Old Brentwoods vs Dagenham - Match report.

With a tough defeat to swallow versus Ilford, Old Brentwood’s has something to prove. It was a small squad of 15 for the game today with injuries across both the first and second team causing a selection shuffle in a multiple of positions. This included a Debut in the 1st XV for James Sullivan on the wing a big opportunity for the youngster.

It was a cold mild morning perfect conditions on an adequate pitch for some fast flowing rugby. OB’s didn’t disappoint turning on the screws from the off. The OB’s pack dominating straight away with carrying deep into the Dagenham half before an array of infringements gave the home side an early penalty and man advantage as the petulant second row was sin binned. With the forwards dominating the kick was taken to the corner resulting in a simple catch and drive from the line out resulting in Sam Wilkinson scoring from the maul. Positive signs from the lineout, which in previous weeks had fallen flat, however the hard work from James Lennox & Stuart Smyth has seen a stark change in our attacking lineouts. (5-0)

There were plenty more chances in the following 10 minutes with the pace of the backs proving a constant threat out wide with Zach and James, all coming from the cunning 10 Jamie. However it was more forward pressing and another well worked line out from Stu to the high flying Matt to bring down the ball and drive to the 5m line before a break away at the back from Steve, Dave and Sam saw the second try scored. (10-0)

OB’s became complacent believing the game had been won within 10 minutes and provided the visitors with an easy try through a number of errors to give them a glimmer of hope. The conversion was made unlike OB’s previous two attempts bringing the score to 10-7. The return of their player NutMeggs had little effect and OB’s ramped up the tempo and which saw Dagenham chasing shadows for the rest of the game.

The pressure mounted and fast hands from Basel and Jamie lead to Isac gassing it down the wing to the disappointment of his rival 13 and dive for the line before being tackled around the neck in a poor last effort to stop the try resulting in a knock on. The referee was quick to spot this and awarded the penalty try and a yellow card. (17-7)

Old Brentwood’s continued to threaten for the rest of the half and even when the team was reduced to 14 men looked the better of the two outfits.

Half Time 17-7

Basil Letts was a tyrant all first half putting those wept tears behind him from the weak before. Continuously providing quick ball and attacking holes. Basil finally got his reward from great rucking notably from Dave, Clarkey and Steve providing quick ball and with a dummy sending the two opposing centres hopelessly into next week he was straight through and scored from 40 metres out a well-deserved try. (22- 7)

It didn’t take the team long before another forwards try was created again with great arrows from Stu this time finding Steve, created another platform 10 metres out. With Johnny John John stepping in for the injured George, helping drive Sam across the line for his third try. (27-7)

With the Dagenham defence seeming to crumble away much like a biscuit based desert, it was the efforts of Basel again pouncing through the Dagenham defence drawing in the full back before releasing Sam from 22 meters out to put the ball between the posts. (34-7)

The game was getting closed out quickly by Old B’s in the second half but its worth mentioning that when Dagenham did manage a counter attack the defence was continuously on hand to halt any phases. Great tackling from Jamie and Isaac allowed the front three to turn over ball with ease and put us back on the front foot.

With not long left in the game it was a chance for our youngest member of our team debutant James Sullivan to use his pace off a lovely offload to spring past his opposing number and score from 50 meters out a great contribution from a rising star at the club. (39-7)

Final Whistle

A notable mention to George Jardine - joined the club this year and has slotted in amazingly with the second row alongside the Captain. He’s been an incredible asset to the team both on and off the field with his knowledge and great skill level and leadership on the pitch. It comes as very sad news that the injury sustained on Saturday has ended his playing career having suffered a very serious injury. This is a great loss to the team however we will make sure this isn’t the end of George at the club and there will be many players and club members waiting to buy him a beer. George is also a young aspiring coach and although his playing days are over there will be a lot more to come from his rugby career going forward. We wish him a speedy recovery.

MOTM – Basil Letts.

DOTD –James Lennox