Match Report

Date 26-1-02 Old Brentwood 1st XV -v- Bancroft
Old Brentwood - 0  Bancroft - 22
The Old boy's were unable to continue their fine run of form in the league going down 22-0 to Bancrofts in game that was played in appalling conditions throughout. The home team started the brighter with some positive early forward play. Good line out ball from Robin Harford & Pat Stroud was followed up well by Paul Buchanan & Billy Mullen with surging runs in the midfield. Despite the pressure the Old Boy's got no reward & it was they who were made to suffer 10 minutes into the game as concerted attacks from the visitors brought a try on the right wing. 

Despite the try being unconverted it was all the visitors needed to give them confidence to run at the Old Boy's. Another try mid-way through the half underlined the Bancroft domination of the game, this time the kicker was successful giving the visitors a 12-0 lead. The Old Boy's picked themselves up towards the end of the half & good work by Charlie Raymond, Paddy Bache & Andrew Born in the forwards gave the backs some opportunities to make openings. The loss of Dave Kavanagh as hooker did not help the home team who now had to play with a front row that were all playing out of position. Despite this the pack continued to pressurize the opposition & prevented any further scores by half-time.

The second-half began brightly for the Old Boy's & Chris Reah, Mick Laws & James Holmes all managed to make inroads into the Bancroft's defenses but never fully breached them.
The support play from the visitors was excellent throughout the game & helped create the opening for the third try mid-way through the half. The pattern continued as the game continued, bright play from the forwards & backs combined for the Old Boy's created chances but the final pas of support play was lacking. Alex Hughes & Neil Hannaway began to get into the game more the latter switching with Phil Towers at scrum half to try to produce more drive from the base of the scrums & rucks.

This was to no avail as the Bancroft second row  powered over for another try towards the end of the game to seal the victory. Despite a spirited finish the Old Boy's could not prize a late opening & were left to rue missed opportunities during the game. however the never say die attitude that has begun to permeate through the team should give them  greater success in the weeks to come.



Despite the name Old Brentwood's being associated with  Brentwood school the Club is open to anyone wishing to play. The 2/3 sides that are currently play always encourage newcomers & anyone interested in joining can contact Neil Hannaway (01245-352472) or Patrick Stroud (01277-265327)



 

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