This fixture was always going to be a tight affair as the recent league fixture was won by Thurrock.

And this cup match was not to disappoint, especially those with a nervous disposition!

The first half was a frantic affair with the rub of the green seeming to go in Braintree’s favour. The boys attacking frame was disrupted by the home team’s counter rucking at breakdowns plus our indecision to kick rather than use our pace outside.

Braintree put the first points on the board with a converted try. But as we have seen before, when Thurrock go behind it seems to turn a switch on and they responded later in this half with a great team try by Gorbutt, going in 7 - 5 at halftime.

A strong word by the coaches to get back to our structured play seemed to do the trick.

We controlled the breakdown area better, giving Hibbell at scrum half cleaner ball for the backs to display their skills, but the final pass to the wing was not converted.

With time running out, a great combination in the backs gave the opportunity for McCarthy to break the line in his usual manner and with an out stretched arm cross the white wash.

Now, if you were at the home game last week against Westcliff, you will understand this deja-vu moment. In time added on for injuries, Braintree tried in vain from a 5 metre penalty to score the winning points, but our boys showed their true grit and determination by keeping them out and winning a heart stopping contest. 7 - 10.

A few mentions today. Dennett for his usual ferocious tackling. A great dump tackle by Gorbutt and Mendes for some
good counter rucking, but a player who was cool under the high ball and glided through defences with style was Man of the Match - Harry Staff.

Next round of the cup could be against another tough team Maldon!!!