Match Report

In near perfect conditions, the Old Brentwoods II XV travelled to Wescliff.

The Old Boys proved again, that when the full side is available for selection, teamwork can overcome individual skill, and much physically larger sides.

The first half was started well for the Old Brentwoods with the forwards providing a solid platform from which scrum half Hugh Godfrey was able to release the backs division. Perry Reeves at fly half was able to provide quick ball to the centre pairing of Neil Tetner and Mickey Bristow with the latter finding himself enough room to go over for the first try.

From this initial score the Old Boys became confident and secured much of the loose ball in the opening period of play. Excellent work from the mobile back row of Jamie Keane, Billy Mullen and Michael Ashby proved too much for Westcliff as excellent interplay found the Old Boys again camped on the oppositions try line. Despite resolute defence from Westcliff the ball was retained, and it was only a matter of time before Mullen was able to score the second try of the game powering over (and through the referee), from five yards out.

With Reeves slotting his second conversion things were looking ominous for Westcliff, especially when from the re start full back Ian Hannaway found Jonothan Mole in space down the right wing to make the score 19-0. From a solid scrum Perry Reeves shrugged off the attentions of the Westcliff defence to score under the posts, and duly converted.

With ten minutes to go till half time Westcliff used their much larger back row to good use, with strong running and good passing they forced their way up the middle of the pitch, resulting in a converted try. With this score it was their turn to become confident, using the same methods of keeping the ball within the forwards they were awarded a penalty under the Old Boys posts.

Instead of the easy points they opted for a 'tap and go', and were only thwarted by excellent tackling from Bob and Dave Knapp. However they recycled the ball and scored a drop goal (at our level?), to make the score 19-10. Luckily for the Old Boys it was now half time.

After some serious half time discussions, the Old Boys started the second half as they had begun the first, and after some excellent support work Ashby was able to score the first try of the half.

The tight five of Steve Gorrod, Michael Haddock the Knapp brothers and Jamie Davis were able to win a lot of ball against the head and never gave Wescliff the ball they so needed. Simon Peace chased his own kick downfield scored the next try of the game, and following superb passing through the three quarters new boy winger Chris Hague was able to go over in the corner to score his first try for the club.

The Old Boys secured this win by using the width of the park, by communication and by digging deep. Support play was the best so far this season with everyone getting involved, and it's with this renewed confidence the Old Boys II's look forward to entertaining local rivals Brentwood III at home next week.

Tries - M Ashby (1), Chris Hague (1), Simon Peace (1), Billy Mullen (1), Neil Tetner (1), Perry Reeves (1)
Conversions - Perry Reeves (3)
Penalties -