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

BRAINTREE…29 ILFORD WANDERERS…12 (London 3 Essex)

BRAINTREE kept themselves in contention for a top three finish with a convincing 29-12 victory over Ilford Wanderers at Robbs Wood on Saturday.
The visitors kicked off on in mild and calm conditions but Tree immediately looked comfortable in possession.
Play was concentrated in the middle of the park during the early exchanges but it was the black and ambers who made ground first.
Having won a penalty just inside the visitors’ half Tree went for the points and fly-half Josh Wadforth was successful with his first attempt at the posts. 3-0.
Ilford then started to exert some pressure over the next 20 minutes but were unable to capitalise on a few uncharacteristic handling mistakes by Tree.
But as the half-hour mark approached Tree gained the upper hand and started pressing into the Ilford half, forcing a series of defensive penalties.
With their scrum working well a good pick and drive from the base by number eight Cameron Kerr set up the backs for a run.
Outside centre Tom Drew ran a good line off his 10 and burst straight through to score, Wadforth kicking the conversion for extra points. 10-0.
However, despite looking the better side Tree allowed the visitors got on the score board on 36 minutes, a missed tackle leading to a converted try. 10-7 at half-time.
The black and ambers started the second half brightly with a try just two minutes after the re-start.
Breaking out of their own half the home backs showed good hands and full-back Glen Whyatt came into the line to power through for another score, Wadforth converting. 17-7.
But once again Ilford hit back quickly, a line-out catch and drive move from a penalty kick to touch leading to an unconverted score out wide. 17-12.
Tree never looked uncomfortable despite the narrow lead and on 57 minutes extended their advantage again.
This time it was inside centre Joe Young who did the honours, rounding off another solid performance with a neat side-step to score. 22-12.
Tree were now searching for a bonus point that eventually came with the last play of the game.
Good pressure around the visitors’ five-metre line forced Ilford to concede penalties, with Young eventually crossing the line for his second from close in, Wadforth converting. 29-12.
BRUFC Chair of Selectors David Gilder said: “It was important we avenged our defeat at Ilford earlier in the campaign and continued building momentum in the run-in to the end of the season.
“Ilford kept pulling themselves back into contention for the first 50 minutes before we finally pulled away.
“But although we didn't put a lot of points on the board I felt it was a comfortable day for us and we probably left a few tries out there.
“With the top half of the table as tight as it is the bonus points are crucial in maintaining fourth place, but it’s also within our grasp to push for a higher finish.”
BRUFC Head Coach Jamie Clarke said: “I thought it was a very solid performance in a game that we controlled throughout.
“We may be left some scores out there, which meant us scoring the bonus point try very late on in the game. Overall though I was very happy with the result.
“This is a very young team and individual performances are improving week on week which is very encouraging for the club going forward.”
Tree are on the road next weekend when they travel down to Brentwood to face old adversaries Campion.
Colebrook Offshore Man of the Match: Will Humphreys.
BRUFC: Whyatt, Abbott, T Drew, J Young, Meade, J Wadforth, Keelan Joslin, T Colebrook, Hardin, Prince, T Carslake, Thomson, W Turner, Humphreys, C Kerr. Reps: Page, Gough, Aldridge.