Rochford Hundred Stags XV travelled to Braintree for their very first game of the season. A squad of 19 players a number of which haven’t played in last couple of seasons (some longer) were looking forward to once again crossing the field together and having a good game of Egg Ball.

It became evident upon arrival they were in for a tough afternoon and not the sort of Rugby most of the lads had signed up for. Braintree 2s had a very big squad of 25 players all looking keen, eager and like they had been training through out the Summer… not what the Beerbarians had expected in opposition for this season.

However Rochford made a good start, dominating the set piece with their strong pack controlling both line out and scrum time, providing a good platform for the back line to get going. Strong in attack but very slow to the break down Rochford were made to pay for their lack of competing at the ruck by getting turned over time and again with a well drilled Braintree outfit eventually taking advantage of this with turn over ball leading to a rare break away, Braintree 5 – 0 Beerbarians.

The first half continued in much the same vein, dominate up front but a lack of cohesion through the back line, dropped balls and missed opportunities lead to Rochford leaving about 4 scores out there in the first half.

HALF TIME BRAINTREE 5 – 0 ROCHFORD

After a bit of a chat at half time the Beerbarians all agreed they would actually compete in open play in the second half. With the lads from Magnolia Road now hitting rucks they made a good early score within the first 5 minutes of the second half, after a number of phases of pick and go the ball eventually made its way out to Tom Daly who split the defence to score out wide and open the Beerbarians account. Braintree 5 – 5 Rochford.

Soon after Rochford then took the lead, some more fine running, secure ball eventually led to Harry Chipper make a strong break avoiding a number of tackles and getting over the line for an excellent try. Braintree 5 – 10 Rochford.

Braintree maintained their competitive nature, making a number of good phases of play but the Beerbarians were more than up for the challenge and defended well never allowing them to settle into any prolonged periods of attack. Rochford got their hands back on the ball and from another well worked line out moved the ball well through the backs with Tom Daly once again hitting an excellent line through their back division and with some more work to do stepped two cover tackles and got over the line to further increase the Beerbarians lead. Braintree 5 – 15 Rochford.

With almost the last play of the half Braintree hit back strong and took advantage of a tiring Rochford side to create an overlap on the wing a record the last score of the game.

FINAL SCORE – BRAINTREE 10 – 15 ROCHFORD

The Beerbarians were pleased with the result and excited to get their season underway, and with a few more lads expected to return in coming weeks looking forward to a good season ahead.

On a sad note however it is with regret that after another head injury our Captain, good friend and team mate Louis Warner has decided to step away from playing for health reasons. Louis has been a truly outstanding player for the Club over the past 10 + years… playing at all levels through Youth and Senior and will be sorely missed by all, but we all know it’s the correct decision in the long run.

The 1st XV, Harts, Stags and Rams – all of which he has represented, thank him for his unrivalled commitment to date and we wish him (along with the rest of the club) all the best….

Good news is he will remain with the squad and with the club just sadly not on the field…. I understand that he is looking to become the worlds greatest waterboy and shower assistant a club could ask for..

THANK YOU LOUIS WARNER ITS BEEN OUR HONOUR PLAYING WITH YOU…