I will start with the result: Shelford 31 - Braintree 36. It looks close and it was – the lead changing hands 6 times and upwards during the match. Very exciting for the neutral but not so much for the coaches blood pressure.
A warm and professional welcome from Shelford – a pleasure to play there.
A lovely spring day – sun shining, dry track. I was thinking Bruce Springsteen and ‘Born to Run’ but it did feel a little like ‘Dancing in the Dark’ at times.

We had a few players out of position in the pack – they fared well overall against a very solid Shelford eight. The tackles had to be made and most were – no guessing though where Wednesday training may focus. The first half lineout was solid enough but quality ball to the 9 was a little erratic. Much better in the second half – a few mauls from the lineout to keep the opposition occupied and more time for the 9 and 10 as a result – good job forwards. The Shelford back row was industrious and needed a big effort to be kept in check all day.
The Braintree scrum did come under pressure several times. Fortunately, the front 5 kept their shape and in Elliot we have a very capable 8. Controlling well under pressure and scooping up from the base to counter a few times to make that Shelford back row work. Jasper sniped and darted more as the second half wore on - keeping that very effective Shelford 6/7/8 honest.

So Shelford scored the five tires – 3 converted for that 31.
The six from Braintree woven between the Shelford five all came from the backs until the final one…
Noah converted 3 – all slotted from wide out.
George chased hard for the first, charging down and having the awareness to ground under pressure – an excellent winger’s effort.
Noah next, Lewis jackaled and won the turnover penalty [one of several on the day]. A quick tap and go, a fend and Noah was in.

Ethan then rampant for a hat-trick – smashing on and through defenders – destructive and determined. A few dry-stone walls as we drove in – not sure if they would have stopped him.

The last by Levi. A ruck 5 metres out and the ball squirted loose, he pounced and drove over. I’m sure by Wednesday’s training session he will tell us he sprinted in from the 22…typical prop!

A good effort overall – although entertaining to watch the boys should reflect on some key aspects that saw them through: their resilience and bouncing back after the lead changed hands many times & belief to keep going.
Down to Wales next week for tour – we need to be sharper, a big welcome awaits and they will be lively so get your Weetabix in and enjoy.

George (1) Noah (1) Ethan (3) Levi (1) Conversions Noah (3)

By Phil Morgan