|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 5th April Away friendly V Bishop Stortford V This weekend saw the 2’s travelling up the M11 for an inter county friendly. A few people resting injuries prior to next weeks Cup Final and a few last minute cry off’s Sat morning saw a much re arranged team travelling to represent the club. Lots of backs but a shortage of forwards. In fact we started the match with 1 winger playing as a flanker and ended it with 2 wingers playing at 6 and 7. Despite the re arrangements we exerted all the pressure from the off and played some of the most structured rugby we had played all season. Finally the pressure told as at a 5 metre scrum we took it against the head, Matt R picked up at 8 and offloaded to his supporting 9, Jon H to score (unconverted). From a lineout on our own 22 we took clean off the top ball, Matt R charged on, made 25 yards before passing to Sam H who drew the remaining 2 defenders before offloading to Rob H to go over in the corner (unconverted). BS then hit back with a period of pressure of their own, they kicked over the top and a miss kicked clearance across field by Rob H allowed their winger over. With 10 minutes to go of the half Mr Nix demonstrated an unusual technique for clearing at the ruck. Which comprised of getting hold of the opposition flanker’s shirt collar and dragging the poor chap upside down 10 yards before dumping him behind our defensive line, luckily the ref was looking the other way at the time. We managed the last say of the half when once again Matt R picked up at 8 and this time required no help to complete the job (converted). Half Time: BS 5 BRFC 17 In all honesty the second half was a bit scrappy and although we played well in bursts were guilty of too much individual effort and not enough structured team rugby on to many occasions. However our opening try of the second half was a gem of open play rugby, going from our own 10, Rob H caught a BS clearance kick and ran, Glen then made yardage and Joe Warwick added his support, flipped the ball in the tackle to Captain Ryall and Troll was at hand to crash over from 5 yards out (unconverted). BS then put us under pressure as we gave away a number of silly penalties which allowed them territory and possession and their forwards drove over from short range. Once again we were to have the last say after the pack had driven us into the opposition 22 and the ball was spun across the backs for Sam H to score (unconverted). Full Time: BS 12 BRFC 27 A good overall performance, maximum effort as usual. Once again on occasions ill discipline cost us territory and possession, which we cannot afford next week against much stronger opposition. Great job by the pack, against far bigger opposite numbers. Particularly in the second half we lacked structure, but with so many people playing out of position this is not surprising. MOM Joe W, he seemed to be everywhere, great tackling and superb open field running. Next Week Sat 12th BL Cup Final at Westcliff V Woodford III. Do not forget training session on Tuesday 7:30 pm. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Barry C, Tony Troll, Arran C, Jason W, James D, Matt R, Joe W, Colin C, Jon H, Rob H, Sam H, Mike H, Craig D, Craig A, Grant M, Perry J, Nik M, Peter Van T, Glen A. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 29th April BL Cup Semi Final V Millwall Our second Cup Semi Final of the season and once again we had drawn Millwall. Holidays, injury and general mental instability badly affected the selection process. However we were able in the end after a bit of begging and pleading to field a squad of 20, including the required 2 front row replacements under cup rules on the day. Saturday arrived. Wet, windy and thoroughly unpleasant which did not bode well for the open running rugby we had been playing so well for the last couple of months. The wind and rain contributed to making the early play very scrappy however we were able to put the first points on the board when Craig A chipped over the top and Dom CY outpaced his opposite number to score (unconverted). Millwall hit back almost immediately when they drove over from a 5 metre scrum. Gradually we built up possession and territory and got our D UP defence going which was to prove terrific for the rest of the match. Having forced Millwall back into their own 22, Stu K charged down a clearance kick and Arran C reacted quickest to score (unconverted). Once again we did ourselves no favours with giving away silly penalties that gave the opposition both territory and possession after we had worked hard to put pressure on the oppositions 22. We were able to add further points after Matt R made a crashing run, getting beyond Millwall’s main line of defence, quick ruck saw Craig A go over off a fast pass from Jon H at the base (unconverted). Millwall hit back with a successful penalty attempt. From the restart we recovered Craig A’s kick, George H charged in his normal bullocking fashion and Dom was on hand to do the honours (converted 1 at last). Half Time: BRFC 22 Millwall 8 Mr C made it clear at half time where our deficiencies lay and we opened the second half in a much more structured manor. After forcing Millwall back into their own 22 with a series of quick rucks the ball was spun across the backs for Dom to complete his hat trick (unconverted). Once again we put Millwall under pressure and forced a 5 metre defence scrum, SH Jon H caught his opposite number behind his own line and reacted first to the spilled ball to add to our tally (unconverted). We continued to have the best of both territory and possession and our back rows work rate was amazing. We managed to have the final say of the match. After some great forwards play earned us a 5 metre scrum, which Millwall took against the head, the ball squirted out and once again Jon H reacted quicker than his opposite number to score his second of the day (converted). Full Time: BRFC 39 Millwall 8 Our thanks to Mr T Everett, our ref on the day,. He stepped in at the very last moment allowing the match to go ahead and as it turned out did a very good job. Once again the score line did not reflect how much work Millwall put in and kept pushing right to the end, fun and a few beers were exchanged in the bar afterwards in the true spirit of the game. So thanks to Rachel and her team for making it a good day of it. NO MOM or WOTW as so many people put in superb performances. Dom CY is now going to be a winger permanently (not bad for a Hooker) after his hat trick. Well done Craig as stand in for holidaying Capt Ryall. Troll a winning Captain at his first attempt. Once again 110% effort and spirit from the whole squad. Next Week Sat 5th April Bishops Stortford Away Friendly meet 1:15 pm sharp can you confirm your availability by Wednesday pm latest preferably at training on Tuesday. We will be booking a coach to take us to the final at Westcliff on April 12th need to know approx numbers of travelling support that want to come for size of coach to be ordered ASAP Squad: Antony (Troll) H (Capt), Grant M, Arran C, Jason W, Giles S, Matt R, Stu K, George H, Jon H, Craig A, Perry A, Sam H, Rob H, Dom CY, Matt J, Martin C, Craig D, Colin N, Sean D. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 16th Feb John Adler Essex Second Team Cup Final After a superb squad effort to reach the finals, the day finally arrived. Bright and sunny, a perfect pitch thanks to Steve Chapman’s efforts, Millwall arrived as we were meeting and the Essex officials arrived with the Cup in good time. A perfect day for some open running rugby. One small hitch, no ref with 10 minutes to go to KO. Neil Murray arrived expecting to touch judge, took control, a delayed KO was agreed by all parties and as we found out he proved to be excellent. Undoubtedly his performance contributed greatly to what was to prove a great rugby experience for both players and spectators alike. We allowed Millwall the early advantage of territory as we gave away a few silly penalties. Mr Ryall had words and then leading by example coolly slotted a long distance penalty on our first venture into opposition territory. This seemed to settle everyone’s nerves and from then to the end of the match we played percentage team rugby. Shortly afterwards following a line out quick ruck ensued and Ben H spotting a gap in the oppo defence snipped in from close range from No 9 (converted). Our pack once again (do they ever do anything else) gave us the platform to play off the front foot and won more than their fair share of the set pieces. Yet despite this and the fact we had the major share of possession we were only able to add a Ben R penalty before half time, which was due to some outstanding defence from Millwall. Half Time: BRFC 13 Millwall 0 This time, no mistakes or silly penalties and we started where we left off in opposition territory. Matt R broke from half way, Mark B supported and from the ensuing ruck Perry A crashed over (converted). Again the forwards drove us up the field, drew the opposition defence, Ben H to Ben R, with Adam C on the burst from FB cut the defensive line like a knife through butter on the blind side (unconverted). Again good team work gave us field position and the forwards provided quick ruck ball, which was spun across the back though 4 pairs of hands before Mark B did the honours in the corner (converted). Mark B added his second try shortly afterwards off a similar move but this time had to out pace his opposite number (unconverted). At this point 35 – 0 down, pride came to Millwall’s aid and they gained their first period of sustained pressure throughout the game and put us on the defensive for at least 10 minutes and received just reward scoring a converted try. However we managed to have the last say after yet another forward drive, faced with a flat defence Ben R chipped over and Ben H was the grateful recipient of a kind bounce as he reacted quicker than anyone else for his second of the day. Full Time: BRFC 40 Millwall 7 Our thanks to Millwall for a great game the score line did not reflect the effort and commitment they put in especially in the second half. The game was played in the best traditions and they were gentleman to a man in the club house afterwards. Special thanks to all the spectators that turned up to support us, nice to see so many of the old faces back at the club. 120% effort from everyone, the win was down to great team play, two units playing as one and not individual effort. No forwards on the score sheet this week but without their work rate and superb rucking the flash gits in the backs would not have got on the score sheet. No MOM on a day like today, everyone deserved it and you can’t have WOTW when your team wins an Essex Cup. A few jars were downed in the club House afterwards, along with the odd song sung, a fitting end to an outstanding day. What can you say but “great performance guys”.
Next Week back to ML action Chelmsford III away meet 12:30 pm can you let us know your availability ASAP but by Tuesday PM (preferably at training) latest.
Squad: Ben R (Capt), Sean R, Troll H, Perry J, Jason W, Giles S, Gary C, Matt R, Stu K, Ben H, Perry A, Craig A, Sam H, Mark B, Adam C, Dom CY, Arran C, George W, George H, Jon H, Craig D. However the entire squad contributed, not just those who played, many others changed and helped with the warm up preparations and if not supported their team from the touchline. Which is why we have a squad photo not a team photo. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 9th Feb Merit League V Ilford II This weekend saw the 2’s hosting Ilford at home, who we had lost to on the away fixture 38 – 3. The day was sunny, the pitch perfect for running rugby and apart from a few of the Ilford players being stuck in traffic all looked very promising. Perhaps spurred by the previous result we opened in 5th gear, pinned Ilford in their 22 and applied the pressure. The pack then took a scummage against the head, Ben H to Ben R with Dom on a blind side charge to do the honours (unconverted). We recovered the ball from their restart and the pack once more drove us up field. Despite knocking on in the ruck, the pack took a second against the head strike, drove the opposition and Stu K did the deed from No 8 (unconverted). The pack had a great day, dominated at scummage throughout and winning more than their fair share of lineout. Once again they gave us a superb platform to always play of the front foot and release the backs into the open spaces. We were able to add further through Dom CY (2), Ben H and Sean R. Half Time: BRFC 34 Ilford 0 The second half followed the same pattern; at times the rucking from both forwards and backs was superb, with both the units combining to produce some great play. We added further tries from Perry J, Craig D, Peter Van T, Stu K and George H. It is fair to say that all were a result of good team play and support, not just individual effort. Full Time: BRFC 61 Ilford 0 An excellent team effort, 110% as usual. The result reflects that either we have got a lot better or perhaps Ilford a lot worse? All credit to their players on the day though, they competed right to the end and their nil score did not represent the amount of effort they put in. We did give away a lot of unnecessary penalties however and must learn to play to a Referee’s pet offences, particularly next week, when we have a team of 3 in charge. Again, very difficult to pick MOM, so many good performances but at the end of the day Dom CY for his hat trick. WOTW Manger Nik H for not supplying clean kit (however he will be having a word with Mr C about this). You Tube Video Links: Courtesy Gary R: Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
1st Scrum of the Match. Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
Bancroft's 2nd Try Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
Bancroft's 4th Try Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
Bancroft's 6th Try Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
Squashy Bancroft 2s Vs Ilford 2s:
Bancroft's 11th Try Next Week 16th Feb JA Essex Cup Final at home V Millwall. Meet 12:30 pm for 2 pm KO. This year 30 people have regularly played for the 2’s, unfortunately we are restricted to a squad of 21 so inevitably some people are going to be disappointed. Can you confirm your availability for selection by Tuesday PM latest. The squad will be announced Thursday am. If you are not selected please come down and support your team and be part of the day. Everyone who has played for the 2’s (this includes another 8 players that have not played regularly or we know are injured) have contributed to getting us to the final in one way or another and to the success we are enjoying in the ML this season. Squad: Ben R(Capt), Sean R, Perry J, Troll H, Giles S, Jason W, Matt R, Martin C, Stu K, George H, George W, Arran C, Ben H, Perry A, Craig A, Dom CY, Sam H, Jack S, Peter Van T, Craig D. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 2nd Feb Friendly V Old Cooperians This weekend saw Captain Ryall and Sean D seconded to the 1’s for cup duty. Despite this and number of other regulars being missing due to birthdays, corporate entrainment, business commitments, injury and Tolls visit to his local Casualty Unit at 3 am that morning we still managed to field a squad of 19. A lovely sunny day but with a biting wind, we hoped to KO early due to England match but the opposition got there late. As it turned out we would have been better not watching the match at all. We started well. Exerted the early pressure and kept the opposition pinned in their own half, yet could not seem to find the necessary space or pass to break the deadlock. On 15 minutes the opposition had their first real possession, drove through their forwards and put the first points on the board. The balance of the half was fairly equal although Old Coopers had the better at the lineout. The Ref was also very whistle happy and the large number of penalties against both sides made for very disjointed play. Shortly before half time we were awarded a penalty and Jon H tapped and went, Arran C was on hand to crash in from 15 yards out on a superb tackle breaking charge (unconverted). Half Time BRFC 5 Old Coopers 7 This time it was Coopers who started early, caught our defence out before they had woken up and took the first points of the half. Finally we got our act together and after yet another penalty, Jon H tapped and went and Matt R was on hand to do the honours (converted). At 12 – 12 the game see sawed back and forth but some slack defence and missed tackles in the corner allowed Coopers too once more take the lead. In the ensuing 5 minutes Coopers piled on the pressure and George W was yellow carded for repeated offences at the ruck. From the penalty five metres out their pack drove over to further increase their lead. They also managed the last say of the game when we failed to get any form of defensive line out in broken play. Full Time BRFC 12 Old Coopers 33 As usual you could not fault anyone for the effort they put in and we kept chasing the game until the very end. However it is fair to say we did not play to our strengths and at times our play particularly in defence lacked structure, which is unusual for the squad. MOM Craig D for an excellent game despite playing totally out of position at fly half. WOTW George for his yellow card, although he did show Craig how to drink at pint in the bar afterwards. Nice to see Gary R, Colin N and Scott H back in action for the club. Next Week Sat 9th Feb Merit League V Ilford II Home Meet 1pm for 2:15pm KO. Can you let us know your availability for selection by Tuesday night, preferably at training, but if not phone, email, text etc. Squad: Martin C (Capt), Russell T (Vice Capt), Gary R, Dom CY, Arran C, Barry C, Jason W, George W, Gary C, Richard M, Joe W, Jon H, Craig D, Matt R, Perry A, Peter Van T, Craig D, Peter R, Colin N. BRFC 2’s Sat 26th Jan JA Second Team Cup Semi Final V Thames II This weekend saw the 2’s with home advantage, a surfeit of players, good weather and a pitch that had dried out to give a perfect surface for running rugby. A goodly number of spectators made the journey to the second team pitch, adding atmosphere and encouragement from the touchline. The training session on the Tuesday had obviously done the trick and we opened strongly, exerted all the early pressure and pinned Thames into their own 22 and after 4 minutes gained a five metre scrum. Stu K picked up at 8 and crashed over to open our account. Our pack outgunned the opposite numbers at virtually every set piece play and the front row particularly enjoyed themselves at the scrum. Their tenacity and endeavour in the loose throughout the game gave us a superb forward momentum and platform from which to launch our backs. Not to be outdone the backs gave us some of the best running rugby and passing we have seen all season we were able to add further tries from Perry J, Sam H, Mark B, Arran C, Jon H and even Tony Troll got on the score sheet. Must be a new club record all three of the starting front row scoring in a match. Half Time: BRFC 35 Thames 0 The second half followed the pattern of the first, intelligent kicking from Ben R kept the opposition pinned in their own half (although he did not have quite as much luck with his conversions) and the backs chased like a pack of whippets. We added further scores from Adam C (2), Matt R (2), Ben H and Perry A. It is also fair to say that none of the tries scored were individual efforts but the result of sound team play, hard work and some intelligent thinking. Really quite worrying that statement, as we are talking about the 2’s after all. However we have continued to develop as a squad throughout the season and reaching the finals of the JA Cup is proof of that development. Full Time: BRFC 71 Thames II 0 A great team performance, 110% as usual. Our thanks to Thames in a game played in good spirit and the final score did not reflect how hard they worked and kept up the challenge right to the final whistle. Not all members of the squad could be selected to play and it was great that those not chosen or injured turned up to support their team. Very difficult decision on MOM as so many people had great games; however the final nod was given to Perry A. No WOTW, but Barry C came closest with nearly missing the start of the game. Next week Sat 2nd Friendly V Ravens 1 at Home meet 1 pm for 2:15 pm KO. Can you advise us of your availability by Wednesday AM latest or preferably at training on Tuesday. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Arran C, Tony Troll, Perry J, Barry C, Sean D, Giles S, George W, Matt R, Russell T, Jason W, Jon H, Perry A, Ben H, Sam H, Mark B, Adam C, Craig D, Dom H, Joe W. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 19th Jan Merit League at Home V Thurrock III Tons of players available, the luxury of selection problems in the front row, apart from the weather every thing else was rosy. Even the rain stopped 10 minutes before KO so you could not complain. Ref and opposition arrived without mishap so we KO’d dead on time. Thurrock exerted the early pressure from the KO and pinned us in our own half for the first five minutes. This was to prove their longest bit of possession throughout the game. After forcing them back into their own 22 we gained a penalty, Perry J tapped and went with Craig A on hand to finish (converted). Ben R then added a penalty to further increase our lead. We then camped out in opposition territory for the remainder of the half. We were awarded a penalty and Sean R tapped and went from 7 yards (unconverted). The pack continued the pressure and after a maul and 2 rucks Arran C went over from 2 metres out (unconverted). Half Time: BRFC 20 Thurrock 0 This half saw us with the advantage of the wind which made Ben R’s kicking duties a lot easier. The pack drove us on and from a ruck quick hands saw Mark B over in the corner (unconverted). From a Thurrock lineout on half way they tapped back, their scrum half failed to catch and Joe W reacted quicker than anyone else, gathered the ball and ran in a great solo effort (unconverted). Following a Ben R punt forward, Sam H charged down the kick and Ben R was unlucky not to score in the corner. From the resulting 5 metre scrum Jon H went blind to Ben H who flipped a pass to Mark B coming at pace to score his second of the day (converted). With only a couple of minutes to go the pack were once more camped out on the Thurrock five metre. Ben H was at hand to act as stand in SH and give quick ball to a charging Troll to score and obtain 9 out of 10 for artistic impression with his dive for the line (unconverted) Full Time: BRFC 42 Thurrock III 0 Great effort as usual from everyone, the pack had a great day and out played Thurrock’s pack at virtually every scrum. Not the best of weather if you were a back as the ball tended to behave like a bar of soap. MOM Russ T, great all around the park, WOTW Perry A for not passing and costing us a try, then complaining he was too tired to help collect in post padding. Special award to: Troll for acrobatic diving while scoring his first try of the season. Welcome back Sean D after 9 months of due to injury. Sat 26th Jan JA Cup semi Final V Thames II at home. Meet 12:45 pm, for 2 pm KO. Can you please confirm your availability for selection by Wednesday AM latest or preferably Tuesday evening at training. Squad: Perry J (Capt), Troll, Sean R, Arran C, Sean D, Giles S, Russ T, Matt R, Stu C, Jason W, Gary C, Craig D, Ben R, Perry A, Ben H, Craig D, Sam H, Mark B, Jon H, Sam H BRFC 2’s Match report Sat 12th Jan Merit League V Woodford. This weekend match was something out of an Ealing comedy, home? away? home? As the location changed twice in the week. Russ sorted things out and a happy little band departed the club and travelled to Woodford. We got there only to be informed the pitches were unplayable and we had to play at the Roding pitch, which was probably just as bad but they don’t mind cutting that one up. No changing facilities and the nearest showers are ours at Bancroft. Even Woodford agreed it was preferable to play at our place, so we got back into the cars and went home to the club. Our first ever away home game perhaps. Woodford opened in determined mood and pinned us in our own territory, in which were to stay for most of the first half. Yet despite this our pack competed admirable even disrupting the oppo scrum on occasions against a far heavier and more experienced pack. They also ensured throughout the game that Woodford did not have it all their own way at the lineout. It took Woodford 25 minutes to breakdown our defence and even then they had a bit of luck, their 5 metre scrum, the ball squirted out from the second row and their flanker reacted quickly to go over unopposed. In the remaining 15 minutes we began to get a bit more territory and still looked very much in the match as the half time whistle went. Half Time Woodford 7 BRFC 0 We were caught knapping just after the restart, when Woodford caught a clearance kick and ran it back from our own 10 to score. This was the only time during the whole match that we failed to re align properly to defend. Our forwards continued to perform heroics we even managed to out maul them on several occasions. Ben R hit the post with a penalty attempt and it bounced the wrong, it was one of those days. We looked far stronger in the second half and managed to venture into the opposition half far more frequently and even threatened their line on occasions but could not find a final finishing touch. Woodford converted 2 further penalty attempts during the remainder of the match. Full Time Woodford 20 BRFC 0 A loss yes and perhaps we did not always do ourselves justice and play to our strengths, however this was due to the pressure we were put under by the opposition as they demonstrated why they are unbeaten at the top of the table this season. We doubt we will face better again this year. No one let themselves down, 110 % as usual from the whole squad, at times our defensive work bordered on the heroic and we battled it out right to the last whistle. MOM Stu K, a monumental performance at every breakdown. Next Week Merit League V Thurrock at home meet 12:45 pm, for 2:15 pm KO. Can you please confirm your availability for selection by Wednesday AM or preferably Tuesday evening at training. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Barry C, Tony Troll, Mark B, Nick M, Giles S, Martin C, Russ T, Stu K, Jason W, Dom CY, Matt R, Craig D, Gary C, Sam H, Jon H, Craig A, Perry A, Joe W, Rob H. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 5th Jan JA Cup V May & Baker Away. This weekend saw the 2’s in Cup action again, despite some last minute cry off’s we still managed to travel with a full squad. Our thanks to Barry C for stepping out from behind the bar which gave us the required number of front row specialists, and he had a pretty good game as it goes. For a change we opened in top gear secured the KO, from the ensuing ruck George made a break, quick ruck followed, Ben R chipped over and Mark B chased to open our account (converted). 5 minutes later after we had pinned the opposition in their own 22 Mark B collected the clearance kick on the oppo 10 and romped home (converted). At this point a bit of overconfidence crept in and we were often guilty of too much individual effort and not enough team play. This allowed M&B to pull a score back after some sustained work by their forwards. We continued to press the opposition into their own half but could not seem to find the final pass or we gave away silly penalties, allowing the opposition to clear their lines. With a few minutes to go before half time we finally got our act together, the forwards drove us up to the opposition 22 and earned a scrum, Jon H went blind to Ben R for Joe W to crash over from the wing (converted). Half Time: M&B 7 BRFC 21 Ryall and Capon pointed out the deficiencies at half time. You could not fault the effort but what we needed was organisation and team play. This did the trick and once again we opened in a far more determined mood. In all honesty the opposition never looked like scoring again, our pack won lineout ball and scrummage, competed admirably at every breakdown against a far heaver opposition in a superb effort that gave us a huge advantage of territory. We scored our first of the half as the ball was spun across the park by the backs for Rob H to score from the wing (converted). From a scrum Perry A crashed over from inside centre on a beautiful cut across the drift defence (converted). Again quick hands, involving 4 players and a stunning take and give pass by Craig D saw Joe W go over for his second of the day having run from one wing to the other in support (unconverted). Barry C suffered great injustice when the Ref deemed a forward pass to him from Matt R, with no one in between him and the line, the ref was 30 meters behind play and you’re not telling me Barry is quicker than Matt!!! Not to be outdone George H finished our day with a trade mark bullocking run from 30 yards for a solo effort (unconverted). Full Time: May and Baker 7 BRFC 45 A superb team effort all the way round that puts us through to the Semi Final on Jan 26th. Our thanks to M&B, despite the score they competed to the very end. Very difficult to decide MOM as so many people contributed magnificently to the win. However Stu K gets the nod, playing in his least favoured position against a huge opposite number and demonic tackling throughout the game. WOTW Dom CY, got lost and did not arrive until 10 minutes into the second half. Congratulations to Richard M on his first game for the club. Next Week Sat 12th Jan ML Away V Woodford III, going to be a tough one. Can you advise us of your availability or lack of it , by Wednesday AM latest but preferably at training Tuesday. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Stu K, Tony Troll, Barry C, JC, Jason W, Martin C, Gary C, George W, Matt R, George H, Richard M, Jon H, Perry A, Craig A, Joe W, Rob H, Mark B, Craig D, Sam H. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 1st Dec Away Merit League V Millwall Did the weekend bode well. A big resounding NO. Players across the club were dead, dying or mortally injured. The non combatant list for 1’s and 2’s read like a Tolstoy novel. We hit the phone’s, called out the reserves, begged and pleaded and despite 2 Saturday morning cry off’s managed a squad to turn up at Hackney Marshes with 18 players. Despite Dempsey Minor, who only lives a mile from the ground getting lost and eventually arriving 10 minutes before KO (we are told his Mum, is to blame). Half of the team were hung over due to Super Hero Capons daughter’s leaving do, (she is going to live in Austria for 2 years running a ski chalet) and has accepted Kevin’s invitation of marriage (is this wise as he played for the 2’s ). So congratulations to both of them and our best wishes for their future. Let’s hope any small Bullen’s look like their Mum because if they look like Kevin it could be a major problem. To say that the squad warm up was s**t was an understatement, the home team had lost players and a ref, the best you could say was it was not raining, should you wish to be positive. It looked bad, within 15 minutes we were 12 - 0 down. The Perry’s had a bad day and both Julier and Adams needed to be replaced. 2 down 1 to go. 2’s are stubborn creatures; they have learnt their trade via such notaries as Cootes and Capon. Somewhere pride crept in, we started to get possession and territory, so great team work built up a platform that allowed Craig A (despite his hangover) to open our account (converted). We then pushed the opposition and only half time saved them from another score. Half Time Millwall 12 BRFC 7 With the wind and the sun at our backs + an ample supply of Power Raid, (alas some one forgot the Jelly babies), we opened in far more effective mode, exerted the early pressure, and following quick ruck, George charged in from short range (converted) 12 - 14. Millwall immediately replied through a good backs move, but missed the conversion 19 -14. An intense period of pressure then saw us take opposition lineout and George once again crashed over for his second of the day 19 - 19. Intelligent kicking from Ben R, eventually won us a scrum five metres. George picked up at 8 and gained his hat trick (unconverted). Millwall once again responded with a break from half way 24 -24. At this point we lost Grant M due to fractured ribs, we had all ready replaced Martin C which left us down to 14 men with 20 (but proved to be 30) minutes to go. Ben R appealed to his team, not that they needed to be asked. Heart is what the 2’s are built on, one man down, they responded as a unit, the tackling was heroic, the effort superb, Arran scored his 1st try for the club (unconverted). George once more made a bullocking trade mark run but actually passed (A rare novelty. We know his passing is s**t) to Ben R to finish (converted). Then in the closing minutes a real Twilight Zone moment. Ben R kicked over the top. George H and Craig D chased. Their full back kicked. Gary C caught the ball on their ten, he looked to pass but no one was there. He ran. We screamed from the touchline RUN. He was still looking for support. RUN we screamed. He did, 40 yards and scored. We did not believe Gary could run that far, but he did. It was his first try of the season. Great and unbelievable stuff. A fitting end to a superb team performance. Full Time Millwall 24 BRFC II 41 MOM to Colin N should have come off due to twisted knee with 25 minutes to go but would not let his squad down. Congratulations to Arran C 1st try for the club. George H, what can you say, his third hat trick this season (and once again he bought a jug). 125% effort from everyone. Gentlemen (a term we apply loosely) GREAT JOB. Next week Sat 8th Dec Friendly at home V Wanstead II (this does not mean anyone can have a week off), we face the Phantoms in merit league following week. Can you let us know your availability or lack of it, preferably at TRAINING TUESDAY EVENING, or latest’s Wednesday PM. Squad: Ben R (Capt). Perry Julier, Troll (Tony, I shagged on a picnic bench) H, Arran C, Grant (God my ribs hurt) M, Giles S, Martin (Super Hero) C, Dax (this second row lark is not to bad) SJ, Jason W, George (hat trick again) H, Jon H, Craig A, Perry (egg head, Rosalitta????????) A, Colin (Iron Man) N, Craig (blame it on my Mum) D, Ian ( I like tackling) R, Mark B. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 24th Nov Friendly Home V Bishops Stortford V This weekend saw the 2’s in action at home in a friendly Vs Bishops Stortford V. Ref and oppo all turned up on time and despite a bitterly cold wind the pitch had softened up nicely giving us a superb surface to play on. The rain stayed away, so we looked forward to some running entertaining rugby. Despite plenty of time to warm up we looked very unsettled for the first 10 minutes. We gave away penalties at the breakdown which allowed BS to have the early benefit of territory. They were often as guilty as us at the breakdown, which was to be a bit of a mess throughout the game but were slightly more circumspect about it rather than doing things right under the Ref’s nose. Gradually we got our act together, the pack won us ball and territory and some intelligent kicking from Ben R put us in the oppo 22. Awarded a scrum, amazingly (does not happen too often) we got fast channel 1 ball, which was spun across the backs to allow Craig A over from Outside Centre (converted). The play then centred around the half way line. Again we were guilty of giving away to many penalties and the ball seemed determined to slip away every time we had an opportunity to make good yardage. However our defence held firm and thwarted any BS attack in our own 22. Gary C nearly got WOTW we he kicked from our 22, but the clearance was so good we all forgave him. Shortly before half time we earned a line out on the oppo 22, quick off the top ball was provided by the pack and spun across the backs to give Craig A his second of the day (converted). Half Time BRFC 14 Bishops Stortford 0 Obviously the half time Jelly Baby’s had an effect as we opened this half in a far more determined manner and exerted all the early pressure. We received due reward when Jon H took a quick tap penalty, beat the first line of defence then off loaded in the tackle to JC to crash over from short range (unconverted but hit post). We extended our lead further when some great team play by forwards and backs combining took us from our own 22 to the oppositions, Craig D going over despite running diagonally across half the field to do so (converted). From the restart BS regained possession, a number of rucks followed and we were caught napping as we failed to defend one on one which allowed them a score as reward for the effort they had put in throughout the match. From a scrum 10 yards out from the BS line, quick, clean passing allowed Matt R in on the crash from Inside Centre (converted) BS had the last say of the game as they gained a penalty, taken quickly we were caught asleep as we failed to organise any effective defensive structure what so ever. Full Time BRFC 33 Bishops Stortford 12 A good win against experienced and well organised opposition who pushed hard right to the dying minutes. 110 % effort from the squad as usual. However we were guilty on too many occasions of giving away silly penalties, which cost us territory and possession. Also, having gone comfortably ahead, of going to sleep and letting the opposition score unnecessary tries in the last quarter of the game. MOM Russell T a great all round performance particularly at the breakdown. WOTW and special Polar Bear Award Arran C, at 9 am on the day he phones Troll up (Trolls tend to be grumpy when woken at such an early hour) asking him as it was so cold would the match be called off, instantly giving himself the award before we had even started to play. Man or Mouse? Pass him the cheese. This Tuesday 2’s Training, come on make the effort and get there and support your squads efforts to be competitive in the Merit League, even if you can’t make the whole session, turn up anyway. Next Sat 1st Dec back to Merit League action Millwall II Away meet 12:15 pm for 2 pm KO. Can you confirm your availability or lack of it by Wednesday morning latest but preferably at training Tuesday night. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Perry J, Tony Troll H, Arran C, Grant M, Russell T, JC, George W, Martin C, Gary C, Jason W, Stuart K, Jon H, Matt R, Craig A, Nick M, Craig D, Rob H, Ian R . BRFC 2’s Sat 17th November Friendly Away to Ongar 1 This weekend saw the 2’s once more on their travels, this time to the outer woodlands of Ongar. Despite numerous players not being available, still chained up in the mines or confined to sick cave, 18 happy little dwarfs (lets face it we do not have the biggest front row) and the 1 token Troll departed to uphold the squads honour. 18 arrived without mishap but Grant (Dopey) M decided to visit the elves on the way, got lost and did not make it until the second half. Ongar also lost their Ref (Probably went to visit a Hobbit instead), so Martin C noblely acted as The Handsome Prince (I know that’s stretching it a bit) so everyone could get a game. Ongar opened at a pace and forced us into our own half for the first 5 minutes, however we eventually got going and forced a penalty which Ben obligingly converted to give us the first points on the board. Keeping the pressure on from the restart the pack rucked us up the park and George H made a trade mark run 15 meters out for the try (unconverted). Aggressive defence then turned over the ball and quick hands before Ongar could realign saw Matt R score his first of the season (unconverted). Shortly before half time Jon H tapped and went from a penalty and off loaded to George H to once again bullock over the line (converted). Half Tine Ongar 0 BRFC 22 This half it was us that opened at pace forcing the early pressure, we turned over ball at a scrum on Ongars 22, Ben and Craig both had a hand in putting Peter Van T over in the corner (unconverted). 10 minutes latter once again from a turnover Mark B ran 60 yards before lobbing the ball one handed over the covering fullbacks head to Give Peter his second on the day (converted). Ongar’s pride then came to the fore and they pinned us in our own half or 22 for at least 15 to 20 minutes, as last week our D Up defence was superb as every squad member threw their bodies on the line to prevent us conceding a try. Eventually as they ran out of steam we once again gained territory and possession and good work by the whole team set up George to complete his Hat Trick (converted). Full Time Ongar 0 BRFC Dwarfs 41 A superb all round team performance, particularly keeping a clean sheet after Ongar had pinned us into our own half for a least 20 minutes in the second half. Our thanks to Ongar for a great game, the score line did not reflect how much effort we had to make throughout the match particularly in defence. MOTM Arran C, a seriously great tackling performance. No WOTW as no one did anything silly. George got to buy another jug, can he beat his last years record this season?. Well done Peter Van T, 2 tries, must be the new dodgy Van Dyke beard. Next Week Sat 24th November Bishop Stortford V at Home Friendly Meet 1:15 pm sharp for 2:30 KO. Can you confirm your availability or lack of it by Wednesday AM latest OR PREFERABLY AT TRAINING TUESDAY EVENING. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Arran C, Tony (Token Troll) H, Sean (Sneezy) R, Jason W, George (Sleepy) W, Gary C, JC, George (Happy Hat trick) H, Grant (Dopey) M. Jon H, Matt R, Craig (Bashful) A, Craig D, Nick (Doc) M, Mark B, Colin (Grumpy about showers) N, Peter V T, Martin C. BRFC 2’s Sat 10th Nov Second Team Cup 1st Round V South Woodham at Home. This weekend saw the 2’s in action in the Second Team Cup. Despite 7 regular players not being available due to injury, mental instability etc and 3 out on loan, we still managed to field a team of eighteen. The week started badly as people dropped out. We lost our Essex Ref on Thursday night and did not get a replacement until the eleventh hour. The chaos continued on the day. Jason W not arriving until 10 minutes to KO and Giles S not until 20 minutes into the first half. The oppo lost a car and we ended up kicking off 15 minutes late. SWF applied all the early pressure but squandered 2 early penalty opportunities, however they received just reward when a good backs move cut us in half through the centres allowing them a try (unconverted). Shortly afterwards their kicker was third time lucky from a penalty further adding to their lead. Gradually we got going, the pack getting the better at scrummage and spoiling at lineout. This gave us territory and 2 penalty opportunities, unfortunately both missed. The disadvantage of having a good ref is he tends to see more offences that we are used to. With 5 minutes to go of the half we were able to apply sustained pressure in the oppo 22 for the first time and some great support play from the forwards put Sean R over to open our account (converted). Half Time BRFC 7 SWF 8 Obviously a generous supply of Power Raid at half time helped and we opened the second half at a pace, exerted the early pressure and George H made a trade mark bullocking run to give us our second score (unconverted). Ben R then converted a further penalty opportunity to give us a bit of a cushion in the score line. SWF continued to probe for a scoring opportunity, but our defence held firm, the pack fighting like demons at every breakdown and the backs providing the best aggressive D Up defence we have seen all season (perhaps attending training is worth while after all). After some tactical kicking once again put us in the oppo 22, the pack again engineered a second try for Sean R (converted) after some excellent sustained rucking. Ben R added 2 further penalties to his tally in the last 10 minutes to give us a hard fought for but deserved win. Full Time BRFC 30 SWF 8 A superb team performance, 115% effort from everyone you did the squad proud. Our thanks to SWF for a great match and the final score did not reflect how hard they made us work. Special thanks to our last minute appointed Ref Ken Morgan for stepping into the breach. Without doubt the quality of his referring was a major contribution to a highly enjoyable experience for both players and spectators alike. A few of our younger members also will have benefited from the experience and should now have a better understanding of the laws regarding the ruck. MOM Ben R for a great kicking performance, particularly in the second half. WOTW was supposed to be Martin C for calling for a kick to touch, Ben opting for a conversion and duly scoring, however Sam H on being awarded a special mention for the best tackle of the season so far, once again blotted the squads reputation and received the Throne Seat instead. Martin on the other hand downed his pint with aplomb. Next Week Sat 17th Nov Friendly V Ongar Away Meet 12:45 pm. Can you confirm your availability or lack of it by Wednesday Evening latest, preferably at training Tuesday night. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Sean R, Tony (Troll) H, Perry J, Arran C, Giles S (for some of the game anyway), Jason (I am not a second row, but still play brilliantly there anyway) W, JC, Gary C, Martin C, George H. Craig A, Sam H, Ian R, Jon H, Mark B, Craig D. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 27th Oct Merit League away. This weekend once again saw the 2’s on their travels to East London’s ground to play the Phantoms. Despite the last minute withdrawal of Grant M due to illness which left us without front row cover, the rest of the squad arrived intact and for the second match running Arran and George did not get lost. The Phantoms exerted the early pressure and missed a penalty opportunity within the first five minutes. As we knew about their number 15’s speed, Ben R intelligently kicked us into opposition territory making sure he found touch. The pack began to put a few phases together and were getting the better of the scrums and after a sustained period of pressure a penalty was converted by Ben R to give us the lead. The Phantoms backs, who were to prove strong runners throughout the game then put together what was to be the best play of the game from their own 10 to score under the posts (converted). We were to have the advantage at scrummage but Phantoms were having the better time at the lineout. Dom CY and Gary C put in crunching tackles to stop number 15 when he hit the line at pace on more than one occasion. Jason W and Richard C were their normal menace at the breakdown. It is fair to say we had the better of the territory in this half, yet despite 110% effort could not make it pay. Shortly before half time Phantoms regained the ball at a ruck on their own 22, fed 15 and he ran the ball in despite Craig A’s gallant efforts. Half Time Phantoms 14 BRFC 3 At the beginning of the second half we seemed to lose our way a bit. Phantoms converted an early penalty and we did not seem to be able to put our phases together. A sense of disorganisation set in, we were almost guilty of too much individual effort and not enough structured team play as everyone tried their utmost to get us into a position to pull a score back. The defensive tacking from both sides was excellent and when Dom once again thwarted their number 15 you could here the impact on the other side of the field. Unfortunately Arran had to be replaced due to injury and we went to uncontested scrums as we had no front row replacement, which was certainly more of an advantage to our opposition than to us. Despite huge defensive effort from the whole team on 30 minutes number 15 once again struck from our 10 (converted). True team spirit then came to the fore and we pinned Phantoms in their own half or 22 for the remainder of the match, but despite the whole teams huge effort their defence held firm. Full Time Phantoms 24 BRFC 3 A hard fought game played in the tradition of past encounters with the Phantoms, strongly but fairly contested by both teams. We will have to come up with a fiendish plan to deal with their 15 for our next encounter. MOM Arran C for soldiering on in the front row so as to avoid us going to uncontested scrums for as long as possible, he could hardly stand up by the time we insisted he came off. WOTH Chris W for forgetting to bring his socks, but welcome back Chris anyway for his first game for the club in 3 years having just returned from University. As discussed we are organising a 2’s training session for Tuesday evening to go over our game plan and strategies, this is only worth while if everyone turns up, so please make the effort and support the squads effort to be competitive in this league. Next Week Sat 3rd Nov Merit League V Millwall II at home Meet 1:15 pm sharp for 2:30pm KO. Can you please let Nik Hardy know your availability or lack of it by Wednesday evening latest, phone, text, email etc. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Arran C, Tony Troll, Perry J, JC, Jason W, Gary C, Richard C, Matt R, George H, George W, Jon H, Dom CY, Perry A, Sam H, Joe W, Craig A, Chris W, Mark B. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 13th Oct Friendly away to Brentwood III. Yet another away game for the 2’s. Some players are having trouble remembering what the Bancroft club house looks like. Well at least Brentwood is central and not outer Essex. Still, 21 good and true turned up to make the journey and for once Arran and crew did not get lost. For those who know the Brentwood pitch, it has a wicked slope going into the bottom corner and is always a factor in the match. The home team having local knowledge and winning the toss opted to play up it the first half, when they had the most energy, leaving us to play against it and a very blinding sun in the second half. Despite a poor warm up session we made a good start and pinned Brentwood in their own half for the first 15 minutes. Eventually the pressure told and after a series of rucks the ball was spun across the backs putting Craig D over in the corner (unconverted). This galvanised Brentwood, they got their act together and came back at us, only a try saving snaffle from Dax SJ right on our line saved the day. We eventually broke out of our own half, the forwards drove us on with as series of rucks, awarded a penalty within kicking range and Ben R duly converted. Despite our territorial advantage we made silly mistakes, gave away penalties and were guilty of kicking away possession and it was not until the dying moments of the half that the backs spun the ball out wide to give Craig D his second of the day in the corner. Half Time: Brentwood 0 BRFC 13 Brentwood immediately took advantage of the slope and after 5 minutes we ran out of cover as they opened their account. Brentwood continued the pressure and just about everyone made a least one try saving tackle or play. However, once again Brentwood breached our lines with some smart running from their centres. We were making heavy weather of it, not putting together our phases’ and kicking to much possession away. George H came to our rescue on one of our rare excursions into opposition territory, a bullocking run demolished 5 of our opponents over 25 yards, JC being on hand to score when the sixth finally brought him down (unconverted but hit post). Despite having to run continual defensive duty we managed to have the last say as the forwards turned over the ball, Jon H kicked through and Craig A was on hand to gallop in avoiding both their wingers and full back from 20 yards out (converted). Full Time: Brentwood 12 BRFC 25 A hard fought win and the final score did not reflect how much Brentwood pressured us particularly in the second have. As usual a 110% effort from everyone, but it is fair to say we were not at our best by a long way and a more structured team play will be required next week if we are to win in the Merit league V Romford. MOM Craig A, superb at full back, great tackling, penetrating running and a try. Once again our MOM let the side down and failed to drink his pint miserably and became WOTH as well. If this continues our reputation will be seriously damaged. Congratulations to Nick M for his first game for the club, well done Craig D 2 tries from the wing. Next week Sat 20th a red letter day (we actually have a home match). At home Merit League V Romford III, meet 1:30 pm sharp. Can you please advise Nik Hardy or Ben Ryall by Tuesday evening on your availability or lack of it, tel, email, text, smoke signal etc. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Sean R, Troll (Oops sorry, Antony H), Arran C, Grant, M, Paul S, George W, JC, Dax SJ, Matt (let me be high tackled) J, George H, Martin C, Jon H, Perry A, Sam H, Ian R, Craig D, Craig A, Peter Van T, Mark B, Nick M. BRFC 2’ Match Report Sat 7th Oct Merit League away. This weekend saw the 2’s travel to Thurrock. Despite the England International, 25 players volunteered for the trip. This left us with a problem we have not faced before, having to select a squad of 20 as laid down by the ML rules. Normally we are just grateful to get 20 players out. The fact we have now got competition for places on a Sat both at First and Second team level can only bode well for the club. We arrived in good time, despite George, Arran and Matt going via the country route. (we will have to club together and buy them Sat Nav as we believe this is the third time they have got lost, despite maps and directions). The opposition pack as usual were twice our size, yet despite this our forwards preformed magnificently at scrummage throughout the game giving us the platform too play off and win. Thurrock had the best of the early stages but gradually we moved into top gear. After some great team play rumbled us up the park, Ben R kicked long, the pack recovered and recycled, putting Sean R over from close range to open our account after 15 minutes. 10 minutes later the pack took one against the head, Perry A powered through Thurrock’s first line of defence, Jason W was on hand to support and Sean R once again went in from close range. Shortly before half time we turned the ball over and George H made one of his trade mark bullocking runs from the 22 to add to our tally (converted). Half Time: Thurrock 0 BRFC 17 At half time Thurrock made 5 substitutions that significantly strengthened their team and added a lot more pace to their backs. They attacked from the off and after 10 minutes of relentless pressure we finally ran out of cover and they scored. From the restart we recovered the ball George charged on, Sam gave support and Perry was able to go over (converted). Thurrock once more applied the pressure and their backs pulled another score back in what was probably the best play of the day from either side. Some intelligent tactical kicking from Ben R began to gain us more territory we eventually gained a penalty which Ben obligingly converted. Shortly afterwards Ben again kicked long, Richard and Jon chased up like a pair of whippets, snagged the Thurrock defender, Jason collected the spilt ball and Sam was on hand to score. In the dying minutes Ben R converted another penalty to finish his day of in style. Full Time: Thurrock 14 BRFC 35 A great squad performance and some outstanding passages of play in a game that could have easily have gone the wrong way when Thurrock improved their team at half time. Our thanks to Thurrock for a highly enjoyable game. MOM Sam Hodgson for outstanding tackling and a try. But he blotted his copy book when on only downing a quarter of his pint, went to pour the remainder over his head, missed completely and spilt it over the floor, immediately becoming WOTW. To atone for this gross misconduct and the tarnishing of his squad’s reputation, a fine of mopping up the mess in his underwear was imposed.
Next Sat 13th Oct Brentwood III away Friendly Meet 1:15pm Sharp (luckily this Sat England do not KO till 8 pm). Can you please confirm your availability or lack of it ASAP, email, text, tel, carrier pigeon etc. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Sean R, Troll, Grant M, Arran C, Nik R, Giles S, George W, Gary C, Jason W, Matt J, George H, Jon H, Perry A, Sam H, Richard C, Rob H, Ian R, Dom CY. BRFC 2’s Match Report Sat 29th Sept Merit League Home Vs Chelmsford III This weekend saw the 2’s at home for the first time this season, Steve Chapman had done a great job on the pitch. The oppo and ref all turned up on time, the sun was shining, a perfect afternoon for rugby. Opening exchanges were very even as both sets of forwards probed their opposite numbers. After 10 minutes some intelligent kicking from Ben R put us in opposition territory, the forwards rucked and forced a penalty, Ben R duly converting. Neither side was able to gain dominance and the set piece was very even. However it was Chelmsford who broke this deadlock with a well worked try (converted). Despite the normal 2’s effort being put in, we seemed unable to put together a number of phases or play consistently. Half Time BRFC 3 Chelmsford 7 Ben and Martin rallied the troops at half time and the changes made to the game plan began to take effect, George H lead a number of charges that led to an early penalty opportunity, which was narrowly missed. Shortly after, Matt J led the charge and only last ditch defence from Chelmsford stopped us a metre from their line. Chelmsford then broke out of their own half, secured a penalty in front of the posts and duly converted. Going 10 -3 down did not dishearten the squad, quite the opposite in fact. We stepped up our work rate and the forwards began to put together the phase’s. Gradually we built up the advantage of territory and possession and received just reward when after another bullocking run by George, Matt R hit the ruck, allowing the ball to be spun across the backs putting Joe W over in the corner. From the restart Chelmsford forced their way towards our line but we turned the ball over. Jon H chased his own clearance kick, with Joe W is close support, they forced a penalty which Ben R duly converted, putting the B’s back into the lead. With five minutes to go a bomb from Ben R was chased down, Chelmsford gaining a scrum on their own five metre line, the pack put in a magnificent effort to disrupt them from poor ball Jon H snagged his opposite number, Matt J and Gary C rucked over and George H picked up and crashed over. Full Time BRFC 16 Chelmsford 10 A great team effort particularly in the second half, everyone give yourselves a pat on the back, 110 % effort all round. Welcome back to George H after his foreign travels. MOM Matt J an outstanding performance at 7. Congratulations to Joe W for his first try for the 2’s. A much better performance after last weeks debacle, lets get as many of you training again this Tuesday as possible please, it makes a big difference. Next Week Sat 7th Oct Thurrock 3 away Merit League Meet 1:15 pm Sharp. Can you let Nik Hardy or Ben Ryall know your availability or lack of it ASAP. Phone, text email etc. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Barry C, Sean R, Paul S, Grant M, Giles S, Jason W, Gary C, Marin C, Matt J, George H, Jon H, Matt R, Perry A, Joe W, Rob H, Dean A, Ian R, Peter Van T, Craig D. BRFC 2’ Match Report Sat 8th September Friendly This weekend saw the 2’s away in a friendly to Dagenham in their first match of the new season. 19 happy souls made it to the meet and no one was late, a minor miracle. The game started at a frantic pace, however it was Dagenham that gained the early advantage of territory. Against the run of play Ben R intercepted a poor pass and ran in from our own 10. The game evened out but we struggled at the lineout which were to continue to do throughout the match. After a good period of pressure we gained a five meter lineout which we act8ually won the forwards drove Sean R coming up with the score. Dagenham the pulled one back, after we were found guilty of some poor defence. We then missed a penalty opportunity. Shortly before half time Dagenham scored a second try after we gave away territory with a number of silly penalties. Half Time: Dagenham 14 BRFC 14 The second half saw both us and our opposition gain points thorough their kickers. Despite still struggling at lineout we gained a fair share of both territory and possession. However it was Dagenham that broke the deadlock with 2 tries in quick succession. Ben R allied his troops and lead by example in scoring the last try of the match. Full Time: Dagenham 31 BRFC 22 Not a bad performance despite the loss. But a lack of cohesion after the long layoff showed. MOM Sean “Animal” R, great open play. Congratulations to Arran, George and Matt on their first game for the club. Well done to both Grant and Arran, who both acquitted themselves well in the front row, a position both are still learning. Lets get as many of you down to training as possible please. Next Week Sat 15th first Merit League Game away Basildon II. Meet will be 1pm, can you start lettings us know your availability ASAP. Squad: Ben R (Capt), Sean R, Troll, Grant M, Arran C, JC, Jason W, Jason B, Gary C, Matt J, George W, Marin C, Jon H, Perry A, Sam H, Peter Van T, Craig D, Steve C and Dean A.
|
|||||
| ©Bancroft Rugby Football Club 2007. Last Updated On |
|||||
 |
