MILLWALL…18 BRAINTREE…10 (London Three Essex)

BRAINTREE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 2017/18 SEASON.
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MILLWALL…18 BRAINTREE…10 (London Three Essex)

BRAINTREE were knocked off their perch on Saturday as they suffered their first defeat of the season in a game heavily influenced by Storm Brian.
The black and ambers’ defeat saw them relinquish their position at the top of London 3 Essex to conquerors Millwall and their superior points difference.
The home side kicked off with the advantage of the incoming Brian at their backs and managed to pin Tree into one corner of the pitch for large periods of the first half.
But the hosts were unable to take advantage of their field positions and were made to rue a missed penalty opportunity on four minutes.
The Essex boys continued to defend resolutely and finally broke out of their own half to take the lead on 21 minutes courtesy of a penalty from outside centre James Abbott. 3-0.
Tree’s advantage had come entirely against the run of play and lasted only seven minutes until Millwall equalised with a successful penalty of their own. 3-3.
But on 32 minutes the impudent visitors were at it again when they earned a penalty close to the Londoners’ try line.
A quickly taken tap caught the home defence napping and captain John Smillie was first to react, crashing over for a try which was converted by Abbott. 10-3.
It looked as if the visitors might have sneaked an improbable interval lead until a good Millwall penalty kick following the re-start earned them a line-out close to Tree’s line.
Some effective picking and driving by the hosts eventually led to a try which was converted to level the scores for half-time. 10-10.
With the high winds now working to Tree’s advantage the visitors were hoping to take control of a close fought game.
But just nine minutes after the break Millwall took a deserved lead when their impressive number eight scored from a pick-up and drive. 10-15.
Tree struggled to make the most of their possession throughout the half and were unable to capitalise on the handful of breakaway opportunities that came their way.
The game had already slipped away from them when Millwall hammered the final nail into their coffin with a last minute penalty. 10-18.
BRUFC chair of selectors David Gilder said: “Millwall were by far the best side we’ve faced this season.
“The game was played in very high winds which Millwall managed better than we did and it definitely suited their kick and chase game.
“Having said that superb carrying by their number eight from the back of a dominant scrum was probably the defining aspect of their victory.
“Our defence has been superb so far this season but we just couldn’t cope with his runs.”
Joint coach Brian Joslin added: “It was a tough day for the boys. Conditions weren’t great for either team but Millwall played them better than we did and were deserved winners.
“Despite this I was proud of the team considering we had to make six positional changes from our last match due to injuries and unavailability.
“Academy graduate Alex Eveleigh made his first team debut on the wing playing out of position but put in a great shift.
“Tinashe Mlambo was pick of the forwards working tirelessly in attack and defence.
“This is a much more competitive league than last season and there will be no easy games. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day.”
Tree are without a game this weekend but return to London 3 Essex action on Saturday 4th November when they travel down to east London to face Upminster.
BRUFC: J Young, Eveleigh, Abbott, Hine, J Moore, Adams, Keelan Joslin, Perry, W Turner, Hardin, Mlambo, Carslake, Willis, Benfield, Smillie. Reps: Williams, Lee, Pickles.