Match Report

A fresh but bright end to the games for 2019 saw the academy put on a strong performance in both mini games. Despite windy conditions which were very heavy underfoot, the lads put on a dominant display in both the forwards and the backline. With both academy scrum halves unavailable Harvey Ellis and Ben Cakebread both admirably stepped into the breech and with no cover at prop or hooker a number of boys played out of position to ensure everyone got solid game time.

Southwold, already warmed up after 35 mins against Colchester, were the first opposition for the academy. Taking a bit of time to get into their stride we were initially defending against a significantly bigger side. But once the defensive set held firm the boys were able to continually apply pressure, mixing it up between the forwards and backs, until Ben Collar broke the deadlock with an unstoppable drive from 5 metres out. Southwold continued to try to build phases but Braintree's defence was impenetrable. Jack Brand kicked a loose ball into the Southwold half and collecting the ball nicely, continued to run until he crossed the whitewash. Both tries were converted by Harvey Ellis. The game finished 14-0 and the boys were into their stride.

The second game against Colchester started after a quick 5 min break and the academy were straight in their stride pressuring the Colchester defence from the off. Sona Elonge finished off a great backs try after some hard work from the forwards kept Colchester pinned in their 22. After some more pressure from the resulting kick off the forwards and backs continued to attack the Colchester line rarely leaving the opposition half. On the odd occassion Colchester ventured into our half the ball was surperbly cleared instantly turning defence into attack and putting the opposition under pressure again. Colchester defended admirably using their touchlines well to help in defence but line outs were disrupted continually by Freddie Mansfield and they struggled to get any hold on the game. Sona Elonge capitalised on a deft grubber from Oliver Kempster only to be blocked and impeded by the Colcheter 13 who saw some time in the bin and the academy were awarded a penalty try. Having frustrated their opposition and giving them little in the way of scraps Braintree began to dominate the game with forwards and backs passing and running freely - Calum Latta being held up on the line before crossing a few minutes later for a well worked try. Callum Smit who had tackled and run hard was eventually rewarded with a try from a line break, which was duly converted by Harvey Ellis. Despite the muddy pitch, James Raines face was totally covered by the end of the game, the boys put on a great display to end year and with the promise of some quality rugby in the new year.

MOM Sona Elonge
There are too many MVPs to note as everyone rose to the occasion and the team put on an excellent all round performance.