Brentwood v TRFC U16

Brentwood RFC U16 v Thurrock RFC U16 (Friendly) 18.09.16

After the narrow victory on Saturday to Robert Clack School, Ts travelled to newly promoted Brentwood with a squad of 28 players, again with the coaches looking to rotate the squad to assess players in view of the upcoming Essex Cup game next weekend.

Ts were very sluggish right from the KO, and only after 2mins were behind as Brentwood worked the ball through the hands in the backs to make ground and finally crashing in the corner which was unconverted. Although Ts fought back, the coaches commenced rotating players causing a bit of disruption, and Brentwood capitalised going over again which again went unconverted.
Ts fought on and their attacking play was beginning to come together and was occasionally quite impressive with some good support play only thwarted by some strong defence from Brentwood and the odd 50/50 wayward pass. Brentwood held their line well and counter attacked for another unconverted try through some sloppy missed tackles.
Ts remained resilient and kept plugging, and from a penalty in the middle of the field and some quick thinking, good vision and a good kick Harry pumped the ball over toward the left wing for Jake to chase, and with the Brentwood winger bamboozled by the bounce, Jake pounced and raced under the sticks for Ts first score, which was ably converted by the try creator, H. That brought the half to a close, with Brentwood leading 15 – 7.

The second half started like the first half as Brentwood slipped tackles and raced in for another unconverted try to lead 20 – 7. Despite more changes, Ts rallied and launched attacks against the resilient Brentwood defence, but were thwarted time and time again.
However from one such attack, a moment of brilliance as Mark was unleashed and slipped 3 or 4 tackles to dance under the posts, which again was converted by H to bring Ts within a converted try of an unlikely victory.
Ts kept plugging away looking for the victory but with tiredness, (after playing on Saturday), the ball was becoming harder to keep hold of, and despite their best efforts, Brentwood, with their big pack had the last say crashing over under the posts for a converted try, flattering the score-line, 27 – 14.

Despite the score line, Ts played well, particularly with all the changes, but it gave great opportunity for every player to get involved and give the coaches ideas on a 22 for the Essex Cup game

Result;
Brentwood RFC U16s 27 - 14 Thurrock U16s
Tries:
Against - 5 x Try
For - Jake Martin & Mark Ikhifa

Cons:
Against - 1 x Con
For - Harry Edmunds (2)

Ts go in to the Essex Cup Round 1 next weekend away at Upminster.