A cracking game of Rugby that both teams should be proud of

The boys relish the physical, tough challenge that a fixture against Thurrock provides. Always a close encounter that is often drawn, or decided by a single try, this game was to be no exception. A big, physical side with strong running backs, Thurrock U12s have often been the boys nemesis; thwarting us in the final minutes of the Essex Festival last year. Many of the seasoned players experience nerves when they play this fixture and sometimes in the past they have been overawed by the occasion, but today to a man they played with heart and desire and left nothing on the pitch. New boys and experienced heads were called upon to tackle, scrummage, drive and ruck as hard as they could in what proved to be our toughest friendly so far this season.

Both teams wanted to get as much from the fixture as possible so 4 x 15 min quarters were to be played. Arriving with only the bare 13 boys it was always going to a massive ask against the strong, physical squad of Thurrock but from the first tackle Braintree stated their intention - they were going match Thurrock's physical game from the off.

Electing to receive Thurrock put the pressure on straight away and our defence was tested on may occasions, finally giving in to the constant pressure and conceding a try after about 7 mins. The tackles continued to fly in from Braintree with all boys getting involved, ensuring that there was little opportunity for the opposition to build on their early advantage. Defensively we were tested throughout this 15 mins with the boys digging deep to ensure that Thurrock went into the first break only a converted try up.

The play ebbed and flowed during the second period with both teams pressuring the other and massive tackles and drives being seen all over the pitch. Braintree won the ball on many occasions from the ruck only to lose it again in the next phases of play. One such occasion lead to a strong drive from Thurrock, leading to their second try early in the second half. Two converted tries down for the first time this season it would be interesting to see how the boys reacted. Not deterred, they hit back from the kick off, going over in the corner to bring the score back to 14-5. Boosted by their try they lifted game further turning defence into attack on a number of occasions and were rewarded with their second try quickly after. 14-10 game on! The pressure and big tacking continued with boys from both teams diving on lose balls and rucking hard. Braintree continued their come back with a third try making the score 14-15. The final play of this quarter saw a text book driving maul from the Braintree pack which pushed the larger Thurrock forwards back into their half. Quick ball out of the ensuing ruck saw the backs play the ball beautifully down the line, taking space as well moving the ball, only to be thwarted on the line by a fantastic last ditched tackle from Thurrock that deserved a hand shake from the referee! 26+ tired boys and countless hoarse spectators and it was only half time!

The next two quarters continued where the first two left off. Thurrock pressed the Braintree lines on many occasions but they were unable to break down what proved to be a solid defense - sometimes last ditched but always determined! Lines were cleared tactically and the touchline used to our advantage. We failed to take full advantage of a few overlaps towards the end of the game as we put pressure on the Thurrock 22 and the final 30 mins seesawed excitingly. Final score 14-15 in a very tight encounter that allowed a notch on the winners post to Braintree.

The boys from both teams should be extremely proud of themselves today for taking part in a game played in the spirt and ethos of rugby.

For Braintree so many positives to take from a physically hard encounter that required every boy to stand up and be counted. Strong tackling, solid scrums against bigger opposition, controlled aggression at the break down and hard running - even in straight lines!!

See you all Weds!

A big happy birthday to Ben and Jack!