Encouraging start to the season

After training hard over the summer break the Braintree U16s took to the pitch with anticipation for the start of a new season. The first game of the season being a league encounter against Saffron Walden.

Braintree kicked off and the first 5 minutes of the match saw both teams attacking and defending with energy. Saffron Walden scored the first try of the match as they broke through the Braintree line and were able to apply pressure to the Braintree defence resulting in a try from short range. Try converted.

From the restart the game followed a repeating pattern with Braintree attacking the Saffron Walden line, being unable to break through to score, and then conceding possession and territory as Saffron Walden started to take control of the game. 3 tries from Saffron Walden took the score out to 0-22, but the Braintree lads came back strongly and won a penalty on the Saffron Walden 22 close to the touch line. Penalty converted.

The first half finished with Saffron Walden scoring their 5th try of the half leaving the halftime score as 3-27.

Saffron Walden get the second half underway and were immediately on the attack. Braintree just couldn't seem to clear their line and soon concede the first try of the half. Try converted.

Braintree continued to work hard in attack and their efforts were rewarded when a driving maul was taken down by Saffron Walden. From the resulting penalty the ball was moved quickly along the line for Braintree to score their first try of the match.

From the restart Braintree were again on the attack. They manage to win a lineout in the Saffron Walden half and the Braintree forwards rumble on setting up a great attacking position for the Braintree scrum half to run in a try. Braintree then win a penalty in front of the posts which is duly converted.

With both teams starting the tire, Saffron Walden run in 2 late tries. The game concluded with Saffron Walden taking the league points.

A strong team effort from the Braintree U16s against a very good Saffron Walden side. Good to see the lads pulling together even when the scoreboard wasn't going well. An encouraging start to the season!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Lorcan Delaney & Connor Sparks-Jeffery