Braintree vs. Rochford U8s, 27th November 2011

Braintree opened the score and they looked good! Our worries were well founded. Oliver replied with a signature solo run that Luke and George assisted in setting-up 1-1. Some superb tagging followed, especially from Liam and Jake, and Roch forced a turnover ball. Super Toby then scored with a powerful surging run after being given a quality lay-off from Liam, 2-1 Roch!

Braintree came back at us and equalised and then took advantage, as Roch struggled with their set-pieces 3-2 Braintree. With the ball back in our possession Luke laid on Toby, who darted his way through the field of sleeping Braintree boys and tucked one home. Great try Toby! 3-3 Roch.

Braintree replied 4-3. Next, Oliver made a noble solo effort and raised the tempo of the game, 4-4. Braintree replied 5-4 and at this point in the game, it could go either way After that, Oliver laid on Toby who used his pace and agility to plant one home and put us back on level terms and the half ended 5-5.

Half time

After the break Brad replaced Speedy and Sparky came on for Jake. Both Brad and Sparky boosted Rochford's morale and it was not long before the whole team passed the ball around. Luke laid on Liam who scored a fantastic try - nice one Liam. 6-5 Roch!

Both teams were now locked in battle and the last few minutes of the game saw end to end action and tries disallowed at both ends, which became a bit confusing as to what the score was! It was Braintree who scored the next try and levelled the score.

Our boys knew there was not long left and they pulled together. All they had to do was score another try and then stop Braintree from using their set-piece and the game would be ours!

It was the last play of the game, Toby laid a sweet ball on to George, who despite the pressure, managed to plough through Braintree's defence and plant the winner home triumphantly and the game ended 7-6! Rochford won and retained their unbeaten record.