However, once the Old Boys centres partnership of Daniel Pembroke and Neil Tetner, playing together for the first time had settled, the Braintree backs were stopped in their tracks by some excellent mid field tackling. Increased pressure on the Braintree three-quarter line from the Old Boys fly half Perry Reeves and the back row combination of Michael Ashby, Jonny Davis and Billy Mullen saw Braintree’s passing confidence suffer.

The Old Brentwood’s were unable to capitalise on these mistakes, as they were driven off the their own ball in the scrummage by a much heavier Braintree pack. It took most of the first half for the Old Boys front five of Dave Cavanagh, Mickey Bristow, Steve Gorrod, Ed Gooday and Ian Hannaway (spot the weak link) to organise themselves into a tight five, which was then able to hold out the Braintree push.

The Old Brentwood’s had to wait until just before half time before getting on the score sheet. A penalty under the Braintree posts was taken quickly and centre Neil Tetner was able to run across the Braintree forwards, to the blind side and pass to Simon Peace who went over for the first score.

The second half start saw second row new boy Ian Hannaway secure the ball on the Braintree 22, where scrum half Hugh Godfrey released the Old Boys three quarters and after quick hands were able to send winger Matt Istead over in the corner for a fine try. By this time the Old Boys pack was settled and several times number eight Billy Mullen, was able to take the ball from the base of the scum and break the gain line. Overlaps appeared and excellent hands in the backs saw further tries for Perry Reeves, Neil Tetner and Simon Peace. Gary Kellehers’ break up the middle of the park nearly resulted in a try for Dave Cavanagh, after some excellent support work, but good defence from Braintree saw him brought down yards short.

The day was rounded off by Ed Gooday who caught the ball from a miss timed clearance kick from the Braintree number ten and broke three tackles to secure the game for the Old Boys.

Braintree never gave up and scored a great consolation try towards the end of the game, after rucking the ball most of the way up the park.