Braintree welcomed Woodford on a bright sunny autumn morning

Tommy,Josh,Jamie ,Ethan and Callum M were all either making their debut or playing in only their second game for Braintree. They all played so well you would never have known this, making important contributions to a really good game, resulting in a win for Braintree against a well organised Woodford side.
In the 1st half, Braintree's scrum creaked with Woodford putting it under pressure frequently and turning over several Braintree scrums, as well as holding their own ball. Braintree's defence was strong for the most part however, particularly on first phase when the back line came up fast with Fin H, James G and Captain ,Ewan to the fore, forcing Woodford into mistakes and making them kick possession away. When they did, Harrison J was flawless at full back running kicks back very effectively.
1st try went to Braintree when good work by the backs created a break for Callum B, who was tackled 15 metres out by Woodfords scramble defence. Great follow up work by speedy Jacob allowed him to stretch for a great try. Converted try by James G
Braintree 7 Woodford 0
The scrum improved with arrival of Jack at prop,but Braintree's other area of weakness in the 1st half was that in later phases of play, the defence tended to be narrow and "honey pot" around the ruck. Woodford were able to exploit this to good effect and after sustained pressure created a try on the left wing. Unconverted.
Half time Braintree 7 Woodford 5
The 2nd half started as the 1st half ended with Braintree defending too narrow after the first phase, and Woodford running in another try, despite some great tackling from Braintree, and good work from Sam who had taken over at full back.
Braintree 7 Woodford 12
Braintree didnt let their heads go down and improved their rucking and their defensive alignment. The pack was led well by Will and great attacking charges by Beesea and Callum B ably supported by Fin D and Jamie led to sustained pressure on Woodfords line with Fin Oscar Ben and Beesea all coming close. A clearance kick gave Woodford relief. Further pressure by Braintree led to a ruck in midfield just inside Woodfords 22. The backs were waiting out wide and a sublime pass from Ewan put Callum B in under the posts and James G slotted the conversion Braintree 14 Woodford 12
Braintree then defended well and made their way back up field with Beesea once again rampaging with the ball in hand. Forwards and backs combined well and eventually Ewan capped a fine personal display whereby he received the ball in midfield, jinked and then straightened to score, James G converted
A great performance all round
Final score Braintree 21 Woodford 12
Report written by Aidan T (coach)