down.  The heads didn’t drop and Braintree spent all of that time camped very close to the Props try line, but could not get over.  Final Score Braintree 0 – Props 10. 

Pool Match 3 Braintree v’s Spalding This game turned out to be the only low point of the whole weekend, with the temperature plummeting and the wind increasing Braintree didn’t do themselves justice in this game and within 2 mins Braintree were 10 – 0 down.  They battled hard against a very physical side, and Timothy Wilson and Sam Rugg combined well to give Braintree their best chance in the first half, but again aggressive defence from Spalding saw them keep Braintree out.  The score remained 10 – 0 until the last play of the game.  Braintree had got themselves camped on the Spalding try line following a break from Ben J, running half the length of the pitch only to be tackled illegally, from the penalty Cameron took the ball to within 1/2m of the line, only for Spalding to turn it over and run the length of the pitch to score the final points.  Final Score Braintree 0 – Spalding 15 

Pool Match 4 Braintree v’s Newark This game was now vitally important for Braintree – the last game of the day and having played so well all they had to show for their efforts was a solitary point from the first match.  Braintree could not of started much better with Jo breaking through and getting to within 10m of the Newark line before passing to Ben Kirkham who finished the move off well and opened the scoring.  This was a different Braintree from the last game and it was clear Newark were in for a hard 15 mins.  Newark restarted and forced Braintree backwards and earned themselves a scrum near the Braintree line.  From the scrum Keelan tackled the man in possession and the ball broke free Josh reacted quickest and was away, running the length of the pitch to score Braintree’s second try.  Again from the restart Newark attacked well but in almost an identical move Alex tackled the man in possession and Josh collected the lose ball and was away again for try number 3.  Half Time.  Olly drove straight into Newark from the start and Braintree held the ball very well as they rolled themselves towards the line, for George to crash over for the 4^th Try. Straight from the restart Fergus was involved in some great tackling and again Braintree turned over the ball and Drew McManus collected the loose ball and fed it to Charlie Partridge who managed to release it to Fergus who crossed the line for the final and very deserved 5^th try.  Final Score Braintree 25 – Newark 0. 

DAY 2Pool Match 5 Braintree v’s Old Brodleians Hoping to carry forward the form from the last game on Friday Braintree took the field against a side that had won all of its matches on the previous day. It became apparent very early that they were a small but very fast and technically sound side and Braintree had to be on their toes to compete.  OB broke fast and a crunching tackle by George saw Braintree get their hands on the ball for the first time.  A run by James saw Braintree within 10m of the line, Braintree were awarded a penalty for a high tackle, from the penalty Fergus broke and sold the OB defender a dummy before passing to Josh to open the scoring.  OB broke again and Alex put in a try saving tackle just 2m from the Braintree line. Half Time. From the restart Braintree again piled on the pressure and a pass from Ben J to Joe then to James and finally to Olly saw him crash over in the corner for the second try.  Great tackling again from Alex and Josh saw OB held up on the Braintree line, however from the resulting scrum they did go over to score.  The rest of the game was played in the OB half with some great attacking running from Cam and then some fine mauling driving Braintree to within 2m of the line.  However OB held firm and kept Braintree out.  Final Score Braintree 10 – OB 5. 

Pool Match 6 Braintree v’s Northampton Old Scouts From the start a great break from Alex to Braintree to within 10m of the Scouts line, then excellent driving saw Braintree getting closer and closer however Braintree were then penalised for going over the ball.  Scouts broke fast and direct and tackles from James and Fergus held them up.  Scouts continued to pile of the pressure and more tackles were needed to hold them out – in particular Olly and Ben J.  Braintree just held on to half time.  The second half was the same defences being on top and just when you thought one team would score the tackle stopped them.  The final play saw Braintree with a scrum 7m from the Scouts line Josh collected the ball from Keelan and was bundled into touch within inches of the line.  A great hard fought game finished as a draw.  Final Score Braintree 0 – Scouts 0. 

Pool Match 7 Braintree v’s Derby The final pool match saw some very tired legs taking to the pitch and this soon showed as Derby scored from their first attack.  This spurred Braintree into life and Olly broke and went close, Joe was clean through but for a last ditch tackle, George was held up right on the line.  Somehow the score remained 5 – 0 at half time.  The second half started as the first with Derby attacking and spirited tackling from Drew, Charlie, Ben K and Alex saw Braintree holding out.  Braintree then asserted the pressure again and somehow did not score. 

Final Score Braintree 0 – Derby 5. We now had a (what seemed like an eternity) long wait to discover we had finished 5^th in our Pool and Qualified for the Bowl Semi Final,  we were up against York. 

Semi Final Braintree v’s York This was it, final game of the whole weekend – winners off to play at Twickenham the losers off home.  The boys were determined and started very quickly with Joe, passing to Fergus on to George and held up a couple of meters short of the York line.  York broke well from the scrum and a last ditch tackle from Keelan saved a try.  From the scrum Keelan passed to Josh whose pace took him by the York defence and opened the scoring. York restarted and pushed Braintree back and this time it was Fergus who popped with the try saving tackle. Braintree broke away and Alex was clear only to be stopped 2m short by a great defensive tackle.  From the scrum Josh crashed over to make the score 10 – 0 .  York again broke clear and Alex chased down their winger to tackle him just short of the line.  However York managed to cross over from the resulting scrum.  Half Time.  York threw everything at Braintree in the second half, but the defence stood firm (although stretched).  York broke clear and Alex went from one wing to the other to cut the attack down right on the corner flag – the tackle of the tournament from a Braintree player.  It was all hands to the pump holding York off tackles from Josh, Jo, Olly and Fergus all kept York out.  The final whistle blew.  FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 10 – YORK 5.

From this result Braintree have qualified for the Bowl Final to be played at Twickenham on 31^st May 2008. Final note from me – I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the parents who braved the horrible weather to support their (and other) children, and all the help they put in to making this weekend so successful for us and also the Braintree Rugby Club name.  Thank you all again and see you on the 31^st. WELL DONE BOYS……………

Sunday 16th March 2008

Harlow Colts 12 Braintree Colts 10

With so many of the squad unavailable it would have been the easy option for Braintree to cancel this friendly. However not having cancelled a game all season the coaching team were keen to play. This meant Braintree played three forwards in the backs and the backs they had all playing out of their normal positions. A close game ensued with the only first half score coming from the boot of Joe Gilder.
Harlow started the second half the sharper and scored an unconverted try. After extended pressure Braintree scored through James Bloxham with Gilder converting. Braintree then defended well and looked like wrapping up the win. Unluckily for them Harlow managed to pull one back at the last minute, which
was converted to  win the game 12-10.
Pens: Gilder Try: Bloxham Conv: Gilder

The Under 17s and Colts are now looking forward to their Easter tour to Edinburgh, and fixtures against Dunfermline and Dalziel. 6.30 meet for 7am depart lads. Don't be late!!!

Essex Festival - Under 10s, 11s and 12s

On a day certainly more suited to sitting indoors by the fire, Braintree 10s, 11s and 12s fought valiantly for positions in the Essex Cup, Plate and Vase finals. What they all showed was a grim determination to play on to the end, whatever the weather threw at them - and my word, did it throw it! Seldom have I felt so proud of our youngsters, and, to a child, they should all feel extremely proud of themselves.

Corinne

Under 12s

Braintree U12 0 South Woodham Ferrers 0
A tryless contest that favoured South Woodham who blunted Braintree's numerous attacks but who never threatened to score themselves.

Braintree U12 5 Malden U12 5

Despite a number of strong attempts Braintree didn't manage to break through a strong Malden defence, a lucky break from Malden saw them get a try.

Braintree U12 0 Upminster U12 5

In terrible conditions Braintree fought hard but could not break through a very strong Upminster defensive line.

Essex Festival Vase Competition
Braintree U12 25 Southend U12 0
A fantastic semi final, Braintree came alive in this game and played rugby like professionals. Most notable in Joe Toes who tackled non-stop and Jodan Edrington who scored his first try for the club.
Tries : J Edrington, M Panton, J Palmer,J Banning, J Stanhope

Braintree U12 15 Barking U12 5

Braintree started this game as they had finished the last with game, with determination that they would win. In the first half Braintree had four tries held up, they battled on to win the game with a strong performance in awful weather to take the Vase
Try scorers: D Olley (2), D Varnai-Clarke,

Under 10s

Braintree U10 15 Burnham U10 0
Tries Callum Bradd,Pasquale Falzarano.Jordan Caulfield

Braintree U10 5: South Woodham Ferrers U10 0
Try: Jamie Martin

Braintree U10 0 Maldon U10 10

Plate Semi final
Braintree U10 25 Brentwood U10 5
Tries:Pasquale Falzarano,Alex Wardrop,Josh Avent,Jamie Martin x2

Plate Final
Braintree U10 0 Chelmsford U10 5

Sunday 9th March 2008

Braintree Colts 33 Westcliff Colts 12  Friendly 

Essex Festival for Under 7s, 8s and 9s

Sunday saw the Braintree Under 9’s travel to Southend for what turned out to be a long but very rewarding day. Braintree we placed in Pool C along with Chelmsford, South Woodham and Woodford. First up were Chelmsford, and after a scrappy opening with both sides finding their feet Braintree were awarded a penalty near the Chelmsford line from which George Hume crashed over to open the scoring, soon after some fine rucking work by Braintree resulted in Josh Wadforth breaking clear and making scoring the second try.  The second half was much the same as the first Braintree mainly on the attack but they could not find their way through again, as Chelmsford put in a great defensive display against us.FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 10 – CHELMSFORD 0 

Next came South Woodham, this was a very hard and physical contest and again the defences were mainly on top.  The Braintree tackling from all players was superb, special mention here for Oliver Hougham, Joseph Meade, Owen Panton, Cameron Kerr and Josh.  The only try of the game came from Fergus Wishart who dived over from close range, following another excellent turn over of the ball by the Braintree forwards.FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 5 – SOUTH WOODHAM 0 

The Final group match was against Woodford who like Braintree had won both their games, so it was make or break time with the winners going on to the Semi Final.  A very hard game followed with both sides making some crucial tackles when it looked like the breakthrough was coming.  The game opened up and Keelan Joslin released Alex Eveleigh who in turn passed to Josh who then received a very high tackle in the corner, most players stopped expecting the penalty to be awarded but Fergus was playing the game to whistle picked up the loose ball and dived over for the first try. Braintree continued to attack hard and Woodford defended well until James Evans collected a pass from Charlie Partridge and got away down the wing, only to be tackled a couple of meters short of the try line, but again Braintree were soon there in numbers and George picked up the loose ball to score Braintree’s second Try.FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 10 – WOODFORD 0 SEMI FINAL

 This saw Braintree against Pool D winners Brentwood. Having watched Brentwood’s last group game we knew we would have to play well, as they were a big and physical side.  The game started very tight with both defences on top, tackles flying in from all areas.  Half Time and there was no score.  It was at this point that we became aware of the rules regarding a drawn match, basically if it remained 0 – 0 Brentwood would go through on try count back from the group matches.  This spurred Braintree on to put in more effort knowing they had to score to go through.  A couple of half breaks saw Braintree go close but again the Brentwood defence stood solid, until with about 2 minutes remaining Ben Jones collected the ball from Joseph about 5 yards out and managed to wriggle over for the only score of the game.FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 5 – BRENTWOOD 0 THE FINAL

 This saw Braintree up against Upminster (AGAIN!!!!)  The game started at such a pace, it was hard to keep track of, Olly put in a try saving tackle (and received a bang on the head for it) Braintree then attacked and were within feet of the try line when an unfortunate knock on turned the ball over.  Braintree kept the pressure on the Upminster but just could not get over.  I guess it was inevitable when Upminster eventually got away from their line and through a very good passing move managed to open the scoring (very much against the run of play)  Half time came and went still at 5 – 0.  The second half was much the same Braintree doing most of the attacking only to be on the receiving end of another breakaway try.FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 0 – UPMINSTER 10RUNNERS UP

 On behalf of the rest of the Coaches I would like to say a huge well done to all the boys they put their all into the day and made us and all the parents supporting very proud indeed.  A thank you needs to go to Southend for organising such a good and smooth running festival, and a well done to Upminster – we will get you one year!!!

Sunday 2nd March 2008

Woodford Under 16s 43 Braintree Under 16s 8

Braintree went into this game against the league champions with six regular starting players out injured. The score-line – our heaviest defeat in more than a season, suggests a poor performance, in fact, outside of a mad first ten minutes when Braintree were clearly asleep, and Woodford racked up twenty points, with some scintillating back play, the game was not totally one sided. Braintree defended well for long periods, and were unlucky not to score on at least three other occasions. Braintree had problems at the lineout, and with inexperienced and out of position backs, and a makeshift back row, it proved difficult to put enough pressure on Woodford’s backs when they attacked. Frequently the Woodford wings and full back were left with two on one, after Braintree ’s backs were caught out of position. Braintree ’s worst moment came when the pack allowed a Kick – off receipt to be run right through them leading to a score. Despite these problems, Braintree did get parity for large parts of the game around the middle of each half, their best attacks coming via Thomas and Ladyman one of which resulted in a try in the corner. On several occasions in each half quick thinking play, and aggressive attack through Thomas, Ladyman and the pack led Braintree to within a few metres of the line. Twice Braintree players were tackled into touch in the act of scoring and once the forwards knocked on inches from the line after several strong phases of driving play. Braintree turned down penalty chances in an effort to get tries. The amber and blacks worked hard and in the pack several players played well, although injuries became a problem. Jack Dodd did well in the loose but has succumbed to a broken Scafoid, Andy Innes played well but was replaced after a head injury, as was Dan O’Connell who also had a good game. Charlie Fairchild also deserves a mention. All in all, Woodford were a great side on top form, and Braintree deserve credit for keeping the score to this and matching them on the pitch – both teams got a standing ovation form the generous crowd.

Tries: Ben Ladyman Pen: Owen Thomas

Chelmsford U15 10 Braintree U15 39
An inspiring display of 15-man attacking rugby by a Braintree side depleted by injury  and absence that took the pitch with no substitutes. It was do or die for each player.
From the start Braintree's forwards dominated. Within a few minutes Flanker Danny Brand bullied his way through Chelmsford's defence to touch down. Joss Adams converted.
Minutes late Brand was back, when, from a Chelmsford scrum on their own 5m line, he snatched the ball as it came free and crashed his way through for his second.
Two more tries, one from centre Jacob Bryant, and one, just on the half time from No 8 James Caulfield, put Braintree in a commanding position. But with a squad of 24, Chelmsford were able to field fresh legs and with the wind and the slope in their favour, broke through the defence to score in the corner.
No matter. Within a few minutes, any hope of their comeback was extinguished with a fantastic forward's try from James Caulfield, and another from Hooker Jake Parkin put the game beyond them.  Although the home team managed to pull one back, it was answered in the last few minutes of the game by Caulfield's
last of three, converted by Adams.
Tries: Caulfield (3), Brand (2), Bryant, Parkin
Conv: Adams (2)

Braintree U14 31 Saffron Walden U14 5
Braintree's forwards started strongly and did not lose a scrum all game, while being able to steal several against the head. Mid way through the first half Number eight George Gallant found himself recieving the ball after good handling by their backs,sprinting towards the corner to score the first points. Out wide centre Kyle Crush converted with the wind against him.
Shortly after just inside Walden's half, Braintree won another a good ruck and made good ground allowing Philip Walsh to drive over close to the corner. Crush converted.
Shortly into the second half , peeling off the back of the scrum Gallant stepped inside to tackles to score once again. Braintree during this time showed good defence against a Walden team winning to run the ball and not afraid to use their backs. After a period of attack Braintree found themselves winning a scrum on Waldens 5 metre line almost under
the posts, quick pass to fly half Josh Grimwood-King, who used his strength to dive over; Crush converted . With less than five minutes to go Walden changed there tactics, kicking long
gaining the ball and scoring in the corner. But there was one last gasp for Braintree. From the re-start Braintree attacked
and Gallant was able to dive over the line for his hatrick.
Tries: Gallant (3), Walsh, Grimwood-king
Conv: Crush (3)

Sunday 24th February 2008

Rochford U17 Colts 10 Braintree U17 Colts 32
Tries: Glen Whyatt 3, Ben Gallant, Andy Matthews, Jamie Hines
Conv: Joe Gilder


Brentwood U16 7 Braintree U16 14
This was a tough forwards' battle. In the first half, they did well to achieve parity, and Braintree backs looked the more dangerous.  Braintree conceded a try late in the half, after a break in midfield, but otherwise they held their own. In the second half Braintree started to take control. It did not take long for Charlie Marsden who was outstanding on the flank to beat several men and off-load to inside centre Ben Ladyman who beat the winger, and then the full back to score. The winning try came from second row Jack Dodd from a ruck. A well deserved try for the pack.
Tries: Ladyman, Dodd Cons: Jamie Masters (2)


Saffron Walden U15 0 Braintree U15 20
With more than half the first team away, most on Essex duties, this was a performance by a mainly reserve team that showed the depth in the squad. Braintree dominated play, winning at least five scrums against the head and countless turn over ball. While the only points of the first half came to No 8 Chris Shubsole grounding from a driving maul, an increasingly stridently confident Braintree took complete control of the second half. Back Joe Young putting his name on the board early in the half, followed by both wingers, Olly Williams and Andy Hawkes.
Tries: Shrubsole, Young, Williams, Hawkes

Diss  U13 28 Braintree U13 17
A very positive start from Braintree saw them score two first half tries through Lee Fitzgerald and a very combative Kingsley Joslin.  Josh Hine was succesful with a conversion.
However, Diss were too good a team to accept defeat, and came back very strongly with three converted scores to take the lead. Cengiz  Hassan pounced on a loose line out ball to get Braintree's last try of the game to finish off a good, tough encounter.
Tries: Fitzgerald, Josling, Hassan Conv: Hine

Mini's Triangular v Sudbury and Bishops Stortford

Braintree Wolves U10 15 : Sudbury U10 15
Tries: Jordan Caulfield (2) Marcus Kay

Braintree Wolves U10 25 Bishops Stortford U10 5
Tries: Marcus Kay (3), Jordan Caulfield (2)

Braintree Wolves U10 25 Bishops Stortford U10 0
Tries: Ross Hannon (2), Jake Mc Ewan (2) Jordan Caulfield

Braintree Bears U10 10 Bishops Stortford U10 10
Tries Sam Hanikene (2)

Braintree Bears U10 20 Bishops Stortford U10 0
Tries: Sam Wilson (2), Matas DeSilva (2),  Sam Hanikene

Braintree Bears U10 10 Sudbury U10 10
Tries: Sam Major (2)


Braintree U9 5 Sudbury U9 10
A very hard thought evenly matched game just with Sudbury just 
sneaking a win in the last seconds of the game,  despite brave 
defence from Isobel Banning and Ella Vickers.

Braintree U9 20 Bishop Stortford U9 15
Braintree bounced straight back to beat Stortford with some fine work 
from Centres Morgan Vickers and Zac Weitz spreading wide to the wings 
where Lucy Wiliams made all the running. 4 tries to Stortfords 3 was 
partly down to the defensive work by Full back and Captain Lorcan 
Delaney.

Braintree U9 20 Sudbury U9 10
Braintree stepped up a gear for this match against a strong Sudbury 
side Braintree made with incisive runs from Zac Weitz ( Captain) 
space and spread the ball to the wings where Robert Oakley scored to 
fine tries. In the dying seconds of the gain, Morgan Vickers drifted 
from the centre to score a decisive try on the left wing securing the 
win.

Braintree U9 team: Morgan Vickers, Zac Weitz, Ella Vickers, Lorcan 
Delaney, Robert Oakley, Lucy Williams, and Isobel Banning.

Sunday 17th February 2008

Southend 0 Braintree 44

Braintree travelled to Southend to play a friendly fixture against an inexperienced opposition, using the match as an opportunity to try some different combinations. The dry, bright conditions encouraged open play which led to 3 tries for Braintree in the first half; Lee Fitzgerald, Niall Wishart and James McLeod being the scorers.

As play progressed into the second half, more scoring chances arose, allowing Callum Wrench, Reece Lane, Connor Vickery, Ollie Bond and Lee Fitzgerald (again) to cross for tries, with Kingsley Joslin and Andrew Gallacher succesful with 2 conversions. Thanks must go to the Braintree lads who volunteered to play for Southend to allow the match to go ahead, and to be played in such a good spirit. 

Sunday 10th February 2008

Sunday 3rd February 2008

Braintree U19 Colts 44 Upminster U19 Colts 23 Friendly 

Braintree 25 Westcliff 14

Westcliff are always tough competitors and this league game proved no exception. For once Braintree , playing into a strong wind, made the perfect start. A shrewd drop out from Owen Thomas was gathered by No 8 Jordan Titmus as it blew back away from the Westcliff pack towards the onrushing amber and blacks. Braintree made a mess of the first ruck but Westcliff panicked in defence and a wild pass went over the head of the fly half. Centre Ben Ladyman hacked on and made a superb pick up diving over under the posts to score. Owen Thomas converted. Never keen on an easy life Braintree handed a try to Westcliff a few minutes later when three of their most reliable tacklers failed to stop an impressive punt return from the strong fast Westcliff left wing who scored in the corner. Westcliff’s full-back then kicked a superb conversion from the touch line to even the score. For the rest of the half Braintree held their own against the wind. The Braintree midfield – particularly Ben ladyman and Gregg Stalley was strong, and only once more did Westcliff manage to release their wing. He was brought down short of the line by full back Jamie Masters. The wind meant that Westcliff had the better of the territory, but Braintree stole possession on every occasion that Westcliff’s big pack approached their line. Braintree ’s pack rucked and drove well with flanker Dan O’Connell and scrum half Nick Boit doing stirling work around the fringes. The line out also worked well, although the wind put paid to any longer throws. It was a relief to Braintree that Westcliff’s excellent left wing was unfortunate to have to leave the field at the start of the second half with a head injury.

Early in the second half Braintree kicked a penalty which had been conceded in front of the posts to retake a lead. Then forward pressure drove Braintree into the Westcliff twenty-two. A midfield break from Owen Thomas from a scrum was brought down close to the line. The ball was spun wide to Dan O’Connell who had a wing and a centre to beat. The big flanker ran over the wing, placing the ball down for a try just before he was bundled into touch. The conversion was missed. Westcliff came back and pressed the Braintree line only for Dan O’Connell to pick up a loose ball and flank the Westcliff attack, allowing Owen Thomas to put in a terrific wind assisted clearance kick. A few minutes later O’Connell who seemed to be everywhere, released full back Jamie Masters who left the midfield defence for dead. He wrong footed the full back to score under the posts, and converted his own try. Shortly after this inside centre Ben Ladyman appeared to have broken through but was accidentally high tackled short of the line Braintree wasted the penalty when the forwards failed to control the ruck (a rare occurrence). Westcliff came back when poor tackling enabled Westcliff to attack down the Braintree right to score. Westcliff never gave up but the game was finally settled when Thomas scored another penalty from in front of the posts. This was a good performance. Braintree ’s forwards had parity in all areas and were probably marginally superior in the rucks against a slightly larger pack and the backs looked threatening throughout.

Tries; Ben Ladyman; Jamie Masters; Dan O’Connell; Cons; Jamie Masters; Owen Thomas Pens; Owen Thomas (2)

Braintree Under 14s 27 Ilford Under 14s 12

Braintree played host to Ilford for today’s league game on a cold, windy but dry day. With the home team receiving the ball the first few minutes was contested via the forwards until the away team collected the ball from the back of a maul, going through the backs hands and the winger went over in the corner for the first points. The cold weather seemed to effect the home team with the ball being knocked on time and time again, until some good handling by the home team backs lead to  a scrum 5 metres from the line, leading to an attacking run and quick pass for scrum half Phil Walsh to go over. On their next attack with good support for the runners, Braintree were able to make good ground with prop Liam Palmer only just coming up short, and hooker Lewis  Darnegi crossing the line.   Shortly after the restart once again Ilford attacked and again good ball work lead to their winger out-sprinting the home teams winger and fullback to score under the posts for an easy conversion to lead at half time by 2 points. With the home team having the benefit of the wind in the second half and finally their backs taking part Braintree took control, although Ilford put up a good show of defending with some outstanding tackling and some strong forward play. Number eight George Gallant showed his change of pace, firstly coming off the back of a maul to drive over in the corner and shortly afterwards from a central scrum, peeling off the back to cross the line, this one being converted by Walsh. Braintree left there best phase of play until the end with first the forwards collecting the ball in their own half and driving down the left hand side, going through the hands of several forwards until being passed out to t he backs to go through their hands for outside centre Ed parker to cross the line for the final score of this game.

Braintree U13s 10 Chelmsford 14

This friendly fixture against familiar rivals Chelmsford produced some good, competetive rugby. The first session saw the Braintree scrum under pressure which eventually led to a converted try to the visitors. Braintree beefed up their pack at the interval which evened up the standard, enabling Fraser Phillips to cross for a try. In the last session, with both teams at full strength, Braintree really lifted their game, and their aggresive tackling knocked Chelmsford back. Ryan McGregor touched down for Braintree to take the lead. However, with the very last move of the game, and against the run of play, the visitors broke from deep to score a converted try and gain the victory.  

Mini's Results

Under 9s

Braintree A 15 Thurrock A 0 (Tries Wishart, Wadforth & Hume)

Braintree B 20 Thurrock B 10 (Tries Price 2, Wilson & Kirkham)

Braintree A 25 Thurrock A 0 (Tries Panton, Hougham, Wadforth, Jones & Hume)

Braintree B 10 Thurrock B 5 (Tries Price & McManus)

Sunday 27th January 2008

Sunday 20th January 2008

South Woodham Ferrers U16 5 Braintree U16  5
Flooded pitches played havoc with the fixtures programme, and this was the only game played. With a very soft pitch this was a forward’s battle, but Braintree, with a pack weakened by the absence of three key players, showed heart throughout and were unlucky not to close off the game. A very scrappy match erupted on several occasions as both sides became frustrated for different reasons.
Despite spending several extended periods in the Braintree 22, driving the ball through the forwards, Woodham crossed only once. Braintree came back with a well executed try by winger Yousef Willemse who beat three players to score in the corner after Greg Stalley had retrieved a loose ball, and drawn the outside centre to set Willemse free. On the stroke of half time Braintree were offered a penalty just outside the 22 in line with the posts after a trip had brought down centre Ben Ladyman. They ran the penalty – a decision they later regretted.
The second half was a hard, bludgeoning nil-nil wrestle, punctuated with an occasional brawl. Not pretty, but you could not fault Braintree’s heart with Dan O’Conell, Ben ladyman, Matt Durham, and Owen Thomas, outstanding in defence. Full back Jamie Masters was imperious under the high ball, fielding everything thrown at him in the difficult conditions with aplomb.
At the same time Woodham’s application and coordinated work in the forwards was excellent.  It was a day when Braintree didn’t take their chances.
Try Willemse

Sunday 13th January 2008

Thames Colts 10 Braintree Colts 15
Thames with a big strong pack put the early pressure on and try to  out muscle Braintree early on.  An early penalty gave them first  points, but Braintree came back hard and Jack Wallace went over. But Thames were far from out, and used their strength and physicality to batter their way over to regain the lead. But in a hard-fought half,  Braintree came back just as strong, and just before half time Jim Bloxham charged through a pack of Thames forwards to level the scores The second half was an equal struggle. But a fantastic run by Glen Wyatt, who offloaded just short of the line for Chris Duke to score, gave them the match.
Tries: Wallace, Bloxham, Duke

Braintree U15 8 Romford U15 19
Coming off the back of a thrashing in their last Romford encounter,  Braintree had to a lot to prove. And prove it they did. They completely dominated the first half, driving Romford, arguably 
the best team in the county, back and back, and expertly snuffed any hint of a counter-attack. But points did not come easily and despite the pressure Braintree only had fly half Joss Adam's penalty to show at half time. The start of the second half rattled the team when Romford's winger unleashed a breakaway converted try from the kickoff to snatch the lead. Suddenly it was Braintree under the cosh. For 15 minutes Romford crashed waves of attacks down on the defence, but it held.  And slowly as their confidence was re-found Braintree pushed the visitors back until a scrum on the 5m line gave centre Joe Young the  opportunity to power over the line. Romford's speed on the wing ultimately proved too much, and Braintree leaked two more tries, the last in the final moments of the game. Although Braintree did not win, the player's performances right  across the field emphatically answered many of the questions asked of 
them.
Try: Young Pen: Adams

Basildon U14 39 Braintree U14 0
With Basildon sitting one place above Braintree in the league, it was not long before Basildon's extra strength and attacking back line took control. Playing of a very wide pitch Basildon's backs used the space well to be two tries up in the first few mintues, although Braintree's forwards were continuing there recent good performance by only allowing one further try in the first half. During the second half Basildon used the width to there advantage to score four more tries and two being converted.

Braintree U9 A 0  Colchester U9 A 0
The game started brightly with Josh Wadforth making a break and linking up with George Hume, only to be stopped short. Great defence from Fergus Wishart, Oliver Hougham, Joseph Meade and Alex Eveleigh, 
ensured that Colchester’s attacks were limited.

Colchester U9 A 5  Braintree U9 A 10
After a short break the sides resumed battle. The game started in the same tempo as the first one. Then very much against the run of play Colchester  ran in the first try of the day.  The second half of this game saw something click with the home side. A great break resulted in Hougham driving over from close range.  Braintree were soon back on the Colchester line and Cameron Kerr dived over for the winning try.
Tries: Hougham, Kerr

Braintree U9 B 10  Colchester U9 B 15
Colchester started the brighter and had soon scored two tries.  But Braintree came back  and Ethan Price crashed over from close range. A hard-fought game ensued and when Jake Finesliver collected a pass 
from Drew McManus and crashed over to equalise the game was there for the taking.  However it was Colchester who score the final decisive try.
Tries: Price, Finesliver

Barking U9 20  Braintree U9 B 0
Barking scored two early tries and never looked back.  There was some fine work by Finesliver and Sam Boodrie in stopping some of the Barking attacks but they ran in two more tries before the end.

Braintree U10 Wolves   5 Colchester U10 15
Try: Sam Hanikene

Braintree Wolves U10  5 Barking U10 20
Try:Jamie Martin

Braintree U10 Bears 0 Colchester U10 30

Braintree Bears U10 15 Barbarians U10 20
Tries: Jake McEwan, Rory McLaren, Sam Hanikene

Sunday 6th January 2008

Braintree Colts 3 Westcliff Colts 10
  A tough first half with both sets of forwards up for the battle.  Strong defensive tackling by Braintree did not allow Westcliff the opportunity to boss the game. Although Westcliff took early points with a converted try, Braintree's penalty just before half time gave them points on the board.  No changes made at half time and Westcliff took the game to 
Braintree. Resolute defence with strong last tackles and some fortunate knock forwards kept the score to. Unfortunately an offside penalty gave Westcliff the opportunity to kick three more points. Several opportunities came the way of Braintree. However, poor passing, a couple of knock forwards and inappropriate kicking resulted in the game slipping away.
Pen: Monk

Braintree U17 12 Woodford U17 19

Braintree U16 57 Romford U16 0
This was a very helpful league win for Braintree against opposition who were a man short form the outset, but who never let their heads drop. Apart from a ten minute period, after half time, when the forwards lost their way a bit and tried to play a tight game. Braintree exploited their advantage to the full, running the ball wide whenever they could and running in some cracking tries, with the forwards getting in on the act. The best of the tries included, two similar tries where first Jamie Masters took a line through slicing hrough the defence taking a Ben Ladyman pass at pace, and then Ben Ladyman did the same thing on a pass from Masters. Another beauty came from a cross Kick from fly half Owen Thomas which was caught by full back Masters for an easy run in. Other good tries included one by Dan O’Connell who deservedly drove over on the end of a series of close passing movements involving forwards and backs, the ball was passed to O’Connell by open-side flanker Charlie Marsden, who was set free at close range from a pass by Fly–half Owen Thomas. Ben Carey also finished off a backs move to score.
Tries: Ladyman (2), Carey, Marsden (2), O’Connell (2), Masters (2)
Conv: Masters (5), Thomas

Braintree U14 0 South Woodham Ferrers U14 33
Braintree having lost to the visitors by 50 points earlier in the season were keen to put up a better show. For the first ten mintues the forwards of both teams seemed unwilling to release the ball and this was the way the game continued, until in a five minute period the visitors' backs were released and scored two converted tries. Braintree then seemed to be stuck within there own 22 for the remainder of the first half and it was no surprise when the visitors scored again, also being converted. The second half was a much harder half with the home forwards not willing to take a backward step and this lead to many attacks by both forwards and backs a like, still being unable to cross South Woodham's line, and through breakaways allowed three further tries. Braintree were able to leave the pitch knowing in defeat that this had been a great performance, matching the visitors' forwards and making some good inroads into the visitors backline who were excellent on the day.


Woodford U13 0 Braintree U13 56
Braintree began the New Year in the same fashion as they closed the old one with a convincing league win away at Woodford. The match began with Niall Wishart making a good midfield break to off-load to Ollie Bond who had the speed to cross for the first try. This opened the gates for a cavalcade of tries for Kingsley Joslin, James McLeod, Reece Lane, Max Turner and Josh Hine, who also kicked three conversions. Woodford were unlucky to meet Baintree in such formidable form, but were well tackled whenever they had possession; most impressive being Nathan Ward stopping a 6 foot tall forward in his tracks. Braintree are now producing their best form of the season so far; hopefully this can be carried forward to their next league game away to Romford.
Tries: Joslin (2), McLeod (4), Lane, Turner, Hine
Conv: Hine (3)

Sunday 16th December 2007

Rochford U19 colts 12 Braintree U19 colts 12
A result that reflected the game - evenly balanced with both sides giving as good as they got. It started with a very evenly matched first half; the nearest to a score coming when the home side had a try disallowed. Braintree started brightly in the second half and when they moved the ball wide to winger Michael Preece he outpaced his opposite number to score in the corner. But fly-half Joe Gilder was unsuccessful with the long- range conversion attempt. This seemed to spur the home side into life and good pressure saw 
them score a converted try. Braintree had to work hard in defence as Rochford threw everything at them and had another try disallowed. Further pressure allowed Rochford to crash over almost under the posts but the  straight conversion was missed. The visitors never led their heads drop and their hard work was rewarded when prop Joe Burley outstripped the defence to cross the line and importantly run round to almost the posts. This allowed Gilder a straight but pressured kick to draw the game. His nerve held,the ball sailed over the posts.
Tries: Preece, Burley Conv: Gilder

Braintree U16 0 Brentwood U16 23
Brentwood simply overpowered Braintree, the huge Brentwood pack scoring two tries, and a third coming from a mistake by Braintree’s backs. Braintree went into this Essex Cup game knowing that the Brentwood pack was strong. Unfortunately on the day Braintree’s backs had an off-day, frequently putting themselves under pressure with handling 
errors and mistakes. Individually Braintree had several players turn in outstanding performances, Nick Boit at scrum half was combative and managed to get the ball away under immense pressure. Although the smallest player on the pitch he took down some of Brentwood’s big forwards at the base of the scrum – turning the ball over at the same time.

Romford U15 50 Braintree U15 5
A dispiriting game in which only one side really turned up. This league game had promised much, but quickly degenerated into a one- sided affair in which the outclassed visitors were given an abject lesson in how to play wide, attacking rugby. An unstoppable Romford ran in try after try after try to which a deflated and defeated Braintree could muster no response until the dying moments of the game, when, from a line out, No 8 James Caulfield barged his way through the defence. It was Braintree's only bright spot in a game in which Romford capitalised on their undoubted strengths across the field, and in which a broken Braintree could only watch and wonder at what went so badly wrong.
Try: Caulfield.

Braintree U14 20 Romford U14 24.
The home team kicked off but for the first quarter of the game never seemed to be in the right frame of mind, missing tackles, loosing scrums against the head and conceding two un-answered tries, to trail 12 points. But Braintree started to wake up, putting the visitors on the back foot. It was now Romford's turn to make mistakes. With five minutes 
to go to half time Romford conceded a penalty and Ed Parker side stepped two players to dive over. Although Romford scored early in the second half Braintree kicked 
into gear, attacking the Romford line before scrumhalf Dan Holbrook collected the ball a metre from the line to score. Braintree continued their attacking play with Jay Little crashing through several tackles, stepping inside the fullback to score close to the corner. Philip Walsh converted. With Braintree going forward once again Romford gave a further penalty wide just inside Romfords 22 metre line. Walsh duly delivered and Braintree took the lead for the first time. But entering injury time, from the back of maul, Romford's player broke off and charged towards the corner crossing in the corner for to finish 20-24 to Romford.
Tries: Parker, Holbrook, Little, Conv: Walsh Pen: Walsh

Braintree U13 53 Westcliff U13 0
Braintree hit top form in this league encounter and proved to be far too strong for the visitors from the south of the county. The pack  produced a good supply of possession, enabling the backs to run in 4 first half tries through Niall Wishart, Josh Hine (2) and Reece Lane. Their good form continued in the second half to allow 5 further  scores by Ollie Bond (2), James McLeod, Lee Fitzgerald and Ryan McGregor. Hine and Joslin kicked two  conversions each to complete an impressive and comprehensive victory.
Tries: Wishart, Hine (2), Lane, Bond (2), McLeod, Fitzgerald, McGregor Conv: Hine (2), Joslin (2)

Sunday 9th December 2007

Witham U15 0 Braintree U15 37

This local derby proved to be a better contest than the score might suggest, but in the end Braintree's better organisation and tighter play proved too much for a scratch joint U15/U16 team that never threw in the towel, but in the end was out-fought.
As conditions worsened so Braintree's spirits seem to rise. The game started in sunshine, but slowly for the visitors, and ended in driving rain, with a terrific performance of strong forwards and hard- attacking backs. Flanker Olly Beavis opened the scoring with an excellent run down the wing to score in the corner, closely followed by centre Joe Young, scoring the first of his three that day, one of which he converted. Winger Andy Hawkes had an excellent day, scoring tries either side of half time and, had it not been for the appalling conditions, would no doubt have had at least one more.
No 8 James Caulfield scored perhaps one of the easiest tries of his career, crossing the line unimpeded after peeling off the back of a scrum 5m from the line.
Tries: Beavis, Young (3), Hawkes (2), Caulfield Conv: Young

Sunday 2nd December 2007

Saturday 1st December 2007

Braintree Minis in curtain-raiser for Socks v Boks game at Twickenham!!

A surprise telephone call only a couple of weeks ago resulted in Braintre Under 9s to Under 12s being invited to play in the curtain-raisers before the Barbarians v South Africa game at Twickenham. Our oppositions for the day were Ealing, Romford & Gidea Park and Saracens, but Braintree far outweighed the opposition with regards to supporters, with a total of 7 buses leaving the clubhouse early of Saturday morning. Myself and Sally were proud to be invited to keep the scores, and John Evans (Under 9s), Tim Peal (Under 10s), Adrian Hanson (Under 11s) and Mark Olley (Under 12s) were able to fulfil any rugby referees dream and referee games on the hallowed turf.

In addition to the games, two of our children were invited to be mascot for the South African team on the day. Names were put into a hat, and the lucky children drawn out were Will Turner (Under 10s) and Max Barker (Under 11s).

We didn't go to Twickenham to win, but to provide each and every child in the squads with the chance to play at Twickenham and that is exactly what we did. All the children played their hearts out and were a credit to us. A huge thankyou to everyone who helped in organising the day, in particular to Karl Nielson of Saracens, without whom this would not have gone ahead, to the player for once again providing us with outstanding entertainment, and to all the supporters who helped to make the day memorable.

Corinne

The final results were as follows:

Under 9's

Romford & Gidea Park  vs Ealing - 0-5

Saracens vs Braintree - 0-3

Ealing vs Braintree - 1-1

Romford & Gidea Park vs Saracens - 0-4

Braintree vs Romford & Gidea Park - 5-0

Saracens vs Ealing - 1-1

Under 10's

Romford & Gidea Park  vs Ealing - 1-0

Saracens vs Braintree - 1-0

Ealing vs Braintree - 3-0

Romford & Gidea Park vs Saracens - 3-1

Braintree vs Romford & Gidea Park - 0-1

Saracens vs Ealing - 3-2

Under 11's

Romford & Gidea Park  vs Ealing - 1-0

Saracens vs Braintree - 1-0

Ealing vs Braintree - 1-0

Romford & Gidea Park vs Saracens - 0-0

Braintree vs Romford & Gidea Park - 1-1

Saracens vs Ealing - 0-0

Under 12's

Romford & Gidea Park  vs Ealing - 0-0

Saracens vs Braintree - 0-0

Ealing vs Braintree - 2-0

Romford & Gidea Park vs Saracens - 0-1

Braintree vs Romford & Gidea Park - 0-3

Saracens vs Ealing - 2-0

Finals

Under 9's

Braintree beat Ealing

Romford beat Saracens

Under 10's

Romford beat Saracens

Ealing beat Braintree

Under 11's

Saracens beat Romford

Braintree beat Ealing

Under 12's

Saracens beat Romford

Ealing beat Braintree

Sunday 25th November 2007

Braintree U16 39 East London U16 0
Missing County players and several injuries and family commitments gave Braintree’s lesser lights a chance to shine. East London were game and combative to the end but Braintree’s skills and organisation told as they dominated possession – particularly at the scrums where Charlie Fairchild won numerous strikes against the head, but also in 
rucks and lineouts.
For much of the game Braintree sucked in the defence effectively with Gregg Stalley prominent, and very effective at fly Half, and with Yousef Willemse and Jack Galloway playing well at centre. Jack Lee scored his first try from the wing, and tries were also scored by Liam Meredith and full back Joe Bunyon. There would have been more for the back three had not Braintree, on several occasions, chosen to ignore overlaps. That said it was otherwise a great performance.
Tries; Stalley, Galloway, Dodd, Lee, Bunyon, Meredith, Durham Cons; Stalley, Fairchild.

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Brentwood U15 3 Braintree U15 17
A blistering performance by an under-strength Braintree team which was slow to start, but proved unstoppable. After a sleepy kick off Braintree appeared to be out flanked as 
Brentwood seized control of the game and made deep probing attacks.  But with captain Charlie Shephard back from injury at Full Back, the attacks were blunted, and the defence held. A tight first half saw Braintree leak a penalty as the only points on the board. But a galvanised team rejoined battle after the break with No 8 James Caulfield stalwart in attack to pick up two tries. Winger Olly Williams crossed over once, but was judged to have had a foot in touch. Joss Adams, playing of position at scrum half was outstanding with superb tactical kicking and incisive runs, one of which resulted in a well-deserved try. Tom Osborn converted.
Tries: Caulfield (2), Adams Conv: Osborn

****************************************

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Brentwood U13 10 Braintree U13 5
Encounters between these two teams at this age are always highly competitive, this was no exception. Braintree made good use of the elements to dominate territory but were only able to cross the host's try line once in the first half, Callum Wrench touching down. However this was not enough against such good opposition who scored 
two tries in the second half to claim victory in this league game.
Try: Wrench

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Braintree U10 Bears 5 Sudbury U10 30
Try: Callum Bradd

Braintree U10 Wolves 20 Sudbury U10 5
Tries :Marcus Kay (2), Ross Hannon, Jake McEwan

Braintree U10 Badgers 0 Sudbury 20

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Sudbury U8 30 Braintree U8 25

Sudbury U8 40 Braintree U8 40

Sudbury U8 30 Braintree U8 30
  Braintree played three hard thought games, the action was end to end and both teams were well matched;  series in which the referee had to rarely use his whistle , and was flowing and dramatic. There were some amazing runs by Robert Oakley, Lucy Williams, and Morgan and Ella Vickers. Oakley made a flying dart down the  right wing the full length of the pitch to score a well earned try, whlist Morgan Vickers took a more traditional ball carrying role he made a twisting well calculated move  along the last three quarters of the pitch through the centre avoiding tackle after tackle to finally  pass to Zac Weitz just short of the line for him to score. Additionally Alex Kirkham made yard 
after yard through the centre cutting huge holes in the Sudbury defence , scoring twice. A well played difficult away match against a quality Suffolk side. Isobel Banning received the Player of the Day award.

Sunday 18th November 2007

Braintree Under 13s 34 Chingford Under 13s 0

Braintree enjoyed a convincing victory in this league game against Chingford. Early encounters were even until Braintree managed to get the ball wide right for James McLeod to race in for the first try. Further pressure allowed Nathan Ward to score to end the half 10-0 ahead. With the immaculately turned out referee allowing a free flowing game, the hard working Braintree pack supplied enough ball for their backs to increase their lead in the second half with Josh Hine deservedly scoring, backed up with tries from Callum Wrench, Ollie Bond, and a second for McLeod; Kingsley Joslin kicking 2 conversions for a 34-0 win. 

Braintree U9s Ambers 35 - Eton Manor 0

Tries Joshua Wadforth (2) Oliver Hougham (2) Nicholas Betteridge Fergus Wishart George Hume

Braintree U9s Blacks 25 – Eton Manor 10

Jake Finesilver (2) Ethan Price Scott Olley Ben Kirkham

Braintree U9s 15 – Eton Manor 0

Ethan Price Ben Kirkham Josh Wadforth

Report -

Braintree had 2 sides Ambers and Blacks and Eton Manor fielded 1 team.

Braintree Blacks took the field first, and an early break by Ethan Price saw Jake Finesilver opening the scoring from close range, from the restart a great run by Charlie Partridge stopped just on the line lead to the ball passed to Rebecca Parker who in turn fed Scott Olley to score Braintree’s 2^nd try. Some Eton Manor pressure was soaked up by good defensive work by Henry Stanhope and Tim Wilson, this lead to the ball being turned over and Ben Kirkham sprinting away to score. Ethan capped what was a very good game form him with an impressive run and 4^th try for Braintree.  Eton Manor attacked again and this time Braintree could not hold them out despite a last ditch tackle by Sam Boodrie. Braintree’s 5^th try came from Jake again driving his was over after some good work by James Foster. Eton Manor scored a 2^nd try just before the final whistle – FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE BLACKS 25 – ETON MANOR 10

The Ambers soon gained the upper hand with an early try from Josh Wadforth following a scrum near the line.  Braintree took total control of the game with 3 more tries in quick succession from Nicholas Betteridge and Oliver Hougham (2). When Eton Manor did attack their efforts were cut short with some great defence and tackling by Cameron Kerr, Alex Eveleigh and James Evans.  The second half started in the same was as the first with Josh scoring his second try after some excellent build up play by Keelan Joslin and Joseph Meade.  The 6^th try came from Fergus Wishart driving over from close range following a scrum.  The final try had the coaches all smiling as the boys put together some great passes and drew the defence before offloading the ball, this lead to George Hume crashing over. FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE AMBERS 35 – ETON MANOR 0 

The final game saw Braintree Blacks play the first half and the Ambers the second half against a tired but spirited Eton Manor side.  Ethan price collected a spilled pass deep in his own half and ran the length of the pitch to open the scoring.  Then came a long period of scrums, line outs and Eton Manor attacks but whatever they threw at Braintree their defence stood strong with some excellent tackles from Henry, Scott and Jake. On the stoke of half time Ben crossed the line for Braintree’s 2^nd try.  The second half started with early Braintree pressure and George being held up on the line and Fergus going close.  The wind and cold weather was beginning to tell on the boys (and supporters!!) with more dropped passes this meant the game was very stop start with lots of scrums and line outs taking place.  From one of these scrums Josh drove over for Braintree’s 3^rd and final try.  FINAL SCORE BRAINTREE 15 – ETON MANOR 0

Sunday 11th November 2007

Chelmsford U19 Colts 12 Braintree U19 Colts 24 ( U19 cup)
Tries: Jamie Durham,  Joe Burley, Daniel Young, Jack Wallace Conv: Joseph Gilder 2


Chingford U15 0 Braintree U15 34

An outclassed Chingford could do nothing to stem the tide as Braintree took control of, and completely dominated, this important Essex cup game. Early points came from winger Olly Williams who took the ball over after a breath-taking few minutes of completely dominant forwards play. He was followed minutes later by flanker Olly Beavis, just back from injury, and not long after him centre Joe Young, who converted his own try. The second half was all Braintree's. The few occasions when an increasingly frustrated and demoralised Chingford did leave their half, Braintree's defence remained solid and a battered Chingford found no way through. Tries from James Caulfield, Tom Osborn and Will Blackwell, the last converted by Osborn, were met with no reply.
Tries: Williams, Beavis, Young, Caulfield, Osborn, Blackwell Conv: Young, Osborn


Harlow U14 7 Braintree U14 31

Harlow took the game to Braintree right from the start and early on, after chasing the ball down, Harlow scored under the post and an easy conversion followed. But Braintree put in wave after wave of attacks and spent ten minutes camped on Harlow's line, driving forward from either scrum or ruck, several times coming up short. From one of these movements scrum half Hugh Blackwell was injuried and replaced by fullback Phil Walsh, who zigzaged through the defence to score, and took his own conversion.
The second half was more one sided with Braintree in control, scoring tries from short distances by both Sam Boggis and Ed Parker, and a superb run from inside his own half lead to winger Jay Little being tackled on entering Harlow's 22 meters. He quickly off loaded to Dan Downes, who side stepped the defender to cross the line. With time running out Braintree were awarded a penalty just in side Harlow's half. It was quickly taken by George Gallant who ran through and scored.
Tries: Walsh, Boggis,  Downes, Parker, Gallant Conv: Walsh, Crush (2)

Braintree U10 Bears  5 Chelmsford Rhinos U10 40
Try: Toby Mills

Braintree U10 Bears  15 Shelford U10 25
Tries: Pasquale Falzaramo (3)

Braintree Bears U10  15 Chelmsford U10  Warriors 5
Tries: Toby Mills, Pasquale Falzaramo, Ross Hannon

Braintree U10 Wolves 0 Chelmsford U10 Rhinos 20

Braintree U10 Wolves  20 Shelford U10 10
Tries: Jordan Caulfield, Sam Major, Josh Avent, Jake McEwan

Braintree U10 Wolves 10 Chelmsford  Warriors 10
Tries; Jordan Caulfield, Marcus Kay.

Braintre Under 9s

Following the 2 minute silence (respectfully honoured by all) the games got under way with Braintree Ambers taking on Shelford A on pitch 1 and Braintree Blacks taking on Chelmsford B on Pitch 2. Pitch 1 saw a very hard fought physical game in which Shelford soon began to show their greater match experience (7 competitive fixture this season, against our 3rd!!) as they ran in the first try of the game, Braintree defended very well against wave after wave of attack and held out to half time.  The second half began the same with Shelford attacking and scoring the crucial 2nd try.  Braintree tried hard and had 3 consecutive scrums on the Shelford line but could not get over for that all important score, then inevitably Shelford broke away and score the killer 3rd try. Result Shelford 15 Braintree 0.  Meanwhile on pitch 2 Braintree Blacks were enjoying more freedom of the pitch with Jake Finesilver scoring a hat rick, Scott Olly with 2, Keelan Joslin and Tim Wilson 1 each, Result Braintree 35Chelmsford 5. Next up was Braintree Bibs against 
Shelford B, the bibs were made up of 9 boys, 6 of them making their first appearances for Braintree, and as it ended up they played like they had been playing together all year, running in 3 tries (Joseph, Owen and Sam) and conceding only 2 therefore Result Braintree 15 – Shelford 10 (GREAT EFFORT BOYS WELL DONE). Braintree Ambers then took on Chelmsford A in what soon became and one sided game as the home team exerted early pressure and soon ended up 2 tries ahead, into the 2nd half and Braintree ran in 4 more tries and conceded. Result Braintree 30 Chelmsford 5. Tries George (2), Josh (2), Fergus (2).  We had an all Braintree affair next with the Blacks taking on the Bibs, this was a very hard fought game in which neither team wanted to give an inch (pride involved) the Bibs opened the scoring and held onto the slender 5 point lead until very near the end where the Blacks managed to make their pressure tell and crash over for a try to ensure honours were even at the Final whistle. Result Bibs 5 – Blacks 5 Tries scored by Nicholas and Sam.  The final action of the day saw the Ambers take on Shelford again, once more this was a very hard fought game with tackles flying in and no quarter given, unfortunately for Braintree the pressure told and Shelford squeezed over for the only try of the game, Final Score Braintree 0 – Shelford 5.

As a summary the entire squad did themselves proud on a cold wet day, in which Braintree took part in 6 games winning 3, losing 2 and drawing 1, all the teams can be very proud of the level of effort they produced on the day the teams were as follows.
Ambers – Josh, George, Fergus, Ollie, Cameron, Drew, James, Ben
Blacks – Jake, Scott, Keelan, Tim, Charlie, Sam, Alex, Ben, Scott
Bibs – Joseph, Nicholas, Owen, Ethan, James, Matt, Sam, Cameron, Charlie

Sunday 4th November 2007

Braintree U19 Colts 17 Diss U19 Colts 20 ( Friendly)
Tries: Glenn Whyatt, Jamie Hines, Michael Preece Conv: Joe Gilder


Braintree U16 22 Eton Manor U16 5
Braintree’s pack were firing on all cylinders, and managed to dominate possession at set pieces and the loose throughout the game.  They were inspired by No7 Charlie Marsden who scored two good tries, and blind side Dan O’Connell. A jinking run from fly half OwenThomas ended close to the line when Thomas drew the last defender and passed to set Fraser Maguire free to score under the posts. Jamie Masters converted. Eton Manor came back to score in the corner, but wing Kyle Milford rounded the defence from 40 metres out to score a superb diving try in the corner to seal the win.
Tries; Marsden (2),  Maguire,  Milford Cons: Masters

Barking U15 34 Braintree U15 19
A disappointing result in this league game against a strong and well- drilled opposition who saw Braintree's weaknesses and were ruthless in exploiting them. An early run by the homeside caught Braintree asleep when a probing run down the wing opened wide the defence. A shaken Braintree came right back when centre Danny Brand hustled over to level the score and Tom Osborn's kick put Braintree ahead. A few minutes later Osborn added one of his own and Braintree appeared to take command of the game. But Barking were anything but beaten, and seemed galvanised by the tries, running in three further tries, two of them converted, to which Braintree had no reply. It was only in the dying moments of the game that No 8 James Caulfield scrabbled over the line to pull one back, converted by Osborn. But any hope of a recovery was extinguished when just minutes 
later Barking punished sloppy handling in the lineout to close out an emphatically won game.
Tries: Brand, Osborn, Caulfield Conv: Osborn (2)

Rochford U14 5 Braintree U14 26
Braintree spent most of the first half camped in the home team's half, with early points coming from No 8 George Gallant spinning off the back of a well-controlled maul.
Rochford had a few breakthrough moments but Braintree had only themselves to blame when from their own lineout a slap down was not controlled and Rochford equaled the scores just before half time. Braintree came out the second half with more aggression and took the game to Rochford spending most of the half in the home team's half. 
Captain Dan Downes ran through on his own only to be high-tackled, and from a quick penalty scrum half Dan Holbrook scored under the post, converted by Kyle Crush.
As the half continued further tries came from outside centre Ed Parker and late on by winger Jay Little, both converted.
Tries: Gallant, Holbrook, Parker, Little Conv: Crush (3)

Sunday 28th October 2007

Chingford U14s 5 v Braintree U14s 5 Essex Cup Game Braintree win on away team

On the first cold and wet day of the season,Braintree travelled away to Chingford for there first cup game of the season. Played in driving rain for almost all the game, Braintree Kicked off and almost immediately the ref was penalizing the home team for going offside. From this moment Braintree aimed to attack and Ed Parker made good grounds towards the home teams try line. After three further attacks the visitors, lost control of the ball and The home team's flyhalf used the strong wind to kick deep, for the ball to be collected by the winger to run through and score under the posts. With the conversion in front of the posts, the home team were disappointed the conversion went wide,something they were to regret later on. During the remaining first half the home team broke through a couple of times but good defence stopped them scoring further points,in fact Braintree in camped in the home teams half for the last 5 minutes, and after numerous offsides, Chingford's numbers were reduced for ten minutes when the ref showed the yellow card to one of the props. Braintree came close leading up to half time but were let down by poor handling and lack of retention in contact. During the second half Braintree continued to defend well but apart from the odd moment of George Gallant breaking through on his own,Braintree made little ground. With time running out the Braintree forwards took control, winning several scrums against the head and mauling close to the home teams line,with several breaks being held up, before Gallant stepped inside a tackle after coming off the back of a rolling maul, to dive over the line in the far corner.Being unconverted the home team attacked straight away from the re-start but time was up,  with the game finishing as a draw, Braintree as the away team came out winners.

Braintree U13s 24 Sudbury U13s 0

Despite the damp, greasy conditions, both teams involved in this encounter did their best to play attacking rugby. Braintree, on the whole , had more possesion, but Sudbury defended very aggressively. It was, inevitably, flanker Reece Lane who opened the scoring, fellow back row Ryan McGregor also scoring to take the home side to a 10-0 half time lead. It was good to see Josh Hine back from injury and back to his expected form, crossing for a try to add to another from Lane. 2 conversions from Joslin & Hine completed the scoring in this competitive match.

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Sunday 21st October 2007

Braintree travelled to Upminster with just 16 players due to injuries and school holidays. Braintree started the game in a great manner, forcing Upminster back into their own half. The forwards were taking full control of the situation with some fine rucking and mauling. On 10 minutes and a series of ruck phases, scrum half Nick Boit passed the ball to the backs, Greg Stalley went on a fantastic line breaking run making 25 meters before offloading to winger Liam meredith who raced over to score the first try. Braintree continued the strong start and made good progress, limiting the Upminster side to few opportunities. A penalty was converted by fly half, Jamie Masters, to end the half at a slightly disappointing 8 – 0 lead due to the domination by Braintree .

The second half carried on in the same fashion and soon through good forwards and backs interplay Braintree found themselves camped on the Upminster try line. Braintree were awarded a penalty for foul play and this lead to a fantastic pick and run by Matt Durham who was superbly supported over the line for the second try by Dan O’Connell and Lloyd Pym. The score remained 13 – 0 with 20 minutes remaining when Braintree lost two players in quick succession with nasty foot injuries, this meant playing with only 14 players. The tough tackling Upminster side seemed to become inspired by this loss and gradually started to take control of the game with some well placed kicks. Disappointingly Braintree seemed to allow their heads to drop and Upminster charged forward and crashed over to score their first try. From the kick off Upminster again charged down the pitch, supported by some able forwards and were soon camped on Braintree line. A resulting penalty lead to their second score that was converted. Unfortunately for Braintree full back Yousuf Willemse sustained an injury which effectively ruled him out the game although he bravely limped through to the end. With very little support in the back line and heads dropping Upminster took full control and ran in a further 3 tries in the last 8 minutes. It was a fantastic day with plenty of sunshine and some exciting rugby but unfortunately for Braintree the injuries were just too much.

Tries: Liam Meredith & Matt Durham Pens: Jamie Masters

Under 9’s

Woodford/Cheshunt.

We arrived with 2 teams and the action got under way with Braintree Ambers taking the field against Cheshunt, this was a side we had not come across before the game started with both sides defending well and some great tackling by Ben Jones and Fergus Wishart enabled Braintree to turn the ball over and George Hume to open the scoring barging over from close range. Cheshunt came back strongly but again good defensive work from Joseph Meade and Cameron Kerr resulted in Keelan Joslin breaking out of defence and off loading a good pass to Joshua Wadforth to score Braintree’s second try.  10 – 0 at half time.  The second half started as the first half finished with Joshua collecting a pass from Timothy Wilson and touching down for the 3rd try.  The try of the game was to follow the restart Braintree quickly turned over the ball and were on the attack with James Evans picking up the loose ball passing to Keelan, he drew his man before passing to Fergus who ran down the wing and dived over for a spectacular finish.  Cheshunt refused to give in and still ran at Braintree but their solid defence was not going to be broken in this game and again great tackling from Joseph and Ben resulted in the ball being spilt and Joshua pounced on it and weaved his way through to score Braintree’s 5th try.  A final score of 25 – 0 was a very satisfactory result and well done to all the boys involved, it was a great team effort.

Braintree Blacks then took the field against a Woodford team who we know in the past have been very well organised and disciplined. The Blacks were very much a scratch team with the majority of them taking the field for the first time in a full contact game, but they took to the task very well and Ben Kirkham set the tone with some great early tackling, Jake Finesilver was a constant threat with bullish runs through the heart of the Woodford defence.  The game was very evenly poised and half time arrived with the score still 0 – 0.  Second half started and unfortunately a couple of missed tackles lead to Woodford scoring their first try, but the Braintree heads didn’t drop and some good work in the ruck by Sam Rugg and Lewis Martin enabled Charlie Partridge to break away and release the ball to Henry Stanhope who was just bundled into touch by the corner flag denying them what would have been a wonderful try.  Woodford managed to hold Braintree out and a fine break enabled them to score their second try.  With no substitutes available an injury to Lewis Martin meant Joshua came on in his place and it didn’t take long for Scott Olley to find him with a great pass and score Braintree’s first try of the game.  Into the 
closing minutes and Scott Whiteside picked up a loose ball and broke out of his own half a great pass out to Henry saw him charging towards the line only to be bundled into touch again.  At the Final whistle Woodford had won a hard fought game 10 – 5. The Braintree Blacks had done themselves proud and all played exceptionally well.

In what turned out to be the final game of the day (as Cheshunt went home!!!) Braintree Ambers took on Woodford, Braintree soon took the lead with Joshua scoring in the first minute, Woodford did not seem able to cope with the great tackling being put in by the Ambers and the direct running of George, Cameron and Fergus.  This lead to Joseph collecting a pass from James and scoring Braintree’s second try.  A great break from Keelan lead to a pass to Timothy who in turn passed it on to Joshua forBraintree’s third try. Woodford again attacked Braintree but great tackles by James and Ben resulted in Woodford loosing the ball it was picked up by Tim and onto George to crash over for the teams forth try of the first half.  The second half saw a lot of tired legs on show and the only score was a consolation try by Woodford, giving a Final Score of 20 – 5.

Once again a big thank you from all the coaches to the parents for getting the children to the clubhouse nice and early after many had been out to watch the World Cup Final the night before, and huge congratulations to the children as the all performed exceptionally well.

Sunday 14th October 2007

Braintree U19 Colts 53 Harlow U19 Colts 0
Tries: Joseph Burley (2), Dane Crush (2), Jamie Durham, James Bloxham, Michael Sargeant, Glen Wyatt

Conversions: Joseph Gilder 5 Drop Goal: Glen Wyatt

Braintree U 16s – Brentwood Golden Boot festival report Braintree enhanced their reputation as slow starters in the sunshine at Brentwood , as they drew with Hertford and lost to South Woodham in the Group stages.
In their first game they had beaten Upminster (who were also allowed an early lead) 17-5 Braintree  but they went on to beat Rochford in the next round despite underperforming in the first half, and then to win the Shield competition with a convincing 23-0 win against league rivals Woodford. In the final, the pack dominated the lineout and scrum, and scores came from Wing Liam Meredith, centre Greg Stalley, and Full back Jamie Masters. Fly Half Owen Thomas scored a drop goal, a penalty and conversion.

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Braintree U 16s – Brentwood Golden Boot festival report

Braintree – won the Shield competition

Braintree enhanced their reputation as slow starters in the sunshine at Brentwood , as they drew with Hertford and lost to South Woodham in the Group stages. In both games they should have come away with more when a clear try was disallowed against Hertford, and poor play in the first half allowed Woodham to develop an early lead. In their first game they had beaten Upminster (who were also allowed an early lead) 17-5 Braintree but they went on to beat Rochford in the next round despite underperforming in the first half, and then to win the Shield competition with a convincing 23-0 win against league rivals Woodford. In the final, the pack dominated the lineout and scrum, and scores came from Wing Liam Meredith, centre Greg Stalley, and Full back Jamie Masters. Fly Half Owen Thomas scored a drop goal, a penalty and conversion.

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Braintree U14 18 Upper Clapton U14 17
Having won the toss Braintree were on the attack straight away with number eight George Gallant peeling off the back of the maul, sprinting passed several players to go over in the corner. For most of the first half the game was played between the forwards.  Upper Clapton   took a penalty kick to get them on the board..shortly afterwards an attack from half way in their own half lead to a well supported run and the visitors crossed the line under the posts offering an easy conversion to lead 10-5. From the re-start the home team were on the attack once again, with the ball going through the hands of the forwards until in the hands of Gallant once again, handing off a number of defending players 
before touching down in the very corner before taking the corner flag out of the ground: 10-10 at half time. With the visitors starting strongly and comanding the game early on, 
Braintree attacked and with a rolling maul going over the line Liam Palmer was just able to touch down. Upper Clapton then went on the attack, charging the line several 
times, only to come up against a strong defensive line. During this period Braintree were down to 14 as try-scorer Palmer getting a yellow card for a trip on a visitor's centre.
Upper Clapton seized the initiative and touched down under the posts from a well worked maul, also converted, to lead 17-15. As the home team camped on the vistors 5 metre line, Upper Clapton also received a yellow card for hands in the ruck, and with only a minute to go and Braintree back to 15, Upper Clapton were penalized in front of their own posts, enabling Philip Walsh to kick over for the winning score.
Tries: Gallant (2), Palmer Pen:  Walsh

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Braintree Under 13s

Braintree took part in the Westcliff u13 festival, this year played in glorious autumnal sunshine once the mist had cleared. The draw wasn't kind to Braintree, who had to play two of the county's strongest teams in Upminster and Brentwood. First up was Upminster, who always provide a formidable pack who like to dominate. Braintree did well to overcome them 5-0 with James McLeod in imperious form scoring the try. Next was yet another meeting with close rivals Brentwood, who this time gained the upper hand to inflict a 5-0 defeat on Braintree. It was essential to get a good result against Ipswich B to progress further into the cup knock out stages. This Braintree did with a strong all round performance to return a 30-0 victory, with Andrew Gallacher (2), Reece Lane, Lee Fitzgerald, Max Turner and Bradley Esterhuizen (his debut score) crossing for tries. This took Braintree to a cup quarter final match against Ipswich A, who proved to be formidable opposition, with Braintree unable to prevent the strong-running backs scoring 3 unanswered tries. This meant an unusual early exit before the semi final stage. However, Braintree can take plenty of positives from this tournament, but will need to improve their first line tackling and defence when playing such strong opponents.

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Upminster Festival

Under 12s
Braintree U12s  0 Colchester   5

Braintree U12s started this match well with strong forward play and some outstanding takling from the backs. Colchester scored a try in the first half, from which they didn't look like getting over the line again.

Braintree 5 Bishops Stortford 0
A fired up Braintree took control from the starting wisthle, superb scrums against a much bigger pack gave the backs a great platform to attach from saw Dan Olley working on this to go over for a good try.
Try:  Olley

Braintree  0 Stanford Le Hope 15
Braintree 's third game against saw the forwards work hard to try and better a huge pack but despite their best efforts Stanford Le Hope ran in three tries.

Braintree 15 Upminster 0
From the start the forwards dominated against a much bigger pack.  Braintree secured a great win, with Josh Banning scoring from a ruck near the line, the backs responding well to the forwards winning good ball saw great ball through the hands with Jack Palmer and Darius Varnai-Clark scoring from open play.
Try: Banning, Palmer, Varnai-Clark

Under U9s
Sunday saw the start of the Under 9's full contact season with the daunting task of the Upminster Festival.
  Braintree found themselves in a pool with Upminster B, Medway, Westcombe Park and Chelmsford.
  First up was Upminster B, a tight game with both sides putting in good early tackles the deadlock was broken with a Ben Jones try, into the second half and the game was settled by 2 Josh Wadforth tries the second one following a good run by James Evans and some great work in a maul by George Hulme. Braintree ended up 15 - 0 winners.
  Next came Chelmsford, the scoring was started with Josh getting on the end of a Keelan Joslin pass after a great run and scoring. An equaliser from Chelmsford only spurred Braintree on with Josh scoring his second try after good work from an attacking scrum. The game was finished off with some great defense by Braintree on their own line and the ball going loose to Josh and him running the length of the pitch to complete his hat-trick and a 15 - 5 win for Braintree.
  The third game was against Westcombe Park this was a very hard and very physical game which saw Braintree lose 15 - 0, but praise must be heaped on the team for the great defensive display shown in the second half. After being 15 - 0 down at half time Braintree held out a very strong side and kept them scoreless in the second half.
  The final pool game was against Medway the winners would progress to the Plate final and the losers would be going home. The game could not of started better for Braintree with Oliver Hougham scoring direct from the start, Braintree were not going to let this one go and just before half time Oliver went over for his second try of the game to ensure an 10 - 0 half time lead.  The second half was scoreless until Braintree had an attacking scrum and Keelan made a half break and got his pass away to Fergus Wishart to score in the corner.  Final score 15 - 0.
  The Plate Final was against Westcliffe the runners up from Pool A.  This was a very hard game from the start with both sides putting in big tackles and showing lots of attacking skill.  Braintree scored first with Fergus breaking a tackle to just reach the line.  Westcliffe came back hard but could not break down the solid Braintree defense with Oliver, Cameron Kerr and Joseph Meade all making try saving tackles.  In the end the pressure got too much and Westcliffe scored an equalising try just on the final whistle.  Final score 5 - 5.  The Plate was shared.
  On the whole a great day was had by players, coaches and supporters and being their first effort at full contact matches the boys excelled themselves.
  The full squad of Josh Wadforth, Ben Jones, James Evans, Fergus Wishart, George Hulme, Cameron Kerr, Joseph Meade, Keelan Joslin, Oliver Hougham, Drew McManus, Charlie Partridge, Tim Wilson and Jake Finesilver all excelled and have a good future ahead of them.
  
  A very big well done to all involved and Thank You to all the supporters who cheered the boys on to the end.

Sunday 7th October 2007

Chelmsford U19 Colts 29 Braintree U19 Colts  17 Friendly

A very even first half, Braintree opened the scoring through a try from captain Glenn Whyatt, converted by Chas Monk. The home side replied with a converted try of their own. Honours even at half time. Chelmsford then took control for the first twenty minutes of the second half, scoring three tries. Braintree replied with a try from prop Joe Burley, Chelmsford got one more. The last word from the visitors, try from Dan Young.

Tries: Glenn Whyatt, Joe Burley, Dan Young Conv: Chas Monk

Braintree U16s 16 v Barking U16s 19

This game went “right to the wire”, just like the corresponding fixture last season. The match was tense and tight, and for a neutral spectator a great game of rugby between two great sides. Barking had territorial advantage in the first half, but Braintree Fly-half, Thomas scored two penalties, giving Braintree the lead for most of the half. Braintree also survived the sin binning of their prop, Charlie Fairchild for stamping, but just before half time a mistake in Braintree’s defence allowed barking to capitalise on some inexperienced wing play by Braintree and Callum Howard scored under the posts with a planned move from the back of a scrum five metres out. The conversion put Barking one point up. Another Thomas penalty meant that Braintree took the lead early in the second half. Then suddenly a dropped pass in midfield gave Barking a breakaway try. Braintree started to exert more pressure. A superb midfield break by full back Jamie Masters from just inside Braintree ’s half to twelve metres out went unrewarded when the ball was dropped just short of the line. If Braintree were guilty of anything it was over eagerness and this uncharacteristically featured in their back play. Now Braintree’s forwards who had gained great possession form line-outs all day through Jordan Titmus Matt Durham, and Hooker Fraser Maguire were given an opportunity from five metre out after a penalty, and with less than three minutes to go first Jake Turland drove for the line and then Prop Matt Durham aided by Titmus and Dan O’Connell drove over, and a Braintree victory seemed certain.

Unfortunately the celebrations went to Braintree ’s heads. Barking never say die and with the last play of the game Braintree ’s midfield was caught tied in to a ruck on one side of the field. Barking used their overlap and with superb support running – the ball going through at least five sets of hands, all coming at pace. They scored one of the best tries seen at Robbswood with the last play of a superb game. Braintree ’s forwards had done well all game with Charlie Marsden, Matt Durham, and Dan O’Connell outstanding. Jordan Titmus bossed the lineout. The backs too looked good but a couple of errors in midfield, meant Braintree came away with just a bonus point. Aidan Thomas

Tries: Matt Durham, Cons; Owen Thomas Pens: Owen Thomas(3)

Braintree U14 5 South Woodham Ferrers U14 61

Braintree came up against a very strong South Woodham Ferrers team who took control of the game in the first minute scoring under the posts, although the forwards battle continued all the way through the game regretably the vistors backs were on top with good hands, excellent passing, outstanding support play finishing the first half 35-0.
Braintree's forwards upped their game in the second half and after a quick penalty No 8 George Gallant used his pace to go over in the corner for the home teams only score of the game. With the vistors continuing to score at will Braintree were always chasing the game, Gallant standing out head and shoulders above the others with his strong driving play and never say die attitude.
Try: Gallant

Braintree U13 42 South Woodham Ferrers U13 0

Braintree met regular visitors South Woodham Ferrers and initially play was evenly matched. However, as the first half progressed gaps began to appear in the visitors defence to allow Braintree to run in five tries through Lee Fitzgerald, Andrew Gallagher(2), omnipresent Reece Lane and Ryan McGregor who quickly pounced on a loose line-out deflection.
The rate of scoring in the second half slowed as Woodham defended well, with Josh Hine crossing once, and Reece Lane completing a hat trick.
This was a very good all round team performance  against spirited opposition; probably the pick of the non try scorers was winger James McLeod who imposed his physical presence to good effect.
Tries: Fitzgerald, Gallagher(2), Lane(3), McGregor, Hine. Cons: Joslin (1)

Sunday 30th September 2007

Sunday 23rd September 2007

Braintree Under 13s 5 Barking Under 13s 28
This was a hard lesson learnt for Braintree and a view of the high levels of play that can be expected in the top division of county league rugby. Although never previously beaten by Barking, it was the East London visitors who began the stronger, and soon crossed the line to open the scoring. In fact, the Braintree defence was breached 3 times in the first half by the same player, who appeared to be unstoppable.
However, Braintree did manage to raise their game in the second half; dominating territory and possession but seemingly unable to score. Captain Joslin came very close, Matt Pickles and Cengiz Hassan crossed the line but were held up by a resolute defence, until eventually Alex Enright dived in the corner for the home team's only score of the day.

Sunday 16th September 2007

Braintree Colts 0 Old Albanians Colts 10 (National Colts Cup)

Braintree, playing into the wind were made to work hard from the off.  Early pressure saw the visitors take the lead through an unconverted try and Braintree`s only real chances came through breakaways. Holding the score to 5-0 at the interval seemed to boost the home side's confidence and they started strongly in the 2nd half. Unfortunately pressure did not lead to points and when the away sides only visit to Braintree's 22 saw them score another try it was really game over.

Chelmsford U16  7 Braintree U16  40
Chelmsford showed determination in the first half when they held Braintree using the advantage of the slope, the wind, and early errors, in the first match of the season. Chelmsford also managed to take the lead after a mistake in the Braintree midfield five minutes before half time.  
But in the second half as their self confidence grew and they started to dominate every aspect of the game, so came the points. The best of six tries came from flanker Ben Carey who rounded off a fine passing movement wide out, and Fly Half Owen Thomas, who side stepped clear and then gathered a chip ahead to score under the posts.  The general team performance, and particularly off-loading of both 
forwards and backs was excellent in the second half, as Braintree eliminated the basic errors they showed early in the game for a convincing victory.
Tries; Ben Carey; Owen Thomas; Lloyd Pym; Kyle Milford; Matt Durham; Jamie Masters.  Cons; Jamie Masters (3); Owen Thomas (2)

Braintree U15 10  Woodford U15 0  (Match abandoned at half time).
A friendly against an under-strength opposition, which, due to the arid and dangerous pitch, was abandoned,  saw a strong and confident Braintree U15 take to the pitch at the start of the season.
Kicking off, Woodford took the game hard to Braintree and threatened an early score, but the homeside's defence stood solid. After a clearing kick by fly half Joss Adams, Woodford never again troubled 
the line.  Two classic forward's tries by Declan Couch, the second just before half time, put the game beyond the visitors, who, suffering from a series of injuries, and not wishing to risk players at a start of 
season friendly, called the game off.
Tries: Couch (2)

Braintree U13 41 Basildon U13 0
The new season dawned dry and bright as Braintree travelled to Basildon to begin their first season playing full pitch 15 a side rugby.  It soon became apparent that the wide open spaces would suit 
Braintree's expansive style. Several new players slotted into the team and all did very well.  However the first try was a forward drive enabling the ball-magnet Reece Lane to touch down.  Winger Andrew Gallagher benefited from the usual supply of possession which enabled him to score a very quick hat trick of tries in the first half.
Further tries came from Ryan McGregor and Josh Hine (2), with new captain Kingsley Joslin successful with three conversions to extend the victory to a comfortable 41-0 margin.
Tries: Lane, Gallager (3), McGregor, Hine (2)  Conv: Joslin (3)

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Sunday 9th September 2007

Romford & Gidea Park Colts  8 -  Braintree Colts  24 (friendly - away)

Romford opened the scoring with a penalty after some early indiscipline from Braintree. The visitors replied with a try from No. 8 Jack Wallace. Michael Sargent then caught the home full back in possession and robbed the ball to score. Joe Gilder converted.12-3 at half time.
The first score of the 2nd half went the visitors way, with Dane Crush, who had the day previously made his League debut for Braintree 1st XV,  scoring under the posts, converted by Gilder. Romford then replied with a try. Braintree rounded off the game with a try by Michael Preece.
Tries:  Wallace, Sargent, Crush, Preece
Conversions:  Gilder 2

Braintree Under 15s 10 - Romford Under 15s 10 (friendly - home)

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Season 2006~2007

Rolling Day of Rugby 2007

Once again Braintree ended their season by inviting opposition to join them for a day of rugby at their Robbs Wood grounds.

The Under 7s, 8s, 10s and 11s played host to 'tourists' from Ampthill Rugby Club, whilst the Under 13s played South Woodham Ferrers, the Under 14s played Thurrock, the Under 15s played Trojans , Under 16s played Shelford, and a mixed 17s/18s played Spalding.  

The day began with the whole of the Youth and Mini Section having their photograph taken, with the clubhouse as a backdrop, by a very well organised group from The School Photography Company.  We are looking forward to displaying and selling the results at the Awards day on 13th May.

Braintree U15 19  Trojans U15 19
This was a fast and enjoyable game played in warm sunshine. Great to watch but hot for the players. Braintree's pack stuttered to get going although the backs always looked on top in this game. Trojans who were touring Essex, had a good pack and Braintree let them dominate occasionally. Braintree also lost ground to needless penalties, including back-chat to the ref. and laziness in support 
play causing some runners to get isolated and to be penalised for "holding on to the ball in the tackle.

Braintree controlled most of the game and despite having to fend off occasional pressure looked the better drilled side. In the first half the backs came close with good handling moves on several occasions until eventually Full-back Jamie Masters took a missed pass in midfield from a set move and broke a tackle to score under the posts. A few minutes later great lineout play by Jordan 
Titmus (who had just returned from an unfortunate sin binning), supported by the pack, allowed Flanker Charlie Marsden to fend off three tacklers as he ran from just inside Trojan's half to score 
under the posts again.  

All looked fair for a Braintree win. Unfortunately a few minutes into the second half Braintree seemed to go to sleep as the Trojan's scrum half picked up a ball that flew from the blind side of the scrum and ran unopposed from half way almost to the Braintree 22. Braintree made a further gaffe as defenders failed to kill a bouncing ball that had been chipped on, and Trojans scored a soft try.  Braintree poured on more pressure and eventually a penalty out on the right five metres from Trojans line was taken quickly by Jamie Masters who drew two defenders before passing to Owen Thomas who made a simple touchdown in the corner.  At this point it looked like Braintree could relax. Sadly they did! With two minutes remaining Braintree's  replacement wing failed to tackle a Trojans forward who then came inside and beat the full back too to score under the posts.  Less than a minute later Trojans did exactly the same thing. After a turnover which had resulted from Braintree's back row isolating 
themselves and being penalised for holding on. A clear win was thrown away but the entire squad played and there were several good individual performances including Jamie Masters at Full-back, Charlie Marsden and Matt Durham in the pack, and Yousef Willemse on the wing. Sam Neil who was playing at home for the first time was also impressive as a new player.
Tries Jamie Masters; Charlie Marsden; Owen Thomas
Cons; Jamie Masters; Owen Thomas

Braintree U14 54  Thurrock U14 0
Braintree's rolling day of rugby proved to be an excellent showcase to put in a consummate performance on which to end a highly successful season.  From the kick off Braintree, playing many of the 
seconds squad, and most out of position, showed the depth of talent in the team. The forward dominance, which has established the team as one of the most powerful in the county, was complimented by a well-drilled and strong backs' play which together overwhelmed the opposition in this friendly. A deluge of tries ensued from James Caulfield, Tom Osborn, Jake Parkin, Charlie Shepherd, Joe Young and Jacob Bryant which put the game far beyond Thurrock's shattered defence.
Tries: Caulfield (4), Osborn (2), Parkin, Shepherd, Young, Bryant
Conv: Caulfield, Couch

Braintree Festival 2007

With so many other clubs now running Festivals at this time of year, Braintree didn't see the usual turn out for this well-organised event.  However, 10 clubs turned up to compete on a very Sunny but thankfully breezy day.  The players all excelled themselves as usual, and the results for Braintree were excellent.  In presenting the Fairplay Cup to Woodford at the end of the event, Chairman Corinne Winwood said that she hoped that in future years there would be no Fairplay Cup to present, with all clubs adopting the 'Be Effusive, Not Abusive' stance that Braintree is striving towards.  Unfortunately that wasn't going to be Sunday, with some parents and coaches once again letting their clubs down.  Thankfully, with the exception of one point conceded in frustration, Braintree was not amongst them, and 4 out of the 10 clubs present had no points against them all day, which shows that the majority of clubs are going in the right direction as far a respecting officials is concerned.

Our thanks must go to everyone who helped to run the event; to Pete Fairchild for helping with registration, results and presentations, ably assisted by club registration secretary Lloyd Roberts, to Chef Tom, Billy and Tina Maddams, Ian Palmer, David Gilvray and everyone else who helped with the barbecue, to the Under 13s mums for running the bouncy castle, to Vince Murphy and the Under 16s for organising the car parking, to Billy Maddams for selling the programmes, Jasmin Wadforth and her helpers for the sweets,to the 'runners' from the Under 13s for bringing in the scores (and Under 14s Captain Charlie Shepherd for joining them after playing a game himself, to the pitch marshals, to St. Johns Ambulance, to Adam and Gareth Roberts and PA-PLUS for providing the PA and music, to all the referees for doing a fine job, to Michaela Wadforth for providing the organisers with refreshments, to our trophy sponsors, (SUNGARD VIVISTA, MARK & MICHAELA WADFORTH, STEVE MOTT & CO, COCONUTS PLAY, SAVANNAGH, AND DUNMOW GLASS)  to whom we are extremely grateful, to the bar staff, and to Barrie and Corinne Winwood for organising the event (with apologies to anyone we have missed).  And finally, a huge thanks to everyone who played on the day - you all made us proud!!

Under 12s Captain Alfie Walsh received the Braintree Festival Cup on behalf of the Braintree Players

Braintree Under 12s Festival Report

At their home festival Braintree U12s completed their last competitive games of the season with their unbeaten record intact.  They were runners up to Upminster, with whom they drew, after having conceded one more try than Upminster in the other games.

 The day started well with a 35-0 win over Bexley.  The tries came from Alfie Walsh , Josh Hine , Ryan MacGregor , Joe Gallant , Niall Wishart (2) and Ben Brand .   The next game saw a hard fought battle with Upminster.   Braintree took the lead through a try by Josh Hine , but Upminster didn’t give up and managed to get a late equaliser, the game finishing 5-5.

 The third game saw Braintree take on a less experienced side from Harwich & Dovercourt.  The home side were 30-0 winners despite a spirited second half defence from Harwich. The scorers were Ollie Bond , Josh Hine (2), Reece Lane (2) and Niall Wishart .

  Braintree then faced visitors Woodford.  A good competitive game finished with Braintree winning 25-5.  Woodford’s try ultimately costing Braintree the winners’ medals.  The Braintree tries were scored by Ollie Bond , Niall Wishart (2), James McLeod and Andrew Gallacher .

 The day was concluded with a convincing victory over Basildon , with an in form Niall Wishart scoring a hat-trick in the 30-0 win.  The other tries came form Ollie Bond (2) and Josh Hine .

 The day’s achievements were very much a team effort with forwards and back all playing their part in a display of good open rugby.  The non-scoring team members were just as vital to the performances and included an awesome Lee Fitzgerald , Kingsley Joslin , Fraser Phillips , Matt Pickles, Owen Roberts , Max Turner , and Cengiz Hassan .

 This brings to a close season were the u12s have played 38 games, won 33, drawn 5 and lost none.  They have also achieved the amazing feat of scoring over 1,000 points this year (1,034) and only conceded 68 points all season.

Braintree 'A' Under 8's Festival Report

 Following on from the success of the previous week at Barking, Braintree A were once again in fine form.

Braintree proved themselves strong in both attack and defence, turning the ball over on a good number of occasions.

They deservedly won all four of their pool matches which had seen them meet South Woodham, Woodford B, Thurrock and Haverhill.

All 11 boys in the squad played to their very best and coach, Ian Kerr, had the hard task of choosing his team for the final. As with all previous matches during the day, the boys put on a great performance of tag rugby and showed great promise for the coming season when they make the move to playing contact. With the final whistle Braintree were home and dry with a win of    6 v 4 over Woodford A, making them cup winners for the second year in succession.

Try scorers: Joseph Meade, Joshua Wadforth, Fergus Wishart, Ben Jones, Cameron Kerr, Ollie Hougham, George Hume, Scott Whiteside

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Saffron Walden  U 15's 21 - Braintree U 15's 22

( tries Masters 2, Boyt, Galloway - conversion Masters )

 Braintree took on a committed Saffron Walden team and initially struggled from being depleted by the loss of key county players and with tired legs from the exertions of league success Wednesday. Hard ground conditions meant that the reshuffled Braintree pack struggled initially to gain control of the ball and the new partnerships in the backs were taking time to settle. Saffron Walden took good advantage of this, taking control of the scrums and managing to recycling ball without the customary aggression from the Braintree pack. A well worked ruck gave their flyhalf the opportunity to float a long pass to their speedy outside centre who managed to break three Braintree tackles before scoring. Braintree slowly began to settle but went further behind after indiscipline allowed the Saffron Walden centre an almost identical opportunity which Braintree were too slow to mark. Jon Melloy was brought on to the field alongside Matt Durham at prop and Ben Carey at flanker to settle the scrum and all players had an immediate impact on the change in the game. A well worked ruck on the right of the field saw Matt Durham perform his trademark three man hand off before offloading to Ben Carey who ran an superb curved line, straightening in time to release fly half Jamie Masters who split the remaining defence and rounded the full back for Braintree's first score.

Saffron Walden's forwards fought hard in the second half and managed to some how disrupt a lot of Braintree possession, but with Gregg Stalley coming on and bolstering up the Braintree midfield, the threat from their outside centre was limited. Nick Boyt on the wing was also proving a menace to his opponents and with 5 mins of the second half gone, ran a good line from the centre of the park before cleverly releasing Jamie Masters who powered over for his second try. Boyt had been harshly penalised in the first half for talking to the referee after which his performance seemed to galvanise including some huge tackles. An excellently worked ball from the pack was released by Lloyd Titmus through the backs hands to Boyt who with a big winger to beat, sold a beautiful dummy for Braintree's third score. Braintree were continuing to struggle with officialling which restricted them from mounting more fluid attacks. The breakdown of play allowing the Saffron Walden defence the opportunity to reset their defensive positions. This was not before, new recruit Sam Neil, playing out of position on the left wing had shown great class at rounding his opponent and gaining great territory for the forwards to exploit, a move started by him in the final quarter was recycled well through the back row and released through the backs. Nick Boyt could have been criticised for running an inside line but managed to squeeze a pass to winger Jack Galloway who grubbed a kick and dived over for the try in the right.

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Wednesday 18th April 2007

BRAINTREE UNDER 15s WIN THE ESSEX LEAGUE

Braintree 13 Barking 5

Braintree Tries; Owen Thomas, Cons. Owen Thomas, Pens; Owen Thomas (2)    Barking Tries; Callum Howard

This was the final game of the Essex league, both teams unbeaten and one point dividing them. Through pure chance it happened to be the very last game of the league season, and what a thriller it was.

If Barking were a soccer team they would be called a “counter attacking side”. They have a great ability to soak up pressure and with outside centre Callum Howard their main playmaker they look to snap up loose ball from broken play in midfield and use their pace in the backs to destroy the opposition.  Beating them requires no mistakes in attack, and complete concentration and speed in midfield defence, and on Wednesday in Owen Thomas (Fly Half), Gregg Stalley (Inside centre), Ben Ladyman (Outside Centre) and Jamie Maters at full back Braintree possessed the midfield to do it. 

Barking started strongly and retained possession for the first ten minutes of the game, driving the Braintree forwards back at the breakdown and gaining territory. Only heroic defence kept Braintree in the match. Barking did not take a kickable penalty opportunity, and were held up over the line.  Braintree were awarded a penalty following their only foray into Barking’s half. Fly half Owen Thomas slotted over from wide out on the left.  Gradually Braintree started to claw their way back into the game , and although they won little scrum ball, with the pack going backwards, they started to get the territorial upper hand, through  their midfield defence which kept Barking’s dangerous backs bottled up, and  through Thomas’s boot.  Before half time Braintree kicked another difficult penalty. The game seemed to hang in the balance as both teams defences were in the ascendancy. Just before half time Liam Meredith made a strong break from a scrum and offloaded in the tackle, but a pass from full back Jamie Masters was knocked on with an open line.

Half time score - 6 - 0 to Braintree.

Charlie Marsden the Braintree no 7 was outstanding and began to dominate the lineout as well as putting in many crunching tackles. Matt Durham at prop also started to make some great runs and No 8 Liam Meredith also gained ground – often winning ball at the back of the line with excellent throwing from Hooker Fraser Maguire.

Braintree started to dominate territory but after one Barking attack, blind side flanker Ben Carey picked the ball up at the back of a ruck, and made a brilliant break through midfield from his twenty two. He was tackled fifteen yards inside the Barking half. Unfortunately his pass was intercepted in broken play by Barking’s danger man outside centre Callum Howard. The Braintree defence was out of position and Howard raced in to score, although he was forced wide of the posts by his opposite number Ben Ladyman, and as a result Barking missed the conversion. Braintree just kept their lead 6-5.

The final fifteen minutes of the game were almost all played in Barking’s half with Braintree coming close through Liam Meredith and Ben Carey – in both cases the supporting players were too eager and gave away silly penalties within inches of Barking’s line. Ben Ladyman was set free by his inside centre Gregg Stalley, and side-stepped and swerved his way over the line, only to drop the ball with three players hanging on to him.

The large crowd new that just one mistake would decide the game.

A minute from time Gregg Stalley who had been excellent all night went down injured and had to be helped from the field. Yousef Willemse, who moved in from the wing to replace him, charged down a kick ten yards out from Barking’s line. Owen Thomas caught the bouncing ball, and forced his way over under the posts. His conversion was a formality, and the signal for Braintree celebrations to start.

A thrilling match between two great teams.  

 

Braintree U14 47 Chingford U14 0
A spectacular display of running attacking rugby by a rampant homeside put Chingford completely in the shade, even under the glare of the floodlights of this midweek evening game.  Braintree were slow 
to start and for ten minutes Chingford used their strong pack to good effect. But once winger Tom Osborn went over in the corner for his first of two, and Olly Beavis sliced through the defence, the 
floodgates opened. Chingford's crumbling defence was unable to stem the torrent of tries from Jacob Bryant, Danny Brand, Jake Parkin, Joe Young and two from James Caulfield, to say nothing of  three 
disallowed . This was a consummate victory executed in  style with strong rucking, fast offloading and excellent ball handling. A thoroughly deserved win.
Tries: Osborn (2), Beavis, Bryant, Brand, Parkin, Young, Caulfield (2)  Conv: Osborn

 

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Sunday 15th April 2007

Barking U17-12  Braintree U17-17
Tries: Robert Metson, Luke Leicester 2  Conv: Joe Gilder

Maldon U14 5  Braintree U14 37
With many of the squad called up for Essex county duties, this was a chance for the reserves to prove their form - and they were not found wanting. For most of the game Maldon were kept out of the game, and apart from their one try, never really threatened the line.  A blistering early try from captain Charlie Shepherd, who sliced through the defence, set the tone of the match. Fly half Joss Adams 
had an excellent game, scoring twice and playing a key part in many of the other tries. Will Blackwell on the wing threw off two tackles to score in the corner,  Charlie Fairchild went over for a classic 
forwards' try under the posts, and Chris Shrubsole used his sheer weight and power to blast through the defence.
Tries: Shepherd, Adams (2), Blackwell, Fairchild, Shrubsole  Conv: Osborn

 

Barking Festival

At very short notice and in uncharacteristically warm conditions Braintree Under 8's travelled to Barking to compete in their festival. Coaches, John Evans & Ian Kerr, had picked a great squad of 9 players and all the boys proved that they were worthy of being chosen.

Braintree looked strong from the start, playing extremely well in both attack and defence, and this resulted in them coming top of their pool having won two matches and drawn one.

The semi final saw them take on Romford and once again Braintree put on a fine display of rugby. Despite being very hot and tired Braintree ran in winners with a score of 7 v 4.

In the final, Braintree met Medway, strong competition that they had not come up against before. By this time all boys were playing on extremely tired legs. Braintree's determination stayed with them to the last but unfortunately when the final whistle blew, Medway had scored 3 tries to our 2.

Every squad member got himself on the score sheet and a special well done to Sam Rugg for scoring his first try for his club!

All in all a great days rugby - Braintree proved themselves to be fine ambassadors for their club.

Squad: Joseph Meade (4), Cameron Kerr (3), Ben Jones (2), Fergus Wishart (6), George Hume(2), Sam Rugg (1), Charlie Partridge (2), Drew McManus (1) and Josh Wadforth (7).

Nottingham Festival
Friday 6th April
Braintree U14 6  Hull Ionians U14 5
A very tight opening game saw Braintree concede an early try, but they never stopped fighting back. A penalty in the first half just inside the 22 gave winger Tom Osborn the chance to put three points 
on the board. But Hull were a very well drilled side and their defence remained unbroken. However a moment of hot headed play saw them give away an easy penalty with just two minutes of the game left.
Pen: Osborn(2)

Braintree U14 0  Bedford U14 6
Bedford forwards were simply too powerful and too well disciplined and consistently bullied Braintree off the ball. Despite the forward dominance, Braintree's defence proved solid and although Bedford were able to kick two penalties, they never crossed the line.

Braintree U14 29  Melbourne U14 0
Braintree took the game to Melbourne right from the kick and No 8 James Caulfield crossed over within minutes, slicing through Melbourne's fractured defence. Only a few minutes later prop Declan 
Couch stormed over using simple brute force to batter down the defence. A third try came from winger Tom Osborn who kicked two conversions. In the second half flanker Olly Beavis scored an outstanding try running tight down the wing, and second row Joe Geraghty bundled one over.
Tries: Caulfield, Couch, Osborn, Beavis, Geraghty  Conv: Osborn (2)

Braintree U14 50  Tunbridge Wells U14 0
Although a full match was played Tunbridge Wells were unable to field a full team and under the rules of the tournament forfeited the game 50-0.

Braintree U14 5  Romford U14 5
To meet arch rivals Romford at this stage of the tournament was a challenge for Braintree. Despite taking early points with an excellent chip-and-chase from centre Danny Brand, Braintree were unable to build on their lead, and late in the second half sustained Romford pressure pushed Braintree hard back onto their line. Spinning off the back of a scrum Romford dived for the line to level the game.
Try: Brand

Braintree U14 0  Bishop's Stortford 12
The final game and Braintree had to win to get a place in the semi-finals. But a tired squad, who were at a weight and height disadvantage against Stortford played much of the game on the back 
foot. Despite Stortford's superior strength, Braintree held up well and denied Stortford the game they wanted to play. However it was not to be, and Stortford's two tries and a conversion were enough to deny the U14 a place in the semi finals of their final Nottingham tournament.


Under 12s

Expectations for this team had never been higher as they journeyed to Nottingham to take part in one of the highlights of the mini rugby year. The organisation and facilities are second to none, and each year the playing standard seems to get higher and higher. Braintree U12s were proud to arrive here unbeaten for the season; however their first opponents, Newbury, were last defeated 4 years ago.

Friday 6th April

1st Pool Game

Braintree 0 Newbury 0

This was by far the hardest fixture of the season so far, and the Braintree pack, for once, were on the back foot. However, the whole team rose to their defensive challenge, and also put together several good passages of attacking play in reply. The result - a fair draw between 2 well-matched quality sides.

2nd Pool Game

Braintree 15 Wimborne 0

Braintree's first try of the tournament was deservedly scored by Niall Wishart from a devastating midfield break. Joe Gallant came into the line from full back to find the space for the next score; Matt Pickles completed the scoring with an unstoppable forward drive to register their first victory of the day.

3rd Pool Game

Braintree 15 Barnstable 5

In the final pool game of the day, Braintree showed heaps of character to recover from conceding a try to score 3 of their own through Josh Hine, Matt Pickles and Alex Enright; the latter from a short range penalty that was whipped through 3 pairs of hands to outflank a flat footed defence. This result meant Braintree topped their pool overnight, with all to play for on the Saturday.

Saturday 7th April

4th Pool Game

Braintree 20 New Milton 5

Braintree knew they would need to score as many tries as possible in this game - Ollie Bond, Niall Wishart(2) and Josh Hine, part of a half -back partnership more in tune than Lennon & McCartney,  duly delivered; New Milton replying with 1 of their own.  

5th Pool Game

Braintree 0 Cobham 0

Never let it be said no-score draws are boring - this game was a good an advert for junior rugby as you could hope for as the 2 teams ripped into each other to try and gain a place in the Cup quarter final. With no tries being scored, and honours even, Braintree's better record in previous games meant they were the team to advance.

Cup Quarter Final

Braintree 5 Brighton 5

This proved to be a game worthy of the event with both teams fully committed in attack and defence. Brighton gained an early lead, but Braintree showed massive determination and no lack of skill to reply, when a penalty try was awarded following a high tackle as Ollie Bond looked certain to score in the corner. The game ended with no further score; despite being unbeaten in the festival, Braintree were cruelly denied the Cup semi final place as Brighton had the better try count from their pool games.

Obviously this was a huge disappointment to all the squad, however they can be justifiably proud of their outstanding performances. 

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Sunday 1st April 2007

Chelmsford U17-7  Braintree U17-15

 Friendly

 The home side started the stronger and after scoring the first try which was duly converted, looked set to dominate the game. Braintree slowly played their way into the game and managed to score a try before half time thanks to winger Luke Leicester. After the restart the home side failed to make use of the wind advantage and Braintree took charge, scoring two more tries. One to second half fullback Glenn Whyatt and the other a second for Leicester.

 Tries:  Luke Leicester 2 Glenn Whyatt 1

Under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s, 13s and 16s - Tour to Caister 31st March to 2nd April 2007

 

Under 16s - no results or report

 

Under 13s - no results or report

 

Under 12s

Braintree U12s took part in their 4th Easter tour with a sunny Norfolk their destination this year. Wymondham was the first port of call, and they also provided the first opposition.

Saturday 31st March

Braintree 25 Wymondham 5

It didn't take long for Braintree to run the coach journey out of their system, as Ryan McGregor soon got his name on the score sheet, soon to be added to by Ben Brand and Josh Hine(twice). Further tries came in the second half through Niall Wishart and Ollie Bond, with one in reply from the hosts after a charged down kick.

Braintree 30 Thurrock 0

Familiar rivals Thurrock were also on the road to Norfolk, so the 2 Essex teams played next. Although up against a more formidable pack, Braintree were able to secure enough ball to run in 6 unanswered tries through Ben Brand, Josh Hine, Lee Fitzgerald (2) Niall Wishart and Ollie Bond. On conclusion of all the fixtures, all the coaches nominated their player of the day, with Braintree's Matt Pickles getting the trophy for his excellent all round performance. After enjoying the hospitality of the hosts, the Braintree  Mini Section decamped to Caister for a brief rest, then up early to fulfil fixtures at Lowestoft.

Sunday 1st April

Braintree 57 Lowestoft & Yarmouth 0

It must have been the early night and full breakfasts that invigorated the Braintree lads the next morning, as they overwhelmed the host club's U12 team, scoring 9 top quality tries and also kicking 6 conversions for an emphatic 57-0 win. Centre pairing Ben Brand and Niall Wishart both touched down twice, with Ollie Bond, Josh Hine, Fraser Phillips and Max Turner also successful. Cengiz Hassan scored his debut try and also kicked a conversion, with Matt Pickles(2) Joe Gallant(2) and Fraser Phillips also converting.

Braintree 57 Broadstreet 0

Fellow tourists Broadstreet from Coventry provided the final opposition of the weekend, and looked to be up for the challenge. However, Braintree were now so much in the groove, nothing was going to halt their scoring habit. With impressive mathematical precision, they once again scored 9 tries and 6 conversions for another 57-0 victory. Josh Hine(2) Kingsley Joslin, Niall Wishart(2) Alfie Walsh, Reece Lane, Ollie Bond and Joe Gallant were the try scorers; Ben Brand, Joe Gallant, Kingsley Joslin, Lee Fitzgerald(2) and Max Turner on target with the kicks to round off another highly impressive series of performances that send them to the Nottingham Festival in the best possible way.  

Under 11s - nor results or report

Under 10s - no results or report

Under 9s - no results or report

 

Sunday 25th March 2007

Essex Cup - Under 10s, 11s and 12s

 

Under 12s
Braintree travelled to a sunny but windy Westcliff on Sunday hoping to regain the title of Essex Champions. Hopes were high that Braintree would replicate some of their recent good performances in 
the festival environment.

Braintree U12 20  South Woodham Ferrers U12 0
Braintree began their campaign against a solid looking  South Woodham Ferrers, and were able to gain a 3 try lead in the first half through Niall Wishart, Josh Hine and Ben Brand. Andrew Gallacher crossed the line in the second half to round off a 20-0 win. Signs were good that Braintree were on form, with the backs looking particularly keen.

Braintree U12 40  Upper Clapton U12 0
Because of a late 'no show', Upper Clapton were the only other opposition in the pool stages,  and Braintree knew a win would take them to the Cup semi final. They duly produced some top drawer rugby 
to overwhelm the opposition and run in 8 tries; the scorers being Max Turner, Niall Wishart, Kingsley Joslin, Ollie Bond, Josh Hine and a hatrick from wing James McLeod.

Cup Semi final
Braintree U12 5  Romford U12 0
As expected, the intensity doubled at the semi final stage, and Braintree competed with familiar rivals Romford, who always provide a tough challenge. This turned out to be a forward dominated game, with Braintree matching their rivals upfront, but not able to set the backs free with much quick ball. It took some good tactical nous for Braintree to make best use of an attacking penalty; a ruck was set up on the left hand touch line to tie in the Romford forwards, quick ball soon found its way to centre Ben Brand who finally found the gap he needed to score the crucial try, which proved to be the only score of the game, and enough to take Braintree through to the Cup Final.

Cup Final
Braintree U12 5  Brentwood U12 0
And so to the final against the impressive Brentwood, last met at the Thurrock Festival at the same stage of the competition. As ever, Braintree took the game to the opposition, looking to attack at any 
opportunity. It was centre Niall Wishart, in excellent form all day, who scored a try mid way through the first half to secure the lead. Although Braintree were unable to add to this, the quality of their 
defence prevented any score from the opposition, as it had done in all their games. The final whistle was duly sounded to close out a very long, highly satisfying day that saw Braintree come home as Essex Champions.

Under 11s - no results

 

Under 10s - Runners-up
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Braintree U17 56 South Woodham Ferrers U17 0  Friendly
South Woodham Ferrers travelled to Braintree short of players and needed to borrow two players to field a full side. From the outset it was very much one way traffic with only Braintree`s errors slowing 
down the scoring process in the first half. As the game progressed the home sides dominance increased with scoring coming thick and fast.
Tries; Luke Leicester 2, Jack Keable, Alex Bates, James Bloxham, Jon Bacon, Jamie Hines, Dane Crush, Michael Preece  Conversions; Joe Gilder 3
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Braintree U15 32 Upminster U 10 10
Upminster have a mighty pack, but fortunately for Braintree the quality of their pack in rucks and mauls, is not matched by their back play. It was a fine day and although missing a couple of players, Braintree's backs ripped Upminster apart whenever they got decent ball.  The Braintree pack was inexperienced and probably two thirds of the weight (and height ) of Upminster's, they were alsohampered by some distinctly average rucking because they didn't work together. There were some fine individual displays from the pack however, (most notably Matt Durham at Prop, and Jordan Titmus at 2nd row) and the tackling of scrum half Nick Boyt and Fly half Owen Thomas made up for the defensive shortcomings of the back row. As a result Braintree won enough good ball to score five tries before the break.
It was clear whenever they got the ball that Braintree would make ground through the backs, and Jack Galloway, a fast and rangy player who was at outside centre today, beat his man on three occasions after slick passing from Greg Stalley his centre partner. Galloway twice took the outside line, and once the inside after selling a dummy to score. He apologised to wing Reece Watson after completing his hat-trick because he felt he should have passed for Watson to score!  Owen Thomas made several breaks but one in particular from half way left him with the full back ahead and an Upminster player either side of him. he chipped ahead but the bounce beat him and he was penalised for tackling the player before he was on his feet. Despite the penalty, Upminster could not clear their lines and the Braintree pack drove Matt Durham over after several minutes pressure. Throughout the game Durham was the one forward standing toe to toe with the marauding Upminster pack.  The try of the game came at the stroke of half time. Thomas attacked the blind side from a scrum ten metres into Braintree's half, drew both the wing and the blind side flanker, and offloaded to wing Ben Ladyman. Chased by several Upminster players, and with the full-back ahead of him, Ladyman ran a slight arc infield, drawing the full back and then side stepped him to score in the corner - text book wing play and lovely to watch.
In the second half Upminster brought on some even bigger forwards! and with the wind against them Braintree struggled even more for ball and for the first time for territory. Upminster's forward domination 
finally told when, after considerable pressure, their scrum half darted over the Braintree line on the blind side of a scrum ten minutes into the half, with Braintree's back row flat footed.After a further period of Upminster pressure, which was never completely sustained due to their own frequent indiscipline, Owen Thomas fielded a chip on the half way line in broken play and neatly side stepped the on rushing defence, winning the foot race to score under the posts.  Upminster's big pack never gave up and  despite stout and sustained defence by Braintree, they drove over in the corner at the final 
whistle.
Tries; Jack Galloway (3); Matt Durham; Ben Ladyman;  Owen Thomas;   Cons; Owen Thomas (2)

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Eton Manor U14 40 Braintree U14 10
Braintree U14 suffered their worst-ever defeat, at the hands of an Eton Manor team which, by the end, was running in tries almost at will. To take nothing away from Eton Manor, who deserved their 
convincing win, this was more a question of Braintree's collapse.  The game started well with Braintree putting Eton Manor under telling pressure. The visitors opened the scoring with an excellent try by 
flanker Chris Shrubsole followed by a blistering try by winger Tom Osborn who peeled open the defence and sliced through.But errors by Braintree allowed the homeside back into the game so 
that by half time they lead 12-10.
The second half was a completely different performance. Braintree's forwards, normally so dominant, were bullied off the ball; the backs lacked organisation. Unforced errors, poor tackling, and a collapse 
in confidence left Braintree reeling as Eton Manor went for the kill. The final whistle was a mercy.
Tries: Shrubsole, Osborn

  

 

 

BRAINTREE U13s WIN THE ESSEX BOWL

Fourteen teams across Essex came together at Romford to play in the annual Essex U13s Festival.  

Braintree battled their way through to the Bowl Final where they met Woodford.  With only 7 minutes each way it was important to get off to a good start.  Braintree did just that when after only 2 minutes Ed (Mumbles) Parker rounded the Woodford defence for the first score.  Repeating this feat just before halftime gave Braintree a precious 10 points to nil lead.  Woodford attempted to come back in the 2^nd half but Braintree stood firm with some good tackles.  Braintree then turned up the pressure with Sam Boggas, Carl Gilvray and Ben Allen making some good runs.  It was no surprise when Parker completed his hatrick.  Shortly after, the whistle went for a well deserved win 15 points to nil and captain George Gallant was presented with the trophy by Dai Davies of Essex RFU.

  

Sunday 18th March 2007

Ipswich U17-20  Braintree U17-22
Braintree always expect a hard game against Ipswich and when they left for this friendly with only 14 players due to injuries and some late dropouts, expectations were not high. Ipswich  kindly offered a 
player from their squad to make a more even game of things.  With a gale blowing at their backs Ipswich scored early points from a penalty. However, Braintree played the right game for the conditions, 
kept the ball to hand and scored three tries from Mark Leicester, Richard Tustin and Luke Leicester.  The home side rounded off the half with a converted try to set the 
score 15-10 at half time.
Ipswich played the conditions the better after the restart and outscored Braintree two tries to one, Braintree's scorer Joe Stevens, converted by Joe Gilder.

Tries: Leicester, Tustin, Leicester, Stevens   Conv: Gilder


Braintree U15 32  Chingford U15 7

Braintree's forwards played well, and the backs were very effective in both defence and attack. A strong wind despite fine weather, made conditions difficult, both for handling and kicking, and losing the 
toss Braintree were playing into the wind in the first half.  Nevertheless Braintree were clearly fired up for this game and started very strongly indeed with the pack rampant. Charlie Marsden, Matt Durham and Dan O'Connell led the charge. After ten minutes pressure the backs ran the ball from just outside the Chingford twenty two, when Fly-Half Thomas played a loop with inside centre Gregg Stalley to create an overlap and the ball then went through all hands and Wing Yousef Willemse went over in the corner to score.  A few minutes later inside centre Greg Stalley took a great line and received the ball at pace, beating both the cover defence and the full back to score under the posts, creating Braintree's only kickable conversion opportunity given the wind. Gregg continues his record of scoring in every game he has played against Chingford.  The third try came form more Braintree pressure, when Braintree won a five metre scrum. Flanker Charlie Marsden who was a thorn in the Chingford side all day, bound the Chingford blind side flanker into the scrum, allowing scrum half Ollie Pemberton to cross beating just the wing with little difficulty. Chingford then showed some of their potential. They put boot to ball to gain territory and Braintree failed to clear a difficult bounce when Charlie Marsden was adjudged to have run into his own player trying to run the ball back form ten yards off his line. From the resulting scrum Chingford cleverly switched their backs first to one side then to the other, and Braintree were caught off guard still adjusting their defence as the Chingford full-back came into the line 
at pace to score under the posts.  Braintree achieved the bonus point with a try by wing jack Galloway when another fierce attack from the forwards was held up short of the line. The resulting ball went through all hand leaving Galloway with his man and the full back to beat. He scored in the corner.  Braintree survived a further scare when another good Chingford backs started by their scrum half who had been impressive all game, resulted in the full back crossing again but dropping the ball over the line.

In the second half the Braintree pack took their foot off the gas slightly (The pace they set in the first half was probably unsustainable), and Chingford also came back more strongly. So despite the wind in Braintree's favour the territory was much more evenly shared. Braintree's defence however, (especially from centre Ben Ladyman, and flanker Charlie Marsden) was exceptional and Chingford's big centres and exciting full-back were never allowed into the game.  Eventually Braintree created an overlap after Fly Half Thomas dummied and ran laterally into the line. Full back Jamie Masters didn't need the spare man to round the defence.  Near the end replacement hooker Fraser Maguire nicked a rebound from the front of a line out and ran twenty metres to score beating three defenders in the process.  A convincing win by Braintree against a good side who may have had half an eye on their cup final next week. The bonus point moves Braintree to the top of the league and leaves the way clear for the league decider with previous leaders Barking in April.

Tries;  Willemse;  Stalley;  Pemberton;  Galloway;  Masters;  Maguire.  Cons;  Thomas


Braintree U14 51  Harlow U14 5

Another convincing performance in this friendly by a confidant Braintree, the more so as for half the game it was mainly the reserve players who took to the field and racked up 22 of the points.
Joe Geraghty opened the scoring with a powerful drive from a penalty. Tom Osborn scored the first of his pair when he snaffled the ball out of a ruck 10m from the line, and saw the space. Olly Beavis added a third, and Osborn's second, which he converted, closed out the first half. A consolation try by Harlow just on half time was the only time they threatened the line.
A team swap over at half time did nothing to help Harlow. Tries by backs Danny Brand and Jacob Bryant, No 8 James Caulfield and a pair right at the end from flanker Chris Shrubsole gave the homeside an impressive win.
Tries: Geraghty, Osborn(2), Beavis, Brand, Bryant, Caulfield, Shrubsole  (2)    Conv: Osborn (3)

Braintree U13 21  Colchester U13 12

Sunday 11th March 2007

Westcliff U17 41Braintree U17  0

*********************************
Westcliffe U15 0  Braintree U15 29

Within a few minutes of the kick off Braintree had forced a spill in the Westcliffe midfield. Braintree hacked through and picked up the loose ball after a fumble by the home full-back.  Prop Matt Durham 
picked up and with support from flanker Dan O'Connell, drove over in the corner.  Braintree  took territorial hold of the game which they kept throughout. A break by fly half Owen Thomas ended in a ruck just short of the line.  The forwards made a series of drives, the last of which  by second row Jack Dodd  went over.  Five minutes from the end of the first half   Thomas chipped the ball over the backs off the floor with his left foot and won the short foot race to score in the corner.
After continued pressure Braintree won another ruck fifteen metres out.  Thomas took a ball from scrum half Nick Boyt at pace, sliced through the Westcliffe defence, and dived over under the posts. He 
converted his own try. Thomas also scored the final try when from a scrum on the twenty-two he took a pass, side stepped, jinked and finally forced his way over the line close to the posts. Full back 
Jamie Masters converted.
Tries;  Durham;  Dodd;  Thomas (3);  Cons;  Masters;  Thomas

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Braintree U8 Essex Cup
Heats
Braintree U8 35 Brentwood U8 25

Braintree U8 25  Rochford U8 25

Braintree U8 25  South Woodham Ferrers  U8 5

Semi-final
Braintree U8 15  Upminster  U8 30

Braintree started their first group match against a tough opposition provided by Brentwood. Braintree showed good skills with passing and an interception helped them secure the win.
Tries:: Josh Wadforth (2), Joseph Meade (2), Fergus Wishart (2), Benjamin Jones).

Braintree's second  match was against Rochford. The first try was a long time coming but after that both teams played fiercely to try and secure that all important win. In the end it was a draw 25-25.
Tries:  Wadforth (3), Cameron Kerr,  Jones.

The last group match was against South Woodham Ferrers.  Braintree's great strength was the quality of their defence which paid off with a win of 25-5 meaning that Braintree were the winners of the group.

Braintree approached the  semi-final against Upminster knowing they had been knocked out at the same stage of the competition by Upminster last year. They were determined not to let this happen 
again and fought brilliantly. But unfortunately the final score of 15-30 to Upminster was disappointing.
Tries::  Wadforth, Drew McManus, George Hume

Sunday 4th March 2007

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Sunday 25th February 2007

Braintree U12 59  Bury St. Edmunds U12 14
Braintree U12s continued on their excellent run of form against a good Bury team, who competed well in all phases. Braintree rung the changes for this game, with Alex Enright and Niall Wishart forming a new half-back partnership to good effect, always putting their Suffolk counterparts under pressure. Max Turner was first to get his name on the try scorers sheet, and followed up with another before 
half time. Andrew Gallacher also scored before the break, and with Alex Enright, Joe Gallant and Matt Pickles all successful with the conversions, meant Braintree turned around with a 21-0 lead.
Bury fought back well in the second half and scored two converted tries from close range penalties, but were unable to prevent Braintree running in six more scores through James McLeod, 
Josh Hine(2), Niall Wishart, Ben Brand and Lee Fitzgerald; the latter following some brilliant approach work from full back Gallant. Ollie Bond, Matt Pickles, Joe Gallant and Reece Lane all kicked one 
conversion each.  

Tries: Turner (2), Gallacher, McLeod, Hine (2), Wishart, Brand, Fitzgerald  Conv: Enright, Gallant(2), Pickles(2), Bond, Lane

Bury St Edmunds U7 20  Braintree U7s( Ambers) 20
Captain Connor Clarke Guided his team to a hard thought draw , Huw Jackson maintained a high work rate in defence, with Jenifer Stanhope and Harvey Payne making incisive runs on the wing linking well with Lorcan Delaney  scoring a superb try, Noah Weitz and Ben McAfee worked hard in midfield providing good ball to the runners.
Team: Connor Clarke (Capt), Jenifer Stanhope, Lorcan Delaney (Player of the match). Harvey Payne, Noah Weitz, Ben McAfee, Huw Jackson.

Sunday 18th February 2007

Burnham U17-0  Braintree U17-20

 Friendly

 

Braintree started strongly and quickly scored through No.8 Mark Leicester from the back of a strongly driven maul. Good handling through the backs saw winger Luke Leicester run in to score almost from the restart and the domination of the first quarter resulted in James Bloxham crossing the line to score following great support play. The home side then fought their way back into the game and made sure Braintree did not have it all their own way. The only score of the second half saw new boy, Andrew Htun run in to score after good hands from the backs. Braintree had to defend resolutely at the end of the second half to deny Burnham any points. 

 

Tries: M Leicester 1, L.Leicester 1, J Bloxham 1, A Htun 1

 

 

Burnham U16 v Braintree U16 - match abandoned

 

Braintree U13s 7 Basildon U13s 40

 Undefeated since Christmas, Braintree were hoping for a fifth straight win.  However, they were up against a much more physically mature side. After 6 minutes Basildon turned over a ruck and with some good interchange between their forwards went under the posts, followed by a successful conversion.  Braintree battled back and were well rewarded on 15 minutes when from a scrum in the Basildon 22 Ed Parker made a break and as the ball came back Ollie Molyneaux went over to score.  Josh Grimwood-King successfully converted.  Basildon were ahead 3 minutes later scoring in the corner.  Soon after they kicked ahead and with Braintree failing to fall on the ball they were able to go under the posts.  A successful conversion left Braintree trailing 19 points to 7 at half time.  The next score was crucial and it was Basildon who scored two converted tries within two minutes shortly after the restart.  Braintree refused to give up and battled bravely against their bigger opposition but could not find a way through a stout Basildon defence.  On the last play Basildon got through on the flank to score another converted try. 

Scorers: Tries – Oliver Molyneaux Conversions: Josh Grimwood-King

   

 

 

Braintree U12s  71 Haverhill U12s  0

 Braintree were once again on top form against a Haverhill side who were much better than the score might suggest. The Haverhill forwards scrummaged well, and were well organised at the line out, but they could not prevent Lee Fitzgerald and Ollie Bond getting 2 early tries. The first half continued with Braintree dominating, and always made good ground as forwards and backs linked together well. Further scores came from Andrew Gallagher, Ryan McGregor, Josh Hine(2) and James McLeod, the latter beating 3 men after latching on to well-timed 'miss-pass' in midfield. Alex Enright, Josh Hine and Matt Pickles all kicked 2 conversions each to close out the first half 47 points to the good.

 The rate of scoring slowed in the second half as the visiting forwards managed to spoil the flow of possession. However, Kingsley Joslin quickly spotted a gap from the back of a scrum and sniped in from close range, Matt Pickles was first to react as the forwards drove a ruck over the try line, and Josh Hine scored 2 more tries as the opposition tired. Enright and Hine were successful with 2 of the conversions to complete a 71-0 victory, which maintains their unbeaten run, and takes their points tally for the season past the 500 mark.

 

Braintree Under 7s 50 - Haverhill Under 7s 10

A fine Braintree romp today at their home ground bouncing back from a narrow defeat 2 weeks ago against Eaton Manor. Player of the match award to Jenifer Stanhope. Outstanding performances from all the team with tries from Jenifer Stanhope, Harvey Payne (on his debut), Morgan Vickers, Zac Weitz and Brendan Denning amongst others.

 

 

Sunday 11th February 2007

Braintree U14 5  Romford U14 7
Words like ‚"Titanic", "awesome" and "respect" are so over-used as to lose their meaning. This was a game to restore them. When two teams that have developed a habit, no, an expectation, of winning clash it was always going to be a titanic struggle. This game did not disappoint.
From the first kick to the last whistle, both teams were locked in a battle. No quarter was given on a pitch that at times looked more like a medieval battlefield than a sports arena.  The homeside knew that this was going to be the toughest game of the league, and responded accordingly. Their game was, literally, awesome.  Braintree took the game straight to Romford and kept it there, camping inside Romford's half and barely leaving their 22 for the first quarter of the game. But as hard as Braintree attacked, Romford defended, trading punch for punch, blow for blow. Their line held.  But by no means were Romford subdued. They remained permanently dangerous. Several times the speed and power of their backs was graphically displayed when loose ball was swiftly punished and a blistering counter-attack launched. Captain Charlie Shepherd, playing Full Back, put in several game-saving tackles.  

 

When the game restarted after half time at 0-0 when Romford made a mistake coming off a scrum just off their 5m line.  The ball went loose and Winger Jacob Bryant seized the opportunity and grounded  the ball as it crossed over.  The score injected new pace into Braintree who made run after run deep into Romford's defence, only to be held up. At one point Fly Half Joss Adams broke through and made it to the line to touch down, only to be hustled into the corner flag as he was grounding the ball.  But Romford's speed of counter-attack proved, ultimately, unstoppable.  With only minutes of the game left Romford attacked deep into Braintree's half and, in a repeat of the first try, a mistake by Braintree was similarly seized upon. The only difference being Romford scored between the posts, leaving a relatively simple conversion to win the game.  This was only the second defeat this season for Braintree U14s, and once again only by a single conversion.  The applause from both teams for each other was absolutely genuine.   The respect shown by victors and vanquished for each other reflected a game that could have gone either way. In the end Braintree were unlucky, but they emerged as much a winner as the other team.
Try: Bryant  

Southend U13s 21  Braintree U13s 22
After only two minutes a kick ahead by fly half Josh Grimwood-King was chased down strongly by Braintree.  A good tackle led to the ball turning over allowing centre Ed Parker to squeeze over in the 
corner.  Southend came back at Braintree and from a scrum in the Braintree half after 11 minutes spun the ball right to score with a successful conversion giving them a 7 points to 5 lead.  Southend 
extended their lead with another converted try.  Braintree fought back and on 21 minutes were rewarded when quick ball from a ruck enabled Parker to score his second, successfully converted by 
Grimwood-King meaning Braintree were trailing 14 points to 12 at half time.  

On 33 minutes Southend kicked through and Braintree, failing to fall on the ball, allowed their centre to pick up and score under the posts.  Braintree now showed real character in coming back into the game, on 38 minutes, when they managed to turn the ball over at a lineout.  The forwards offloaded the ball well in the tackles that followed and Alex Wilson went over to reduce the deficit.  Just 2 
minutes later a quick tap penalty, in the Braintree half, saw Parker rounding the Southend defence and sprint to the line to complete his hat trick.  Braintree were now ahead 22 points to 21 and after  the 
ref had signalled the last play kicked to touch to secure a great win.
Tries ‚  Parker (3),  Wilson.  Conversions: Josh Grimwood-King

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Sunday 4th February 2007

Braintree U15 64  Harlow U15 0
The scoreline reflects Braintree's commitment to playing a team game.  It took ten minutes to score the first try, but after that they came regularly.  The best individual score was Jack Galloway's try in the second half. The best team score was also scored by Galloway in the first half, when a series of driving forward runs, involving almost all the pack was rounded off with a blind side attack from the backs with full back Tom Delaney completing the pass for Galloway to go over.  Another good feature of Braintree's game was the leadership shown by Ben Carey, supported by Ollie Pemberton at scrum half, and Jamie Masters in the backs.
Tries; Innes; Marsden (2); Galloway (2); Masters (2); Delaney; Walton (2)  Cons; Masters (6) Thomas

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Upminster U14 3 Braintree U14 31
With a win against Upminster earlier, it was a confidant Braintree that took to the pitch. Points came early with a textbook try by winger Andy Hawks.  No 8 Chris Shrubsole had an outstanding game with two tries. Danny Brand had one of his simplest tries when Upminster kicked the ball backwards between their posts gifting it to Brand. And centre Jacob Bryant closed the game out slicing through Upminster's fractured defence to score under posts in the last minutes of the game. Tom Osborne converted three. Upminster's only points of the game came from an excellent kick 30m out early in the first half.
Tries: Hawks, Shrubsole (2), Brand, Bryant  Conv: Osborne (3)

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Upminster U13 5  Braintree U13 10
Braintree started off strongly and kept Upminster pinned in their own half.  In the fourth minute a scrum to Braintree in the opposition 22 allowed No. 8 George Gallant to pick up and bulldoze his way over the line for the first score. Braintree maintained the pressure but after eight minutes, when a Braintree penalty failed to find touch, 
Upminster counter attacked and managed to outflank the Braintree defence to level the scores.  This gave Upminster the belief they needed and they managed to 
contain anything Braintree threw at them.  Turning round 5 points all, Braintree now had the advantage of the slope and kept pegging Upminster in their own half.
Eventually on 37 minutes they were rewarded when, from a scum, the ball was passed out to Ed Parker, who went round the defence to score.
Tries: Gallant, Parker

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Romford U12s 0 Braintree 19

One thing is always guaranteed when playing Romford, and that's a tough encounter; and so it once again proved to be. Braintree have been in dominant form lately, but the bulky Romford forwards made them work hard for possession, with their game plan based on mauling, then, if winning the ball, kicking for field position.

  However, Braintree were able to counter these tactics, with all the forwards working hard to contain the threat upfront, and full back Joe Gallant comfortably fielding the kicks. As the first half progressed, Braintree looked ever more confident, and gained the first score after good approach work created an overlap that Alex Enright exploited to dive in at the corner; Matt Pickles kicking the conversion. 

 In the second half, Braintree were able to use their handling skills to good effect to put pressure on the Romford line that inevitably led to further tries from Josh Hine and Alfie Walsh (shadowed as ever by Reece Lane), with Gallant converting, to record a sound 19-0 win.

Eton ManorU12s 0 Braintree 19

With scarcely time to draw breath, it was straight into another encounter with Eton Manor, who seemed well-motivated to try and disrupt the usually well-drilled Braintree team. The Manor scrum were partially successful in this, but were unable to prevent the hirsute Niall Wishart sprinting in for an early score. The hard working Reece Lane deservedly scored next for Braintree, but the opposition limited the scoring in the second half to a solitary try for Josh Hine, with James McLeod unlucky to be denied a score in the corner. Enright and Pickles were  successful with 2 conversions.

Both games were a much needed harder challenge for the Braintree lads, who were happy to keep another 'clean sheet'.    

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Eton Manor U7 20  Braintree U7 15
The Braintree under 7s played well with some young players just reached 6 like Jeniifer Stanhope, who was captain. An outstanding performance once more from Morgan Vickers . 

The full A team were Morgan Vickers, Zac Weitz , Jennifer Stanhope (Captain on debut), Brendan Denning, David Foster, Lorcan Delaney, and  Lucy Williams.
Subs- Harvey Payne, Ben McAfee.

         

 

Sunday 28th January 2007

Chingford U17-22  Braintree U17-5
Braintree started strongly and looked the better side for most of the first half, taking the lead through a Jack Keable try. The visitors seemed set to take the lead in at the break but a late try for the 
home side saw it all level at half time. Unfortunately Braintree never got going in the second half and two more tries, both converted and one penalty to Chingford gave victory to the home side.
Try : Keable

Rochford; U15  5  Braintree; U15 12
Rochford were out to prove a point after a six try romp by Braintree in the cup earlier in the season, and a loss to Braintree in a friendly for the first game of the season. Their commitment was clear 
in the pre-match warm up, and their was some apprehension as Braintree were also missing their county players, and wing Jack Galloway who became ill on the coach to the game, and was unable to 
take any further part in the proceedings.   In the event Braintree ran out convincing winners and but for some poor decision making could have scored more.   Braintree's forwards with Matt Durham, Ben Carey, and Liam Meredith to the fore, worked well in the first half, and the back line defended well against a Rochford side whose main intent was to use the strong wind behind them to gain territory. Full back Jamie Masters, and wing Joe Bunyon fielded kick after kick and the forwards ran the ball back through Durham, Carey, and Meredith. Whenever Rochford tried to run the ball Grant Clifford on the flank, and Gregg Stalley at centre and Ollie Pemberton at scrum half tackled them into the ground. Lewis Newman was also very effective in attack.
   Eventually Braintree, despite the wind and a very adverse penalty count, worked their way into Rochford's twenty two. From a series of good rucks, Liam Meredith drove to the line. As he was about to be tackled he produced a clever off load out of the back of his hand to second row Andy Innes who was running at an angle to create a scissors, and Innes beat the remaining defence to score. Jamie 
Masters, who was having a great afternoon, converted. Two minutes later and Braintree were back camped on the Rochford line, but white line fever broke out, and the forwards threw away chances as individuals sought personal glory. Rochford survived and the penalty count against Braintree went up and up.   After half time Braintree continued as they left off, with stout defence and good strong forward play which eventually produced a try for No 7 Ben Carey, who picked up from a ruck and side stepped to beat the last defenders to score.   Rochford came back strongly and some changes in their back line produced a scything attack from their outside centre down the Braintree right. he was stopped in his tracks by Jamie Masters with a try saving tackle. From the line out however Rochford piled on the 
pressure, and their forwards eventually rumbled over.

   For the next five minutes Braintree let their application slip a little with some forwards in particular, trying over-ambitious passes rather than playing the sensible percentage rugby that had worked so 
far. Despite the wind Braintree often struggled to make headway into Rochford's half.   Unfortunately ten minutes from time, Joe Bunyon, Braintree's diminutive winger, ran a ball fearlessly back into the oncoming Rochford pack and sustained a neck injury as players fell on him in the ensuing ruck. The match had to be abandoned as onlookers endured an anxious wait for Joe's transfer to hospital.
The score was a fair reflection of the game, and all of Braintree's players can point to things they can be pleased about, including the welcome news that Joe Bunyon is not seriously hurt.
Tries; Innes; Carey,  Cons; Masters

Braintree U14 27  Rochford U14 19
With ten of the squad unavailable for a game (eight at county duty - six of them from the scrum) this was always going to be a tough game against a strong opposition. But once again the strength in the squad was revealed, although both sides were only able to field 14 man teams.  Braintree's opening try by Will Blackwell was an almost text-book example of integrated forwards and backs play. Hard aggressive play by the forwards  inside Rochford's 22 sucked in defenders and excellent quick ball from scrum half Hugo Rooney to fly half Joss Adams and pin point passing by him to Will Blackwell left Rochford utterly out flanked.  Braintree's second came from winger Andy Hawks after sustained pressure had kept the visitors pinned inside their 22 since kick off.  It took only four minutes for the other winger, Olly Williams, to cross over, and Tom Osborne to convert, to put Braintree 17-0 at half time.
Rochford were certainly not going to roll over, and from the re-start came blistering back. Wave after wave of attacks were sent right across the pitch testing the defence.  Inevitably it cracked and the 
visitors took their first points. The try put life back into their attack, and they came back even stronger. Within four minutes a loose ball from Braintree following a 5m scrum was intercepted and 
grounded. Braintree had a fight on their hands.  But their response was almost immediate. A scorching breakaway try Adams was followed three minutes later by thundering power drive of a try by Tom Osborne after Rochford conceded a penalty inside their own 22 and the game was won.
Tries: Blackwell, Hawks, Williams, Adams, Osborne  Conv: Osborne.

 

Braintree Under 13s game was abandoned after the game was disrupted by the injury on the Under 14s pitch.

Sunday 21st January 2007

Braintree U15s 30  Chelmsford U15s 5

A strong wind and a very muddy pitch played their part in this Under 15s league game.   Having lost the toss Braintree had to play into the wind in the first half. It was clear from the first passage of play that Braintree's pack were fired up for this when after a good catch by Chelmsford, Dan O'Connell succeeded in ripping the Ball from the middle of the resulting Chelmsford maul. Despite forward dominance, particularly in the rucks and scrums,  Braintree were often pegged back in their half because a kick with the wind was always more effective than a kick against the wind. Braintree  had to run from defence and despite the quality in their backline spilled a lot of passes, through a combination of a muddy ball and the wind. After early pressure a succession of attacks through both forwards and backs put Braintree into Chelmsford 's twenty two. Chelmsford were penalised, for coming in from the side following a fantastic drive at pace by prop Matt Durham . The ball was tapped and passed to flanker  Charlie Marsden who went over in the corner.  Chelmsford came back and were helped by Braintree who gave away a succession of penalties, and made handling mistakes, and other simple errors. Eventually Chelmsford 's pack got a deserved try to level the scores. 

Braintree made several forays into the Chelmsford half, including a notable run from winger Reece Watson , but the frustrating errors continued. Despite getting the better of possession at rucks, and with several scrums won against the head by Hooker Fraser Maguire,  Chelmsford were able to peg Braintree back with a clearance or penalty kick helped by the wind.  Finally just before half time Jamie Masters kicked a penalty form Chelmsford's twenty two and Braintree went into the second half 8-5 up.        

Braintree now started to take control. They made fewer errors and the forwards with Matt Durham , Dan O'Connell , Charlie Marsden and Liam Meredith outstanding started to make ground. The midfield too started to attack effectively, including a beautiful break from centre Gregg Stalley . The forwards got their reward when Dan O'Connell drove over from a series of rucks which the forwards controlled well.   A few minutes later Fly-half Owen Thomas took an angled run, off a Jamie Masters pass, and side stepped the defence to score under the posts. Jamie Masters converted. Braintree were now motoring, and this was confirmed when wing Lewis Newman, came off the bench for the restart and promptly fielded the ball and ran through Chelmsford's still disorganised defence to score. This brought the bonus point.  Braintree kept up the pressure and Charlie Marsden broke from the blind side at the back of a ruck to score the fifth try.

Tries; Charlie Marsden (2); Owen Thomas; Dan O'Connell; Lewis Newman; Cons; Jamie Masters; Pens; Jamie Masters 

  Aidan Thomas

Braintree U13s 10 – Saffron Walden 5

The game started off very competitively and it was Walden who were slightly the better team with some very dangerous looking backs.   Braintree were defending well though and getting in some good tackles.  On eleven minutes the Braintree backs were caught offside on their own 22 and from the resultant penalty Walden managed to finally put their big centre through to take the lead. The teams turned round with Walden still holding their slender lead.  Just two minutes into the second half Sam Boggas made a stirring 30 metre run from his own 22 and with the Walden players sucked in set up a ruck.  Quick ball was passed down the line to centre Ed Parker who had space to put in an electric run to the line managing to touch down as the cover tackle came in.  There was now nothing between the sides as they both tried to gain the ascendancy.  On 40 minutes after a series of pick up and goes Ollie Molyneaux made a dash for the line and from the resultant ruck Ed Parker picked up and went over the line to claim his brace.  Walden tried everything to turn the game round but with some crunching tackles from Braintree were unable to respond, leaving Braintree deserved winners at 10 points to 5.

Tries: Ed Parker 2

Barrie Winwood

Sunday 14th January 2007

Braintree U17 5  Woodford U17 25
Six weeks had passed since their last game and Braintree looked rusty in this league game. Woodford had the wind at their backs and the majority of the play in the first half, resulting in a 15-0 lead at 
half time.  After the re-start Braintree started to play and good pressure saw Dane Crush run through to score. It looked as though Braintree would get back into the game but a yellow card and the reversal of a penalty saw the game swing back in favour of the visitors and two late tries sealed the victory for Woodford.
Try: Crush

We are delighted to announce that Dane Crush has been selected to play for the County.


Braintree U15 26  South Woodham Ferrers U15  0
The first half was a superb display of controlled aggression by Braintree's pack, with Charlie Marsden, Matt Durham and particularly Dan O'Connell in abrasive form. The four tries (three scored by the 
backs) were due to the amount and quality of the ball the forwards provided, and to no little skill on the part of the backs.  Braintree could have scored even more had the final pass gone to hand but the backs were frequently too eager with wide men sometimes timing their runs too early and passes going behind the player.  At the same time there was some spectacular handling from Braintree, 
and three of the tries were excellent team efforts. The final one from Liam Meredith at No 8 came immediately after the third try when South Woodham heads were down, and he was able to run through the pack and then round the outside of the Woodham defence after receiving the ball from a kick - off.  The second half - Braintree continued to win vast amounts of ball, but failed to capitalise on it, partly because some of the forwards let the lead go to their heads and started to fling the ball about. The amber and blacks also did not help themselves when outside centre Ben Ladyman who had been influential all game was sin-binned for dragging a Woodham player into a ruck.
Tries; Thomas, Ladyman, Willemse, Meredith  Cons;  Masters (2), Thomas

Upminster U14 0  Braintree U14 37
A full strength Braintree was never going to be beaten in this friendly against an Upminster side which did better than the score might suggest.  A fragmented game with too many interruptions and 
neither team allowed to get into its stride left both snatching at opportunities in the unbroken play they were allowed.  Early points came when prop Declan Couch powered his way through the mass of defenders to score. He was followed a few minutes later by fly half Joss Adams after a breathtaking run for the corner. Hooker Jake Parkin would have added his five, but was stopped literally inches from the line. The final points of the half went to the new winger Andy Hawks after Upminster's defence held up to repeated batterings by the forwards, before the ball was spun wide into Hawks' waiting hands for a simple try.  The second half gave the attackers a chance to show their form. Danny Brand took five points within four minutes of the restart after an inspired piece of tactical kicking by Adams. It didn't take centre Jacob Bryant long to add his name when by sheer power and speed he sliced through Upminster's backs. Michael West converted.  And James Caulfield wrapped the game up with two excellent tries, one a breakaway after a run almost the length of the pitch.
Tries: Couch, Adams, Bryant, Brand, Hawks, Caulfield (2)  Conv: West

Basildon U12 0 Braintree U12 94
This was the first fixture of the new year following a long lay-off extended by the recent poor weather. Any thoughts of rustiness were soon dispatched as Braintree tore into this game with more intent 
than ever before.  Despite playing up a slight slope and into the wind, Braintree scored tries with the first two attacks through centres Ben Brand and Ollie Bond.  The Braintree forwards were able to monopolise possession to supply a continuous stream of ball for the backs to maintain their scoring habit. Four more tries were scored in the first half by half backs Kingsley Joslin and Josh Hine, Lee Fitzgerald, and Brand crossing for a second time.  Several changes were made at half time, but Braintree did not lose their shape as has happened in previous matches, and they continued their scoring pattern, making intelligent use of the elements.  Basildon tried all they could to stop the attacks, but they were up against a Braintree team who were on top form, and could not prevent   eight more tries being run in by Andrew Gallagher, Fraser Phillips, Matt Pickles(2) and Fitzgerald, Hine and Brand (2 more).  Kicking duties were shared by Alex Enright, Joe Gallant, Hine and Pickles who between them converted 12 of the 14 tries to bring the final score to 94-0.
Tries: Brand(4), Bond, Joslin, Hine(2), Fitzgerald (2), Gallagher, Phillips, Pickles (2)  Conv: Pickles 5, Enright 4, Gallant 2,  Hine 1.


The Under 10s once more played Blondes and Brunettes- the teams being chosen on hair colour rather than ability- a method of squad selection that is getting notice from around the country.
Braintree U10s (Blondes) 25  Basildon U10s 10
Against Basildon the Blondes played first, and through immense forward pressure play twice scored in the early part of the first half with both Ketchup and Tulip placing the ball in the left corner.  From good backs tackling, and a rip and steal in midfield, Ketchup once more ran through the Basildon defence before offloading on the inside to Tulip who scored down the centre of the pitch with Dallas 
ably supporting.  The final try of the first half went Braintree's way, with Dover scoring his second try in three years.  The second half was more evenly matched, Braintree playing against the slope and Taffy scoring the first try of the half - breaking 30 yards to run in. Although Basildon scored two late consolation tries, Braintree had been the better team throughout, winning 25 points to 10.

Braintree U10s (Brunettes) 30  Basildon U10s 10
All watching felt that the brunettes would have a much tougher game, but such was the conviction of their rugby - after watching the blondes - that they too ran out worthy winners. The forwards performed superbly, winning scrums against the head and a far bigger pack, and securing good ball in the loose.     With Cracker scoring a sniper's try, and Yapper running in two from distance, Braintree ended the first period 15 points to the good.  In the second half it was more of the same, Minty proving invaluable as a hooker against a huge pack and securing ball that should never have been his. Both Chippy and Duchess scored great tries after powerful forward play, and although Basildon scored twice, Minty also notched a deserved score to make the final result 

Sunday 7th January 2007

Maldon U14 0  Braintree U14 30

With a large tranche of the U14 squad away on Essex duties, this friendly was a fantastic opportunity for the other players to show what they could do - and they did not disappoint. An excellent 
performance across the field showed the depth of talent in the squad against a spirited, if out-classed, defence.  

Braintree stamped their authority on the game early, crossing the line within the first five minutes, only for Maldon to hold them up. But not for long. Within two minutes winger Andy Hawks crossed for the first of his two tries of the day.  Within another three minutes Maldon held up a second ball. Again not for long: winger Olly Williams used his pace to tear through the defence to score in the corner.  The third score of the half went to centre Joe Young after a quick tap penalty caught the homeside napping.  

The second half was all Braintree. Only once did the homeside make it into Braintree's 22, and when the points came, they came in a flurry, 15 points in 11 minutes.  A scrum on Maldon's 5m line turned leaving the ball exposed. Quick thinking by lock Will Blackwell saw him grab it and offload to No 8 Chris Shrubsole to drive over the line.  A few minutes later Hawks was back for the second of his day, and a few minutes after that Shrubsole picked up his second from a loose ball.
Tries: Hawks (2), Williams, Young, Shrubsole (2)

Sunday 17th December 2006

Sunday 10th December 2006

Under 9s

Braintree A 8 - Eton Manor 6.

Braintree were under pressure from the start with Eton Manor going ahead in the first half 3-4.  Braintree came flying out of the blocks in the second half and came out on top winning 8-6.

 

Braintree B 7 - Eton Manor 4.

Braintree started too strongly for Eton Manor too be able to do anything to stop them scoring, with Braintree going into the break leading 5-2. After the break both sides scored 2 apiece and the score finished  7-4 to Braintree

Eton Manor U12 0  Braintree U12 56

Sunday 3rd December 2006

Woodford U14 7  Braintree U14 7

Woodford had prepared well for this return match after suffering badly at the last meeting. The score reflects the even balance of the match with both sides squaring up and giving as good as they got. However it is possible that the visitors might have had the upper hand had once again the error count not allowed an opposition to escape; Braintree conceded five times as many penalties and Woodford made the most of the easy yards they were given.  Both teams played a strong forwards game with good aggressive rucking and powerful scrums which proved equally balanced which left the decider among the backs. Excellent targeting by Braintree neutralised the very real threat from Woodford's No 10, and disrupted many set pieces.  Going into half time with the no scores, Braintree took early points after the restart. A good charging break by No 8 James Caulfield took the attack within metres of the line,  and in the breakdown Braintree regained possession driving Woodford off the ball. Quick service saw Joe Young break for the line and put it down between the posts. He converted his own try.
But Woodford never eased up, and in the dying moments of the game, a string of penalties put them inside Braintree's 22. Another penalty, saw them drive over the line for which the referee awarded them the five points, and then another two for the conversion.
Try: Young  Conv: Young

Sunday 26th November 2006

S.W.Ferrers U17 12  Braintree U17 24
(Friendly)
Tries: James Bloxham, Richard Tustin,  Daniel Young,  Robert Metson  Con. Gareth Roberts (2)

Sudbury U15 0  Braintree U17 17
This was never going to be a game to suit Braintree's light pack and fast backs.  The weather was atrocious with strong winds and torrential rain.  Nevertheless with the wind(and rain) behind them in the first half Braintree's pack got enough good ball to enable wings Ben Ladyman, and Jamie Masters, both of whom had an excellent game, to score two good tries in the first half.  Ladyman sidestepped his way through a melee on the Sudbury 22, and Masters finished off an excellent passing move by the Braintree backs which was all the more miraculous given the conditions. Centres Yousef Willemse and Jack Galloway played very well in deed and together with fly-half Charlie Burton-Dadd pressed Sudbury into a catalogue of handling errors in midfield where the ball was frequently turned over.
In the second half the big Sudbury pack with the wind at their backs pressed hard on several occasions on the Braintree line and despite occasional signs of panic Braintree held them off well.Much was down to the leadership of Andy Innes, Liam Meredith, and particularly No8 and captain  Ben Carey who rounded off a good afternoon with a fly hack and chase which despite his being impeded off the ball he managed to ground. The conversion from the left into the wind was brilliantly taken by Masters. Any remaining threat from Sudbury was snuffed out when their No 3 was red carded for Kicking a player on the ground. Braintree looked the better side throughout their only weakness being a tendency to be too upright in the rucks, but the conditions dictated the game.
Tries; Ladyman; Masters; Carey  Cons; Masters

Basildon U14 7  Braintree U14 5
Basildon's defence proved better organised than Braintree hoped in this, the U14s' first defeat of the season. Although Braintree had the whip hand in territory -  most of the game was played in Basildon's half - possession was roughly equal and despite getting within a few metres of Basildon's line four times, Braintree were only able to take just a single try, coming from a grinding maul and grounded by James Caulfield.
Although Basildon took the first points, Braintree seemed the stronger side, and kept the pressure up on the home side.  Strong forward play kept Basildon trapped inside their own half and denied them
the opportunity to break out. The only times they did venture into Braintree's half was through tactical use of the boot to kick for territory. They were soon driven out.  However, if their attack was blunt, their defence was rock solid and well organised, denying Braintree ball, disrupting play and frustrating their attacks.  And as the pressure mounted on the visitors to take the lead, so too the penalty
count worryingly started to creep up. Three times Braintree were less than 5m from Basildon's line, three times they gave away penalties that allowed Basildon to escape.
Braintree will look back on this defeat as a game that was theirs for the taking, but through ill-discipline and some basic errors, allowed to escape.
Try: Caulfield

Basildon U13  15  Braintree U13  10
Braintree started brightly and might have possibly got in front early on.  However, it was Basildon who scored first after eight minutes, in the corner to lead 5 nil.  Straight from the kick off Basildon attacked and the Braintree defence allowed a player to run through from the half way line.  Another try conceded before half time gave Basildon a 15 nil lead.  Braintree came out stronger after the restart and on 30 minutes after some penetrating runs Connor Stephens went over in the corner.  Braintree were now the better side and stopping any Basildon attacks by tackling well.  With the clock
running down the forwards drove forward and after a series of pick up and goes Dan (Hawkeye) Downes went over to make the score 15 points to 10.  Basildon hung on for the last 3 minutes but Braintree can be proud of their second half performance
Tries: Stephens, Downes

Minis

Constant downpours, sleet and storms forced Braintree into cancelling their home fixtures at the last minute.  Our apologies to everyone who travelled to join us, and many thanks for your understanding.

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Sunday 19th November 2006

Brentwood U17-39  Braintree U17-10
Although Braintree stuck to the task and competed all game, the more adventurous play came from Brentwood in this league game. Highlights for the visitors were tries from both centres. One from Dane Crush in the first half and one from Michael Preece in the second.
Tries: Crush 1, Preece 1

Woodford U15 17  Braintree U15 5

Braintree simply didn't turn up in the first half. The forwards were never first to the ball, and were too upright and didn't bind going in to rucks. The result was that even the ball Braintree won was messy as Woodford forwards poured through the rucks.  Individually some players performed well - Fraser Maguire was good at Hooker and when Liam Meredith came on part way through the half he got the pack going.  Ollie Pemberton did well despite getting very scrappy ball from the rucks.  After an early try Braintree held out but five minutes from half time conceded two tries in quick succession. But the second half was a different story.  Braintree were much more determined up front and came back to put pressure on Woodford throughout the half. They were unlucky when the referee blew the
whistle for an injury just when substitute hooker Jon Melloy touched down from a ruck two metres out.  Woodford only twice got into Braintree's half of the field in the second half, but only right at the death did Braintree turn pressure into points when Charlie Marsden went over for a deserved consolation try.
Tries: Marsden

Woodford U14 10  Braintree U14 44
A shaky start against a confident Woodford lead to some early points on the board, but any hope of a Woodford win was quickly and resoundingly snuffed out as Braintree Under 14s put in the performance of their lives.  It was an outstanding game with blistering performances from all quarters of the field.  Fighting their way back by half time the score was 10-12, but it was the second
half where the visitor's total forward dominance came to tell. Ruck after ruck, maul after maul, scrum after scrum Braintree's forwards ruled the game.  Jozef Gibb, covering for an injured Bryn Donald at scrum half, provided excellent service to fly half Joss Adams which allowed the backs to launch waves of attacks deep into Woodford's battered defence which was left standing.  It was a consummate performance.
Tries: Joss Adams(2), Joe Young, Jake Parkin, James Caulfield (2), Declan Couch, Chris Shrubsholk
Conv: Michael West. Joe Young

Braintree U13  5  Brentwood U13  26
Braintree came up against a strong Brentwood side but is was poor tackling in the first half that meant Braintree were always playing catch up rugby.  Within 15 minutes Brentwood were leading by 21 points as Brentwood stole the Braintree ball on two occasions and ran through, as well as scoring an individual try from the half way line leaving a string of missed tackles behind. At last Braintree started to get back in the game and there was no further score before half time.  After the break Braintree came out firing and maintained pressure on the Brentwood line for almost 5 minutes as they desperately tried to find a way through.  It was to Braintree's credit they refused to give in as numerous scrums and lineouts took place just 10 meters out.  Eventually they were justly rewarded when Captain George Gallant bulldozed his way through.  Braintree continued to match Brentwood and were a little unlucky at the end to concede a try to make the final score 5- 26.  Sam Bogges had a good game on his debut for the Club.
Try: Gallant

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Sunday 12th November 2006

Colchester U13 B 0 - Braintree U13 29

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Sunday 29th October 2006

Braintree U17 5 Romford U17 7
The friendly game followed an altogether too familiar pattern for Braintree so far this season. Strong in the first half, with the majority of possession but only five points for the home side. A typical forwards try which saw Tom Pooley crash over for the score. This was unconverted and meant a five nil advantage to Braintree at half time. 

Romford had slightly the upper hand after the break and managed one try under the posts. This was converted to win the game.
Tries: Pooley


Romford U15 15 Braintree U15 12

The game was played in near perfect conditions, unfortunately Braintree were not ready for the game against Romford, starting slowly and making numerous mistakes.  Romford took control by kicking 
over the defence and winning a penalty on the 5m line.  A quick move allowed their first try  Within five minutes of the restart Romford took the ball and ran in their second try. With only minutes remaining of the first half, Romford picked up the ball in midfield after a handling error by Braintree and their flanker ran in, avoiding three tackles, to score Romford's third try.  

The second half was much improved with Braintree taking more control. The forwards, led by replacement Jack Dodds, began to dominate.  After a period of possession Nick Boyt fired the ball to, man of the match, Owen Thomas.  Fast passing and a good line break by Greg Stalley took the ball into the Romford 22m.  A pass to newcomer, Dan Cutts, gave him the opportunity for Braintree's first try. Braintree's second came from a miss pass from Owen Thomas allowing Jamie Masters to run the 25m, avoiding the Romford fullback, and score under the posts.  Thomas converted the try to bring the game within 3 points. Further pressure from Braintree was looking hopeful, when Cutts went over after a rolling maul, only to have the try cancelled for an infringement in the last moments of the game.
Tries:  Masters, Cutts  Cons: Thomas


Braintree U14 24 Eton Manor U14 12

Essex Cup
An important win in the Essex Cup competition against a tough opposition whose pressure never once relented in a game that almost went to the wire.  The opening quarter gave a hint of the battle ahead, with both sides exerting heavy pressure. It was Braintree that took the first points, a try by No 8 James Caulfield from a 5m scrum.  It took another seven minutes before centre Danny Brand powered his 
way through to score between the posts. Full Back Michael West converted.  Braintree look set to go into the break with a clean sheet, but a loose kick under pressure went straight to Eton Manor's winger who had no trouble in scoring.  

Braintree's response came within minutes of a poor restart. Braintree gave away a scrum, but as the ball went loose, winger Olly Williams broke free, cutting inside he wrong-footed the defence and scored under the posts. West converted.  Braintree took their foot off and allowed Eton Manor back into the game, their relentless pressure right eventually found a gap and they scored and converted.
With only four minutes left, and victory for the away team in a tie, the pressure was on. The homeside rose to the challenge. Pushing Eton Manor back into their own 22 Braintree conceded a scrum, but as the ball went loose, the forwards drove forward and Declan Crouch dived for the line to win the game.
Tries: Caulfield, Brand, Williams, Crouch  Conv: West (2)


Romford U13s  22  Braintree U13s  17

Braintree started well and looked the better side for the first quarter of an hour, but poor hands at crucial times led to no score.  Romford took the lead from a 5m scrum on 18 minutes when the Romford 
No. 8 picked up and went over in the corner.  Within six minutes Braintree were reeling with Romford having scored two more tries, the first from a driving maul and the second  when a stray pass allowed 
them to spread the ball down the line to score.  Matters got worse three minutes after the restart when the Romford No. 8 picked up from a scrum 30 yards out and went through five tackles to make the score 22-0.  However, Braintree did not capitulate and started to get back in the game. Eventually they were rewarded on 44 minutes when after a series of pick up and goes Liam Palmer crashed over for his first try for Braintree.  Five minutes later Jamie Doran attacked Romford from the halfway line to get brought down just five metres short.  Ollie Molyneaux was on hand to pick up and go over. Josh Grimwood-King converted.  Just before the full time whistle Braintree scored again when Captain George Gallant broke off from a maul, got the ball to Dan (Skippy) Holbrook and put Ollie Molyneaux over for his brace.  Braintree showed what they could do and, save for a mad ten minutes, played well.
Tries: Palmer, Molyneaux (2)  Conv: Grimwood-King

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Essex RFUW Under 14s

The Essex Under 14s Girls Squad travelled to Yorkshire for their first County game of the season.  Having watched the Under 17s girls side lose to an extremely good Yorkshire team on the previous day, the girls were very apprehensive.  As soon as the whistle blew, the Essex girls immediately put Yorkshire under pressure with most of the play taking place on the Yorkshire 22 metre line.  Some strong forceful play by the Essex Front row of Megan Robson (Capt), Frances Hughes and Alice Wright, kept the Yorkshire forwards busy and allowed the Essex backs led by Hannah McCready to constantly make surging runs towards the Yorkshire try line.  Half time saw Essex in a commanding 17 - 0 lead following 2 tries by Rhea Mills and 1 try by Yasmin Pemberton of Braintree RUFC, with Frances Hughes converting her kick.  

The 2nd half started much the same, with Yorkshire under pressure.  Yorkshire did pull the score back to 17 - 10 with a couple of tries that were unsuccessfully converted to se for a thrilling final 15 minutes.  An injury to Francis Hughes meant a quick reshuffle of the forward line up, however with a couple of minutes to go a slick move on the Essex 5 metre line saw Megan Robson rob the ball from a Yorkshire player and offload to Layla Pickering who swiftly got the ball to Rhea who sprinted the length of the pitch to touch down in the corner.  The subsequent conversion by Yasmin Pemberton gave a final score to Essex of 24 - 10.

Following the Game a presentation of the Essex County shield was presented to the Yorkshire Captain by Megan Robson and Hannah McCready.  Both girls thanked Yorkshire for a good game and their hospitality over the weekend.  Yasmin Pemberton was awarded Player of the Match.  The next game is on 12th November away to Middlesex.

The club would like to add how proud they are of Yasmin.  Well done!

Sunday 22nd October 2006

Braintree U17 7 Westcliff U17 15
Braintree  failed to capitalise on their possession in this Essex Cup game. Most of the first half was played in the Westcliff half but all Braintree had to show for it were two missed penalties.
The second half belonged to the visitors. A penalty followed by two tries, one of which was converted, saw a fifteen point lead to Westcliff. A converted try at the end of play made the scoreline a 
bit more respectful for the home side.

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Braintree U15 33 Westcliff  U15 3

This league game started with phases of untidy play with Westcliff spoiling many of the Braintree efforts.  After a series of phase play, Greg Stalley took the ball into a ruck and Ollie Pemberton 
released the ball to fly half Owen Thomas.  Quick passing to Ben Ladyman who then released the ball perfectly for Jamie Masters to run that last 22m, handing off the full back and scoring under the 
posts.  Thomas converted.  Westcliff came back well and forced a penalty 28m out, putting the score at 7-3 at half time.  Braintree restarted strong with Stalley making 30 yards from a kick.  
The line out was won by Braintree who then set up a ruck.  Fast service from Pemberton saw the ball reach Masters who scored his second try.  Thomas converted.Braintree had now taken control. Winning a lineout and moving the ball along the backs to Stalley he made a great run to score the third try.  A long kick forward allowed Ladyman to score the fourth try sealing the bonus point.  Masters converted from a very wide position.  After a series of good interplay, Charlie Marsden received the ball 10m from the line and was not going to be stopped to score the fifth try.  Thomas kicked the conversion to finish the game.
Tries;  Masters (2), Stalley, Ladyman, Marsden  Conv; Thomas (3), Masters

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Westcliff U14 0  Braintree U14 27

Another important league victory for Braintree in a hard-fought game that showed Braintree's strength in depth. However Braintree cannot be complacent. Fortunately Westcliff were unable to turn a worrying penalty count into points - other teams will punish them. Blistering Braintree pressure and excellent forward play, which brought two tries in the opening quarter, by No8 James Caulfield and 
winger Olly Williams, rattled the home side and they never regained their composure.  A third try, a few minutes later, by centre Jacob Bryant, who was tackled just as he approached the line, but was able to use his sheer strength to stretch for the line, put the game beyond reach. A fourth try in the half was in the offing, but four penalties in three minutes allowed Westcliff to go from 10m from their own line, to within 5m of Braintree's.
Any worry that Westcliff were going to comeback after half time was quickly scotched. Within a minute of the re-start Caulfield broke through the defence to score just beside the posts, and fly half Joe Young converted. Westcliff regrouped their defence, if not their attack, and were able to keep the attackers off their line for most of the half until in the final minutes of the game, hooker Jake 
Parkin powered his way through to seal the game.
Tries: Caulfield (2), Williams, Bryant, Parkin  Conv: Young

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MINI SECTION - THURROCK FESTIVAL
Braintree U12s, Thurrock Festival
A victorious Braintree U12 returned from the Thurrock festival as champions, despite missing key players and battling the driving rain.  In a fantastic team effort involving all 14 squad members, 
Braintree conceded only a single try all day, and that was in the final.  

1st pool game v Eton Manor W 15-0 

Braintree began the day with their usual manner, and soon hit form to put fly half Ollie Bond in for the first try. In the second half Fraser Phillips and Lee Fitzgerald were able to add to the score sheet for a comfortable win.
2nd pool game v Chelmsford W 5-0
Chelmsford were always going to be the toughest opponents in the pool stages, and so it proved. Braintree had to work hard to contain their opponents, but managed to gain the crucial score; Kingsley Joslin touching down following good approach work by Fitzgerald and Max Turner.
3rd pool game v Thurrock W 35-0
Braintree raised their game in the last pool game to run in seven tries from Joe Gallant, Ryan McGregor, Alex Enright, Reece Lane, Kingsley Joslin, Fraser Phillips and Ollie Bond, securing them a 
place in the cup semi final 

Cup Semi Final v Romford W 10-0
Braintree met old foes Romford, and in worsening conditions played some top drawer rugby. Matt Pickles and Ryan McGregor made strong runs through midfield to set up Alfie Walsh and Joslin to score the tries to take them onto the final.
Cup Final v Brentwood D 5-5
Both teams looked to play attacking rugby in what was now steady rain. Despite a valiant last-ditch tackle from Enright, Brentwood scored first the first try, the only time the Braintree lined was to 
be crossed all day. Braintree did not panic, and following concerted efforts, Fitzgerald powered over to tie the scores.  And that was how the match ended. But thanks to scoring more points in the pool stages, Braintree won the cup.

Ben
e: ben@benrooney.com

Sunday 15th October 2006

Rochford Under 15s 5  Braintree Under 15s 44

Essex Cup
Tries:  Jack Dodd, Greg Stalley, Liam Meredith, Owen Thomas, Yousef Willemse, Tom Delaney, Charlie Marsden (2)  Cons; Owen Thomas (2)
This game was important to Braintree because last year they had missed out on progression in the cup after a thrilling but  surprising nil-nil draw with Woodford at home, where they had two tries disallowed, going out on the away draws rule.  Braintree started cold. They missed a proper warm up after a couple of players were late and the first half performance was unconvincing. The set pieces in particular did not go well and the backs looked static in attack, and too often in the opening period took the ball inside squandering overlaps.  Despite this Braintree put considerable pressure on Rochford who had the better of possession but not of territory, by coming up fast and aggressively. The first try was scored by second row Jack Dodd, who fell on a ball Rochford had dropped over the line. The 
second try was scored by centre Greg Stalley who also took advantage of broken play to go over.  No 8 Liam Meredith also scored after good support play form a 
looping run.  Rochford then made their only score when their wing inexplicably ran through three attempted tackles from inside his own 22 to score in the corner.
That seemed to galvanise Braintree, and before half time Fly-half Thomas made a blind side break form a scrum on the twenty two and dummied and side-stepped his way over.
The second half saw Braintree go up a gear. They started to win more scrum and lineout ball, and more importantly started to support runners in numbers.  The first try of the half was a classic. A strong drive upfield by Prop Matt Durham led to a ruck. Braintree drew in the midfield with a crash ball and then a missed pass to wing Yousef Willemse left him with a open try line.  Shortly after that flanker Charlie Marsden who was in devastating form, went over near the posts, carrying tacklers with him and Thomas converted.  Jamie Masters then attacked up the wing from the kick off timing his curving run to easily beat the first line defence. He was caught by the full back inside their twenty two, but offloaded in the tackle to Marsden who in turn was caught and off-loaded  to wing Tom Delaney, who touched down.   At this point unfortunately for the game, Rochford started to lose players and in the space of three minutes a total of five players left the field injured including two Braintree. Rochford did not have the subs to make up the numbers, and after a brilliant break by Prop Durham up the middle of the field, and two excellent breaks instigated by scrum half Nick Boyt who was playing as a substitute on the wing on this occasion, it became clear that the match was 
> becoming a procession. A further try was scored by Charlie Marsden who ran in from No 8  beating several players after Braintree had taken Liam Meredith off to make more of a contest.  The referee blew up five minutes from time, and Braintree cruised into the second round for the first time.
Man of the match; Matt Durham
Aidan Thomas

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Basildon Under14 10  Braintree Under U14 17
Essex Cup

Braintree went into this game a touch over confident having demolished Basildon the last time they met. So it came as a bit of a shock to find they had a game, albeit at times rather bad-tempered, on their hands.  Most of the game was played in Basildon's half and an early try by fly half Joss Adams calmed an uneasy Braintree which had been unable to crack the resolute Basildon defence.. However, a loose kick under pressure by the away team was punished six minutes later when an attacking run by Basildon from depth sliced through the defence to level the score.  Braintree re-took the lead when No 8 James Caulfield drove over the line five minutes later.  An unfortunate ball handling mistake early in the second half left the door open for a breakaway try by Basildon, which they failed to 
convert.  Braintree came back hard. From a line out on Basildon's 22, a driving maul  pushed them further and further back. Caulfield broke at the last minute and grounded the ball. Full back Michael West converted.  Uncharacteristic handling errors allowed Basildon to relieve the pressure late in the game when it looked like a third try was coming, but Braintree were content with a hard-fought win.
Tries: Adams, Caulfield (2)  Conv: West

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Under 11’s  

Braintree 1^st – 24  Woodford 0

Try scorers - Liam dare 1/James Terry1/ Jeremy Stanhope 2   Conversions Sam Gilham 2

Braintree Development – 12  Woodford 0

Try scorers – George Thomson 1/Mat Baron 1   Conversions George Thomson

Sunday 8th October 2006

Braintree U17-3  Westcliff U17-10
Essex U17 league. 

This eagerly awaited first match in the inaugural Essex league did not go to plan for the home side. Poor ball retention and decision making saw Braintree go behind to two unconverted tries in the first half.  Westcliff deservedly having the upper hand. The second half saw Braintree with lots of the possession and pressure in the opposition 22. Unfortunately this possession only resulted in three points, a penalty from the boot of Joe Gilder. Braintree need to start turning lots of `ball` into points if their season is to go anywhere.
Pen: Gilder

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Woodford U15 17  Braintree U15 20
Essex Under 15s League.
The match could not have started better for Braintree, when strong defensive pressure caused a midfield handling error by Woodford and a set move from the scrum enabled full back Jamie Masters to punch through a hole in defence and offload to fly half Owen Thomas who side stepped the remaining cover to score under the posts, and convert.  But Woodford possession and territory domination in the next 15 minutes took its toll and Woodford's excellent outside centre crossed under the posts. Woodford converted to level the scores.  Shortly after the restart Braintree took the lead again through Thomas.  The score stood 7 - 10 at half time.
The second half started with Braintree resurgent but despite intense Braintree pressure, Woodford stormed back and scored in the corner to take a two point lead.  The see-saw continued as Thomas landed another penalty to put Braintree in front once more.  Then in a drive up the left gave Woodford what looked like a decisive lead four minutes from time. But Braintree didn't give up. An outstanding piece of forwards play inside Woodford's 22 saw the ball into the hands of outside centre Ben Ladyman who sidestepped one man and then drove over the line with two tacklers hanging off him.  Thomas converted, but the last two minutes were nerve racking as Woodford came back again. Braintree were relieved to snuff out the final attack by Woodford, bundling their winger into touch to hear the final whistle.
Tries; Thomas, Ladyman  Cons; Thomas (2)  Pens; Thomas (2)

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Braintree U14 60  Thurrock U14 0

Essex U14 league. Braintree could not have asked for a better opening game in their league fight. An utterly dominant side romped home in what was, by the end, little more than a training session. Thurrock never stepped foot inside Braintree's 22 and barely made it out of their own half all match.  It took only four minutes to score the first of ten tries, this from a powerful run by centre Jacob Bryant, easily converted by full-back Michael West. Two minutes later captain Charlie Shepherd was back over the Thurrock line after a very generous offload from No 8 James Caulfield.  Inexplicably Braintree wobbled and for the next 15 minutes a lack of discipline, especially in the scrum, saw Braintree concede penalties. Other teams would have made the Amber and Blacks pay, but Thurrock were unable to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them. And winger Olly Williams lost his way and grounded the ball in the dead ball zone.  It took a blisteringly powerful try by Declan Crouch to calm things 
down. And they never looked back. Three minutes later back Joe Young scored the first of this hat trick, and then converted his own ball.  Braintree were merciless in the second half. It took just two minutes for Shepherd to snatch a slow Thurrock pass from the air and dive for the line. Another two minutes, Young scored his second, and converted it. Another two minutes and Williams was back. Four minutes later Young scored another and converted that. And finally No 8 Caulfield ran in a couple under the post, both of which were converted by West.
Tries: Bryant, Shepherd (2), Crouch, Williams, Young (3), Caulfield (2)
Conv: West (3), Young (2)

Sunday 1st October 2006

Minis v Southend and Upminster

Braintree U.12s 35 Upminster 0

Braintree began their new season in a positive state of mind, having put in lots of hard work on the training paddock. The rules now allow a No.8 at this level, so it was 13 Braintree lads that played familiar strong opponents from Upminster.
Initially, both sides were evenly matched; the visitors quickly closing down the Braintree attacks. However, good ground was made to allow Lee Fitzgerald to force his way over the try line for the first score, Matt Pickles confidently kicking the conversion. Further pressure allowed Josh Hine to react first and score from a charged-down clearance kick, Pickles converting.
In the second period of play, Braintree looked to expand the game and involve all players in good handling moves. Reece Lane scored by sprinting off a well controlled maul, and Ollie Bond rounded off some good back play to add to the score, Pickles converting both.  With rain now falling, the game became much tighter; the only other score coming late on with winger Fraser Phillips beating 2 defenders to score in the corner, converted again by Pickles.
Overall, this was a promising start to the season, with the whole squad contributing to a good, hard fought victory.

Sunday 24th September 2006

Braintree Under 13s 17 vs. Rochford 12

 On a lovely Sunday Braintree entertained a good Rochford team at home in the first game of the new season.  Having won the toss the home team kicked off and defended well in the early stages as Rochford tried to find a weakness.  Braintree were scrummaging well but were unable to convert this pressure into points.  With most of the game played in the middle of pitch it was Rochford who beat the deadlock on 15 minutes, when from a scrum just inside their own half they spread the ball across the backs and the fullback cut inside leaving failing bodies in his wake to score under the posts.  A successful conversion gave Rochford a 7 nil lead.  The Braintree forwards responded strongly and it was just before half time when from good ruck ball Dan (Skippy) Holbrook went blind passing to centre Edward Parker, who showed his strength by breaking through 3 defenders to twist himself over the line close to the corner flag.  With a difficult conversion missed the half time score was 7-5 to Rochford.

With both teams starting the second half competitively the Braintree forwards started to get on top of the rucks and mauls , winning their own ball and often turning over the opposition’s ball. Ten minutes into the second half after an excellent run by fly half Kyle (KC) Crush to within ten yards of the try line, prop Carl Gilvray took the ball and a driving maul by the forwards took him over the line to score a well worked try.  The missed conversion meant that Braintree now held a slender 3 point advantage. A knock-on from the restart led to a scrum for Rochford in the middle of the pitch.  Going blind Rochford quickly shifted the ball to the winger who beat the defence and cut in to go under the posts.  With the conversion being charged down Rochford now led again 12 points to 10.  Braintree looked to respond as quickly as possible with good straight lines being run by both backs and forwards. From a scrum won against the head scrum half Holbrook passed quickly out to flyhalf Crush and a switch with Ed Parker enabled him to burst  through the middle, beat the fullback and touch down under the posts.  With fly half Crush converting Braintree were once again in the lead 17-12.  Rochford desperately looked for another score in the last ten minutes but it was Braintree who finished the stronger for a well deserved win.

Braintree Under 15s 17  Rochford 10

Games are often memorable for a single incident. In this case it was fly half Jamie Masters’ incisive break from ten metres inside the Rochford half in the last quarter of the game. He was about to float a pass to his centres, when an almost imperceptible drift occurred in Rochford’s hitherto effective midfield defence, he took the gap and raced home for a majestic try under the posts to seal the match.  This was a good game, hard fought, and tough in the pack. Despite the sin binning of a forward from each side, it was never dirty.  The bigger Rochford pack bossed the first quarter of each half and they got the first try when their fast right wing went over after Braintree ’s wide defence got sucked in.  To their credit an inexperienced Braintree pack got their act together and in the first half were rewarded with a try for Lewis Newman on the end of the first really good attack from Braintree ’s exciting back line, who always looked more dangerous than Rochford going forward. Jamie Masters converted from the right touchline to put Braintree ahead.  Braintree ’s lineout and scrum and control of the ball steadily improved throughout the half as Hooker Patrick Nelson, and Locks Jack Dodd and Jordan Titmus, and No8 Liam Meredith sorted the set pieces out showing good communication.  Braintree went further ahead on the stroke of half time after Masters took advantage of persistent infringement around rucks and set pieces by Rochford to land a penalty.   

 In the second half Rochford came back with strong forward pressure and Braintree were sustained partially by their forward effort and partially by Rochford’s continued infringements. Rochford exploited their fast wing three quarters by kicking for them which gave Braintree a couple of scares.  Eventually the pressure paid off, and a mix up between scrum half and fly half from a five yard scrum, left new-to-rugby winger Dan Cutts (who otherwise had a great debut) stranded with the ball at his feet over the try line. Rochford pounced to steal a try, and level the score.   From the kick off more pressure from the Rochford pack ended by a an excellent forty yard break from Cutts. Then came the Masters moment!  Braintree fielded a team which included three new players, two of whom only started playing this season. There were also five players trying out new positions. Overall Braintree were scrappy and disjointed, but deserved the win .  All the players played well individually, but against an improving and competent Rochford side their control and teamwork was often tested to the limit. The best news is that Dan Cutts and Jordan Titmus look like real new prospects and will only improve with experience, while Ollie Pemberton had a great game as scrum half for the first time.  

 A good result, against a team that we meet in the cup in three weeks.  

Tries; Lewis Newman, Jamie Masters, Cons; Jamie Masters (2) Pens; Jamie Masters

Aidan Thomas 

Rochford Under 17s 0  Braintree Under 17s 5