Having had a close game recently that Braintree managed to win by a single point we expected another tough encounter against Rochford. Straight from kick off a fumble by the Rochford player catching the ball lead to B’tree flanker Max being in the right place to collect the ball, to then sprint in for a try for the best possible start for B’tree. Rochford came back and constantly asked questions of B’tree’s defence, almost coming close to a score of their own, thankfully B’ree held firm and cleared the ball out of their ‘22’. B’tree’s backs looked dangerous with every attack, crisp passing along the line trying to find holes in Rochfords defence. The home side forwards had better success with lineout possession from the previous week, plus recycling ball from rucks & mauls gave our backs good attacking ball. Fullback Ethan was next on the score sheet closely followed by winger Charlie, with the conversion by Flyhalf Noah. Rochford’s team didn’t relent in their threat despite 2 players being replaced due to injury. Further tries from Noah, a second try for both Ethan and Charlie made the scoreline start to look comfortable for B’tree, but it never felt that way, and in the closing stages of the game Rochford managed to get a consolation converted try themselves. Final score 34 – 7

Tries – Ethan (2), Charlie (2), Max (1), Noah (1)
Conversions – Noah (2)

By Chad Verguson