BRAINTREE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 2018/19 SEASON.
Any copy queries to BRUFC Publicity Officer John Troup on 07860-179347.

BRAINTREE…15 EPPING UPPER CLAPTON…52

BRAINTREE’s recent upturn in form came to a juddering halt at Robbs Wood as they were brutally put to the sword by London 3 Essex leaders Epping Upper Clapton.
But the final result was harsh on the black and ambers, who had given the top team one of their toughest contests in the return fixture earlier in the season.

The game started well for Tree as they secured early line-out ball from Epping’s kick-off and swung play from wing to wing through the forwards and backs.

A fine flowing move led to the first try as a superb inside pass from Ben Gough to Glen Whyatt saw the full-back score in the corner. 5-0.

Epping hit back on seven minutes from a line-out following a clearance kick by the home side.

Multiple phases of play saw the ball travel once again from one side of the pitch to the other leading to a score levelling try for the leaders. 5-5.

Seven minutes later Epping grabbed the initiative with a soft converted try after they were allowed to run the ball back far too easily from a 22 drop out. 5-12.

The black and ambers were determined to make amends and hit back with one of their best tries of the season.

A pre-planned move saw fly-half Josh Wadforth manoeuvre around the scrum and pass to outside centre Joe Meade who scored out wide. Conversion missed. 10-12.

But visiting side exerted control again and scored two more tries before the interval, one of which was converted, to take a 10-24 lead into half-time.

The second half didn’t start well for the home side when they conceded an interception try only three minutes in.

Tree were pressing hard in Epping’s 22 when a stray ball was collected and run three quarters of the length of the pitch, the conversion making it 10-31.

Another soft converted try was conceded straight from the re-start as poor kicking and slack tackling cost the hosts dear. 10-38.

The home fans were afforded a glimpse of the black and ambers’ attacking potential on 52 minutes after Tree secured clean ball from the back of a steady scrum.

A great running line from Whyatt saw him slice through Epping’s cover to set up winger Tom Drew for the home side’s third try. 15-38.

But two further converted tries from the visitors on 66 and 72 minutes killed the game off once and for all. 15-52.

BRUFC Chair of Selectors David Gilder said: “It was a disappointing result but even the Epping boys said the score was not a true reflection of the game.

“Once again we showed that our backs can slice through any defence in this league when they have the confidence to run with ball in hand.

“We were solid in the scrum as well but we gave away a couple of soft tries after scoring ourselves and so were unable to keep any pressure on a good side.”

BRUFC Head Coach Jamie Clarke said: “It was a disappointing final score which I thought was a bit harsh and not reflective of the game overall.
“The first half was very competitive and we scored three really well worked tries.
“After the break poor decisions and a few individual errors allowed the opposition to get away from us.
“But we had a very young side out and the experience gained will certainly benefit them moving forward.
“Credit to Epping they are a decent side who were clinical on the day. They are top of the division and were deserved winners today.”
The Colebrook Offshore man of the match award went to flanker Will Humphreys.
Tree, who now lie fifth in the London 3 Essex table, are back on the road this weekend when they travel to east London to face fourth-placed King’s Cross Steelers.
BRUFC: Whyatt, T Drew, Meade, Abbott, Gough, J Wadforth, Page, T Colebrook, Hardin, Prince, Mlambo, Perry, Humphreys, J Stanhope, M Pickles. Reps: C Fairchild, K Joslin, Pailegutu.