Braintree 2nd XV had a turbulent season in 2017/18 recording 6 wins and 5 losses with 7 walkover wins from their 18 league games. These defaulted games, which under Essex Merit regulations result in a 39-0 result against the team conceding, left Braintree sitting in 2nd place. Their biggest home win was a 41-17 victory over Southend 4s, whilst on the road they thumped Maldon 2s, 15-59. Their only loss of any real note was away to eventual league winners Upminster 2s, when they went down 48-5.

This lack of opposition willing to take on the amber and blacks led them to move from the Essex leagues to the, more local, Eastern Counties. Placed in Division 2 for the 2018/19 season, they are keen to test themselves against the best on offer, and the best of Division 2 last season was, by far and away, Halstead Templars.

Halstead haven't come up against their local rivals for over five years and much has changed in that time for both clubs. This afternoon will be a good test for both sides with uncertain seasons ahead.