Braintree vs. Rochford U12s, 28 March 2010

Braintree had quite a big pack and their No4 stood head and shoulders above everyone else – even the SWF ref !. From the off they used this to their advantage and he stormed through two or three of our boys to touch down Braintree’s first try. Would Rochford be able to contain this boy ?– from the Braintree camp (where match reporter was secretly ensconced) their parents seemed not to think so. However, back Rochford came and some great handling along the line resulted in a surprise no one would have expected as Will Stapes went over for his first try of many a season – much to the delight of his dad. Great stuff. Braintree came back and again their No4 was used to push through for their second try. We had to shut this guy down. Rochford were by no means disheartened though and a gutsy run by Tommo took play to within five metres of the Braintree try line before he was felled and a penalty awarded.

Unfortunately this resulted in him having to retire injured but the free kick allowed Jack to push through on Braintree’s blind side for Rochford’s equaliser. A sacrifice well worthwhile then, thanks Tommo !.
Whilst Rochford walked back to the half way line congratulating themselves, Braintree took a quick restart and caught our boys napping as the ball was kicked close to Rochford’s try line. A hand-off by one of our boys then gave Braintree a and whilst everyone expected them to use their No4 they cleverly passed the ball out along their line for their winger to get try number three. Rochford then kicked off and a good push by Jack and a pass to Little Lew saw him get pushed into touch on the Braintree try line. However, at the line-out Rochford got turnover ball and some quick hands got the ball to Oli B who took us over for the equaliser. We then further capitalised on the score as after some strong rucking by the team the ball came to Big Lew who punted it up field with a well placed kick and Jack caught it as it popped up nicely and ran it though for try number four, just before half time.

Second half and Rochford dominated from the start. Karl worked well in shutting their No4 down and was rewarded with a try. Jack then got his third of the game to take the score to 3-5 to us (no conversions this match). However, when he did an absolutely superb up and under, catching the ball himself and running through for try number six, Braintree were a beaten team and all was indeed quiet from their spectators on match reporter’s side of the pitch.

An absolute cracker of a game and with two wins today Rochford should be justly proud. Many of the parents celebrated in the bar afterwards (though no drinks coming from Mr Stapes despite all the past promises – that’s two jugs now then we reckon !). Roll on the Westcliff festival – are we entered ?, I do hope so.