Brentwood has two reasons to celebrate on Saturday, firstly Brentwood 3rds completed the league and cup double by winning the Div6 Merit Cup followed by the 1st XV overpower a Ruislip side to take their unbeaten league run to 20 games.

In the Merit final the 3rd XV made a poor start with a knock on from the kick off and Rochford took their chance, scoring the opening try. Brentwood then made a few changes, took charge of the game and were soon back in the game at 5-5.

After persistent pressure Brentwood finished the half 12-5. The second half had Brentwood playing with the wind behind them, devastating tackles from Stu Smith and good game management from Andrew Larking lead to a second half land slide. Brentwood finished the game 34-5 winners.

Team: Wood, Adams, Geary, Mccarthey, Milner, Fraser (C), Mark Smith, Palmer, Adams, Ads, Sauge, Toby, Stu Smith, Greg, Andrew Larking

The 1st XV then hosted Ruislip in the first match of a pivotal run of games, 1 win in each of the last 3 would see Brentwood top the London 1 North standings and gain promotion to level 5. They carried on their good form with a dominant display, scoring 14 tries in a 92-5 win.

Early exchanges were fairly even until Charlie Wilkinson started and finished a flowing move under the posts on 10 minutes. Quick fire tries from Josh Stannard(2), Tom Simpson and Billy Aldous, all from superb handling saw the hosts take a 33 – 5 lead into half time.

The floodgates opened in the second half, Stannard brought up his hat trick on 45 mins followed quickly by tries for Joel Bevans-Royston, Jack Richards and a second for Wilkinson. Luke Tilly then scored his first try for Brentwood on 65 minutes, beating 3 players then sidestepping the full back for a memorable score. Stannard then scored his 4th and 5th of the game to cap a great game for the centre.

Ruislip showed great attitude and had two spells when they put multiple phases together with good passing and straight running but Brentwood’s superior fitness and organisation saw the visitors cross the line just once in the first half. Brentwood’s fly-half converted 11 of the tries in a confident performance with the boot.

Two more games for Brentwood now, they must keep up the intensity that they’ve shown throughout the season if they’re to claim the league title.

The Davlav Man of the Match went to Harry Fisher, strong all game in both defence and attack. His energy and ball carrying kept Brentwood on the front foot throughout the game.

Brentwood travel to Watford to play Fullerians next Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Brentwood Team: Bevans-Royston, Payne, Visser, Amato, Whaley, Aldous, Fisher, Vogel, White, Burr, Wilkinson, Thomas, Stannard, Hornby, Simpson Subs: Tilly, Richards, Pollinger