Second place in the Tigers Challenge Bognor 2014 for the U11 marauding Vikings!!

Game 1 Braintree v Aylesford 20 - 0

Karl Raine and Karl Baker arrived safely this morning and raring to go for the first game vs Aylesford. Braintree won 4 - 0 with tries in the first half by Harvey 4 mins Ben 6 mins and then Harvey 9 mins and Calum 11 mins. The boys were slow to start absorbing lots of early pressure. They managed to weather the storm and once they had put a try on the board they settled and played some great rugby in an expansive way. A great start to the festival.

Game 2 Braintree v Bognor 10-0
The seconds match was won 2 - 0 against local hosts Bognor. Early pressure by Braintree paid off and we scored after 6 mins of a much more physical game. The opponents were well drilled and the Braintree slog drew them in before Harvey scored from a backs set piece alovely scissor move with Oli. In the second half some decisions did not go our way but the boys carried on and Ordhan scored a strong try after some great forward pressure.

Game 3 Braintree v Belfast Harlequins 5-15
The third game against Belfast Harlequins was very a different proposition against a big physical team who were well drilled. Braintree conceded two early tries and were 2-0 down at half time. The second half however was a different game and Braintree scored to make it 2-1. The came from a great forward effort involving all front 5 boys with jack going over on 10 mins. Braintree kept up the pressure but let in a soft try late on.

Great effort but an early night needed for a fresh start tomorrow!!

SKOL !!

Jarl Kempster

SUNDAY

Game 1 Braintree v Aylesford 15 - 0

Following a relatively early night the Braintree boys were on the field early warming up ready for the challenges of the day. Braintree exerted early pressure but it took Harry 4 mins to score the first try. In our normal festival tradition they eased the pressure off and spent a few mins playing deep in their own half. However, after a stanch defence and progressive phases of play a preset back moves from a Braintree scrum resulted in Harry scoring on the 10 minute. That was quickly followed by a 3rd try on 11 mins from Orhdan who crashed through 2 tackles to reach out and go over the line.

Game 2 Braintree v Bognor 5-5 (game stopped early due to injury)

Braintree faced an Bognor team with a different attitude to the previous day. In a close fought contest which saw the game ebb and flow from end to end Braintree we first to score with a trademark run from their fullback Harry. The second half saw Bognor come out all guns blazing and they score on 9 mins after a defensive lapse. Braintree piled on the pressure and for 3 mins were totally in the Bognor half. The game was stopped however, due to a neck injury to a Braintree player and the coaches agreed on a 1-1 score. One mentionable point was the applause shown to Jamie as he walked off the field after 8 mins of treatment by the medics. That is the true spirit of rugby. Thankfully Jamies neck injury was not serious but huge thanks go to the medics on site who were awesome throughout the two days.

Game 3 Braintree v Belfast Harlequins 5-15

The final game saw Braintree take on the table topping Belfast Harlequins. Belfast were a very organised and well drilled team and were very aggressive at the ruck which led to a number of Braintree rucks being turned over. Belfast scored first with a very strong tackle breaking forward run. Braintree were not intimidated by their physicality and applied a number of phases of play which resulted in Braintree spending a large proportion of the first half well inside the Belfast half. Calum made a break and was stopped some 10m short of the line and Oli in typical fashion exploited the under defended blindside and ran the ball into the corner. Braintree were inspired and found some self belief however, the physical size and dynamic nature of the Belfast pack put pressure on us and we conceded two quick tries and that sealed the game. Braintree however didn't give up and the referee said it was the best game he had seen at the festival. It was a great festival and the boys have learnt a lot about themselves and the rigours of this wonderful game.

I'd also like to add that the boys were great fun, took the spirit of the game in everything they did and were a credit to their parents coaches and badge. Well done buys - get some much need sleep!

Jarl Kempster