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

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

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

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

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 Wis