On a cold and muddy Sunday morning, Braintree arrived for their 4th Essex Plate matching knowing that a victory would place them in a strong position in their group.

From the kick-off Braintree put in a great chase and manage to force a fumble from their opponents, which Ethan manages to collect and run in a very early Try (not converted).

Lowestoft & Yarmouth restart and are soon on the attack, but some strong tackling from Braintree sees the ball forced into touch. Braintree are penalised as the lineout isn't straight allowing Lowestoft & Yarmouth to continue to apply pressure to the Braintree line. The match follows a pattern of good attacking lines from Lowestoft & Yarmouth, which is met with equally good defensive work from the Braintree players. Lowestoft & Yarmouth manage to force their way forward and almost score, but knock-on when in a great position near the Braintree try line. This allows Braintree to clear to halfway. Lowestoft & Yarmouth return the ball with more strong running, but again knock-on when in a promising position. From the resulting scrum Braintree fumble the ball gifting Lowestoft & Yarmouth their first Try of the match (not converted)

The first half draws to a close with Braintree camped in the Lowestoft & Yarmouth half. A combination of knock-ons, forward passes and good defense keeps the scores level at the break.

The second half starts with Braintree continuing their good attacking work with a great move from the base of the scrum - on halfway the ball is moved quickly through the hands of the backs, the speed of the move catching Lowestoft & Yarmouth off guard and unable to adjust their defensive line. James on the Braintree wing runs in the first Try of the half to complete a sweeping move (not converted)

From the restart Lowestoft & Yarmouth charge forward and pressure the Braintree defensive line. Further strong tackling manages to turn the ball over, and Braintree quickly turn defense into attack with more fast hands and hard running. The move almost brings a second Try from Braintree, but they take the 3 points when Lowestoft & Yarmouth are penalised for infringing at the breakdown (Tyler)

Braintree continue their dominance in the second half as the ball is moved forward through multiple phases, with good continuity between forwards and back. With Braintree camped on the Lowestoft & Yarmouth line it was only time before a Try was scored. A great line by the Braintree winger cuts through the Lowestoft & Yarmouth defense and delivers a Try close to the posts (converted by Tyler)

Lowestoft & Yarmouth rally towards the end of the match, and with one last effort, charge forward and after multiple phase score a well deserved Try with the last move of the match (not converted)

Huge respect to the 13 lads of Lowestoft & Yarmouth who battled throughout every minute of the match. A great match by both teams, well done to all involved.