Cup fixture brings Local Derby

A local derby is a sporting tradition always eagerly anticipated by all fans and Brentwood is no exception.
The Brentwood RFC versus Old Brentwoods fixture for our age group has over the last couple of seasons always produced some outstanding rugby and passion for all parties involved. Once again, this years first meeting was no exception producing another thrilling encounter.
The bright sunshine and crisp air were matched by the Brentwood team which exploded out of the blocks from the kick off with a high hanging kick immediately putting OB’s under pressure. OB’s struggled to match the Brentwood intensity as the first half developed with the Brentwood line speed and ball retention causing a number of challenges. Despite the recent work the OB’s coaches had put into the defensive game the OB defensive line was at full stretch. The OB pack battled hard at the breakdown against a well organised Brentwood pack. Only some superb tackling across the pitch prevented an early break through. Walker was immense marshalling his forwards and as always leading by example. Davidson and Paulin tackled hard and were unfortunately in quick succession early casualties as the Brentwood early pressure began to tell. As the OB’s backs tried to adjust to the forced early changes, Brentwood made intelligent use of the kicking game ensuring Morely at 15 was kept busy. Eventually fast ball from Brentwood and some missed tackles led to the overlap and Brentwood were through and under the posts for 7 points. OB’s dug in and tried to counter but the passing was not quite moving as crisply as normal and Brentwood were determined to ensure their line speed gave little time on the ball to the OB’s 10 and 12. Some handling errors handed the advantage back to Brentwood who went through the phases building pressure and probing the OB defensive line. Again clean ball and quick hands saw the mismatch created and Brentwood were able to break through to again go in under the posts to secure a second 7 points and the last score of the half.

The OB’s coaches took the half time break to reorganise and assess the game plan as it was clear a supreme effort was going to be needed. Clearly the team talk was successful as OB’s started much brighter in the second half led predominantly by the OB pack. Griffin, Torado, Cottage and Scott working hard as ball carriers with Stringer, Vickers and Moss providing excellent support OB’s started to go through the phases and build momentum and supply ball to the backs going forward. Brentwood continued to pressure hard and the tackling on both sides was immense. However, some quick ball after several phases of forward play saw the ball make its way to Letch on the wing who with great strength made it over the Brentwood line in the corner. OB’s continued to pressure the Brentwood defensive line through direct hard running by the OB pack and an excellent period of forward play saw Stringer maker a break through deep into the Brentwood half. The OB pack surged forward through Griffin and quick ball found walker with a yard of space and he crashed over the second try. With the scores at 14 to 10 in Brentwood’s favour the final 10 mins of the game was set to be even more intense. Both sides played with immense passion as they looked for what we all sensed could be the winning score. However, it was OB’s that were able to string together some great phases of play culminating in Scott making a burst for line twisting around in a fine covering tackle from Brentwood and managing to get the ball just over the line for the OB third try.
It was a nail-biting derby game to watch with excellent rugby played by both teams and the narrowest of victories for OB’s. we can only looked forward to the next derby event with anticipation as this group of boys on both sides continue excel and surprise.