BRAINTREE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 2017/18 SEASON.
Any copy queries to BRUFC Publicity Officer John Troup on 07860-179347.

UPMINSTER…17 BRAINTREE…22 (London Essex 3)

BRAINTREE recorded another impressive victory on the road but still slipped to third place in a fiercely competitive London Essex 3.
Rivals Basildon and Millwall remain above the black and ambers despite Saturday’s win, although the men from Robbs Wood remain just one point off top spot.
Tree kicked off with the pronounced slope in their favour but were very slow to get into the game.
Upminster’s plan appeared to revolve around kicking long and the tactic worked when they forced visitors to concede a scrum on their own five-metre line in the fifth minute.
The black and ambers won possession but their attempted clearance kick was charged down and the hosts capitalised by dropping onto the loose ball for a 5-0 lead.
Tree reduced the deficit five minutes later when pressure on Upminster’s 22 led to a penalty chance that outside centre James Abbott slotted to reduce the arrears. 3-5.
The visitors began applying pressure and looked favourites to score next but conceded turn-over ball.
Upminster’s winger raced away to score a second try against the run of play which was converted to extend their lead. 3-12.
Having wasted a few chances to add points Tree did finally close the gap before half time with a fine try for winger Keelan Joslin.
A good break by Abbott saw him punt a grubber kick through the hosts’ defence for Joslin to run onto before stepping up to convert the try. 10-12 at half-time.
Tree’s fears that Upminster would use the slope and the wind to their advantage after the break failed to materialise.
The visitors started to hit their straps and on 56 minutes kicked a penalty into touch on the hosts’ 22.
They secured the line-out and a fine run by inside centre Jack Lee turned the defence before he slipped a pass to Abbott who crashed over to score a try he converted himself. 17-12.
Tree extended their lead on 68 minutes when solid scrum ball triggered a fine backs move which ended with Abbott breaking away and feeding Joslin for his second try. 22-12.
With the game all but won and the clock ticking down Tree kicked long to clear their defensive lines.
Upminster’s winger missed his catch but the ball dropped straight through his arms, down his chest and bounced off his knee.
BRUFC chair of selectors David Gilder said: “We didn't play at all well first half and wasted some chances that we would normally take.
“We were missing a couple of major players in key positions again but our scrums were a major plus and fortunatelt our line-out also functioned well.
“We thoroughly outplayed Upminster in the second half, battling up the slope and against the wind. Without their bizarre final try a 10-point margin would have been about right.”
Joint coach Brian Joslin said: “Upminster are an established side at this level and we expected a tough encounter so I was very pleased to come away with the win.
“One big positive was our set piece which improved immensely on previous games. The boys were very pleased with the win, as were our travelling support.”
The games don’t get any easier for Tree, who are back on the road this weekend when they travel down to the capital to face fourth-placed East London.
BRUFC: Dann, Page, Abbott, Lee, Keelan Joslin, Adams, Clark, Baker, W Turner, Perry, Mlambo, Pickles, Willis, Benfield, Carslake. Reps: Colebrook, Williams, Richards.