Hot off their opening Away win last week, Old Brentwoods hosted Barking in the latest instalment in their long-shared history. With their newly launched pitch side bar fuelling fans and sporting their new sponsored kits, the home side were excited to make their mark on the field.

Almost immediately the hosts displayed these intentions driving the received kick off back into Barking’s half with some strong carries. Twice their early scoreboard efforts were disallowed, the first from an alleged forward pass and the second for a supposed double movement across the line. Undeterred, the Home side continued applying the pressure until powerhouse Bob Levoir charged over the try line opening the scoring. [5-0]

Feeling momentum swing on their side Old Brentwoods maintained their attacking stance straight from the subsequent kick off, with a dazzling break up field by No8 Chris Keogh with supporting runners.
After some following exchanges, the hosts were able to steal their opponents line-out and move the ball from coast to coast stretching defenders until Captain Stuart Smyth was able to pierce the line and dive under the posts for a deserved second score. [12-0]

Excitement from the early lead, plenty of ball in hand and the anticipation of opening personal scoring accounts led to a period of disorganised albeit controlling play from Old Brentwoods - the straying from tried and tested game strategy in favour of individual flare costing some scoring opportunities. In need of a reset, a penalty was graciously taken by the ever-reliant foot of Tim Mason. [15-0]

Corrections made and revitalised to go again, the Woodies didn’t have to wait long until they had another attacking lineout in sight of the goal line. Demonstrating their refocus to teamplay, the Old Boys executed a set play straight from training paddock with a cool finish from Danny Seward crashing over the line. [22-0]

This theme continued with more set play soon after the restart. Another dominant lineout gave the Backs a chance to confuse the opposition in the middle of the pitch, eventually releasing Oscar Warriner into open space for his first try in a blue jersey and closing a spectacular half. [29-0 HT]

With confidence high after the break, Woodies wasted no time asserting dominance once again, displaying the same game and territory management from last week. More precise ball distribution from the Backs, this time off a scrum, was able to open up and manipulate defenders into mismatched positions allowing for another expertly cut line gifting Stu Smyth his second try of the day and cementing his status as man of the match. [36-0]

Following the rhythm from previous kick offs and having littered the first half with broken tacklers, Bobby Levoir set about on a juggling run up the middle of the park and into enemy territory. Through some staggered play Tim was again able to keep the score board ticking over with another penalty. [39-0]

The remainder of the half was marked with a notably high number of penalties from both sides exhibiting sloppy handling and ruck infringements. However, Barking were able to finally garner some solid ball possession and launch attacks of their own, marching the Home side up the field in an extended period of play. Fearful of the well-oiled Woodies lineout and instead relying on tap penalties, the visitors were able to fire a flurry of hard runners towards the Old Brentwoods try line which held strong. Battered and bruised the Home team were eventually able to turn the ball over and release Stu for a lung bursting run to relief pressure.

Back on the front foot and with the scoreboard and time on their side Woodies continued to test the defence with attacks around the fringes and experimental kicking but to no avail. James Sullivan, disappointed with his early disallowed try, was able to step inside and boulder over the last defender, seemingly scoring under the posts. Worryingly the final contact had caused a concerning head injury for the Barking player and the game was called early seeking emergency medical treatment. Thankfully the damage was later confirmed as not being long term in nature and we wish the player a speedy recovery. [39-0 FT]

An amazing and forceful Home win for the 1st XV to continue their perfect start to the season. Back to work ahead of hosting Millwall in 3 weeks!

Author: George Barrett