Captains report

We were slow to get started and for the first 15 minutes didn't really compete as well as we can, conceding one try and nearly conceding two more. This carried on the whole first half but we did make some breaks but just couldn't cross the line. Then by the second half we started to attack with the ball. We managed to score a good try which gave us some belief but we had left it too late. We conceded too many penalties which resulted in lots of scrums and meant that the game didn't really flow.

Jack

Match Report

Braintree made it hard for themselves in what was always going to be a tough first round proper of the Essex Cup. Some missed tackles early in the game meant that Saffron Walden were able to put an early try on the board and Braintree were always playing catch up. The first half was a slow to get going and we were not on the ball giving away penalties three or four times for not retreating quick enough, giving Saffron Walden 10 yards each time. Saffron Walden however got into their stride much more quickly and played some flowing rugby that used the full width of the pitch stretching our defence on a number of occasions requiring last ditch tackles from David and Rafe to prevent the score line racking up quickly. We gave them too much space in the first 10 mins by not putting the ball carrier under pressure and being a little slow to the breakdown. Using their big players to good effect we tackled too high and Saffron Walden were able to add another 5 points mid way through the first half. We did put pressure on the Walden lines on a number of occasions but were unable to capitalise on the pressure and had isolated players on a number of occasions which resulted in turnover ball.

The second half was a better for Braintree and we applied pressure more consistently but some sloppy handling let us down. Winning a scrum about 15 yards from the Walden line, Oli created some space for Jack, who had moved to 12, to make the final yards and score under the posts which Harvey converted bringing the score back to touching distance at 10-7. We did pick up some momentum at this point but a few penalties too many meant Saffron Walden were able to play from a tap and put pressure on our line eventually going in for a score in the corner. Some last ditch tackling from Rafe and Luis kept them at bay for a while but they managed to create the overlap and put the game out of reach.

The pack had a solid game and were commended by the Saffron Walden coach for playing. Oli, Harvey and Ben were picked out by the Saffron Walden coach as playing strong games but Jack was awarded MOM by their coaching team for having a solid game at 8 and the versatility to play in the backs as well. He also showed his Dad's ability to win the resulting drinking game!

James, David, Harry P and Fin G should also be commended for playing out of position today and it is a testament to the boys that they are willing to step up and play wherever they are asked.

Disappointing given our excellent form last week but the boys will learn from each game and the inexperienced players are growing in confidence with every game. Onwards and upwards!

The attached photo shows the true spirt of rugby though with both sets of boys having fun kicking the ball at the posts and chatting and laughing after the match was over!